Course summary
The MA Sculpture at the RCA provides a critical and supportive environment to explore contemporary issues through the making of sculpture. Sculpture is treated not just as object-making, but as a method covering public art, performance, installation, sound, moving image, robotics and more. You are encouraged to take a reflexive, research-led approach, situating your practice within social, political and economic contexts. With guidance from tutors, guest lecturers and peer critique, you experiment with materials and ideas, engaging in collaborative and interdisciplinary work. Through structured units from “Sites and Situations” to an independent research project, you develop a sustained studio practice, culminating in a public exhibition of your work. Please refer to the programme webpage for the most accurate and up-to-date information about the programme, its structure, modules and any updates or changes. About RCA: The Royal College of Art is the world’s leading postgraduate art and design university, providing students with unrivalled opportunities to develop their practice, build their networks, enhance their career and to deliver art and design projects that transform the world. For 11 consecutive years, the RCA has been ranked as the world’s number 1 art & design university in the QS World University subject rankings (2015-2025) - attracting artists, designers and communicators from across the globe.
Modules
Term 1 In term 1, you take Sites and Situations, which provides both practical and theoretical tools. You work in the studio, attend workshops, group sessions, critiques and tutorials, and take part in lectures all supporting “thinking through making.” The unit concludes with a collaborative off-site event (“festus”), designed to help you position your practice in relation to site and context. Term 2 In term 2, you take The Expanded Field, where you develop an innovative, individual studio practice and consider your work’s relation to materiality, context, and platforms for dissemination through group tutorials, workshops, and lectures. Also in Term 2, you take Urgency of the Arts school-wide unit that explores how arts and humanities practice can respond to urgent sociopolitical issues through workshops and specialist-led discussions. Term 3 In term 3, you take Independent Research Project, building a body of work for public exhibition. You are guided through practice-led methodologies and critical reflection, producing a Portfolio of Practice and presenting your work in a public format. AcrossRCA (Terms 1 & 2) During the first two terms, you participate in the AcrossRCA college-wide unit, collaborating with students from other programmes on a self-initiated themed project that addresses cultural, social, environmental or economic issues.
Entry requirements
We welcome applications from individuals from all backgrounds and from all over the world. RCA alumni come from a wide range of backgrounds and industries, bringing diverse experiences including those unrelated to art, which enrich the creative community and drive fresh perspectives. As part of your application, you may need to submit: A portfolio showcasing your work and artistic vision. A personal statement (around 300 words) describing your interests, motivations, and future goals. An introduction video (maximum 2 minutes) to introduce yourself and explain your artistic approach and project ideas. To help you prepare your application, we host regular portfolio and video Q&A sessions. Please visit the RCA website to learn more about these events and to register. Please refer to the programme webpage for the most accurate and up to date information on entry requirements for this programme.
English language requirements
Please refer to the programme webpage for the most accurate and up-to-date information on English language requirements.
You can also find further details on English language requirements, approved English language tests, equivalent IELTS scores, exempt criteria, and more via the link below.
https://www.rca.ac.uk/study/apply-to-study/english-language-requirements/
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
Please refer to the programme webpage for the most accurate and up-to-date information on tuition fees, deposits, and additional costs for both Home and Overseas/EU students.
Sponsorship information
RCA offers a wide range of funding opportunities to support postgraduate study, including a variety of tuition fee and living cost scholarships. Beyond financial support, many of these scholarships also provide networking opportunities with peers, partnership organisations and professional bodies to enhance your experience. You can find more information about available scholarships and their eligibility criteria here: https://www.rca.ac.uk/study/apply-to-study/funding-your-studies/rca-scholarships-and-awards/
Provider information
Royal College of Art
Kensington Gore
Kensington and Chelsea
SW7 2EU