Course summary
A unique double Master’s Programme run jointly with Imperial College London for 40 years. Innovation through synergy between creativity, science and technology to create value for society. Study at the World's number one ranked art and design university, and the number 7 ranked university globally. On the Innovation Design Engineering MA/MSc (IDE) you will take advantage of the skills and cultures of two very different organisations. The result is the rigour and precision of science, technology and engineering in combination with the inspirational and creative aspects of design. Our interdisciplinary approach focuses on the exploration and development of impactful innovation through critical observation, disruptive design thinking, experimentation, exploration of emergent technologies, advanced engineering and enterprise activities. We want students who are ready to be exposed to multiple perspectives and expertise. People who can critically question the present to envisage the creation of new human experiences, system-based dynamics that foster behavioural change and generate cultural, economic and societal value. The Programme offers:
- full enrolment at the RCA and Imperial College London with access to both institutions’ facilities
- multidisciplinary teaching input by leading practitioners and researchers
- occasional commercial collaborations (projects have included Coca Cola, Airbus, BBC, Ford, Unilever, Future Agenda, Guzzini, LG)
- very good links and involvement in enterprise teaching and potential support through InnovationRCA incubator
- international exchanges and student modules organised annually in different countries (recent visits include South Africa, Israel, India, Japan and Chile).
- The RCA was named the world’s leading art and design university for the seventh consecutive year (2015-2021) in the QS World University subject rankings.
- Imperial College London is ranked #7 in QS Global World University Rankings.
Entry requirements
The Innovation Design Engineering MA/MSc Programme accepts a multidisciplinary range of applicants – we want diversity of expertise, culture and experience. We are interested in engineers and technologists, as well as designers from all aspects of the subject area and we welcome applicants from other diverse fields such as business, social science, and the arts. In fact successful IDE applicants can come from many fields: anyone with outstanding skills in their current activities that has an excellent aptitude for innovation and team working and has a fundamental belief that design can make a direct contribution to the quality of life. Engineers, designers, scientists, technologist, artists, social scientists, business people, if you have intelligence, curiosity, passion and a drive to improve the world then IDE is interested in you. IDE is a double Master's course run jointly with Imperial College London, and consequently applicants need to have a degree at 2:1 level or higher (or the equivalent). In exceptional circumstances applicants without this degree qualification will be considered (for example, excellent professional experience or outstanding creative or technical abilities). Candidates who do not speak English as their first language are required to have English Language proficiency requirements of or equivalent to an IELTS Academic score of 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any of the four components of the test. Visit the RCA website for full entry requirements.
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6.5 | If you are not a national of a majority English-speaking country you will need the equivalent of an IELTS Academic score of 6.5 with a 6.0 in the Test of Written English (TWE). |
Students achieving a grade of at least 6.0, with a grade of 5.5 in the Test of Written English, may be eligible to take the College’s English for Academic Purposes course to enable them to reach the required standard. You are exempt from this requirement if you have received a 2.1 degree or above from a university in a majority English-speaking nation within the last two years. If you need a Tier 4 visa to study at the RCA, you will also need to meet the Home Office’s minimum requirements for entry clearance.
More information about English language requirements
https://www.rca.ac.uk/studying-at-the-rca/apply/entrance-requirements/english-language-requirements/
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £15000 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £15000 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £15000 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £15000 | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £15000 | Year 1 |
| International | £35000 | Year 1 |
Additional fee information
Visit the programme page on the RCA website for details of fees for each year of this programme.
Sponsorship information
Visit the RCA website to find out more about scholarships and funding opportunities. Most RCA scholarships require you to submit your MA/MSc application in round 1.
Provider information
Royal College of Art
Kensington Gore
Kensington and Chelsea
SW7 2EU