Course summary
The MA Visual Communication at the RCA supports designers to develop thoughtful, collaborative and socially engaged practices. Communication is understood not as transmission, but as conversation: situated, embodied and grounded in listening. Through a research-led and interdisciplinary approach, you will work with communities, contexts and the politics of visual culture, exploring design as inquiry, resistance and care. You will translate ideas, events, data and experiences into artefacts, narratives or connections in the physical, digital or virtual, building bridges between people and ideas. The programme embraces diverse media and practices including type-design, moving image, publishing, sound, performance, and writing, enabling you to ask better questions and participate in reshaping the world. 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 Encounters, which develops conversations within a critical framework by staging interactions with other disciplines, communities and sites, encouraging inquiry into what if existing models of knowledge production were unsettled. Term 2 In term 2, you take Making Worlds with Others, where you collaborate across the school to create critically engaged projects that involve convivial knowledge exchange and public engagement. Also in term 2, you take Affinities, building on your critical questions from Encounters by connecting with others (people, objects, ideas), experimenting with new modes of making and listening, and developing collective knowledge. Term 3 In term 3, you take Independent Research Project, focusing on locating and establishing your work in external contexts, using the frameworks, methods and tools developed during the programme. You will organise a public-facing activity (such as an exhibition or publication) as part of your project. 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