Course summary
The V&A/RCA MA History of Design at the RCA offers innovative, interdisciplinary tools to study the history and material culture of design from around c. 1400 to the present. You will work across the RCA and the Victoria & Albert Museum, drawing on museum spaces, archives and public areas to support your research-led learning. The programme emphasises public facing and experimental approaches, combining rigorous scholarship with cross disciplinary collaborations. You will explore design stories globally from textiles, graphic and architectural design, to performance, photography and digital materialities. The programme encourages engagement with urgent issues such as social justice, decolonisation and climate change, helping you articulate your independent research voice. 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 Artefacts in History, which develops core historical research skills via artefact analysis. You explore different object types using theoretical approaches and primary / archival resources. In the same term you also take History as Public Practice which runs alongside Artefacts in History and focuses on understanding how design history is practiced publicly (not just academic writing), through meetings with curators and practitioners working on real-world public projects. Term 2 In term 2, you take Research in the History of Design and Material Culture which teaches you research methods and approaches. You develop an original research project, write a dissertation proposal, and engage with contemporary debates in design history and material culture. 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, in which you design and deliver a self-directed research project, culminating in a dissertation and presentation of your findings. 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