Course summary
The MA Fashion at the RCA calls for a disruptive, critical approach that leads to new aesthetics and responses in the fashion industry, shifting the focus away from just making clothes toward environmental, social, geopolitical and economic challenges. Fashion is conceived as both physical and digital designed, articulated, manipulated and simulated, and is at its best when shaped by diversity, inclusivity and cultural awareness. You reflect on your authentic identity and how your values are embedded in your work, collaborating with peers across platforms and taking part in the School of Design’s interdisciplinary Grand Challenge to create projects that respond to urgent societal issues. 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, the programme begins with Change Agent, where provocative lectures and seminars challenge you to debate your values and rethink fashion’s systems and structures. Also in term 1, you take Change Perspective, encouraging you to question dominant fashion paradigms, considering identity, gender, digital aesthetics, social responsibility, and the future of fashion. Term 2 In term 2, you do Advanced Practice, where you further articulate your design voice, systems, and aesthetics reflecting on ethics, inclusion, nonhuman agency, and alternative economic or cultural models. Also in term 2, you participate in the Grand Challenge, a school-wide unit involving a “wicked” design problem that requires a cross disciplinary approach, often working with external international partners. Term 3 In term 3, you take the Independent Research Project, which allows you to develop a self-led design brief and body of work. The term ends with a “Final Engagement” where your project is critiqued by professional experts and presented publicly. 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