Course summary
The MA/MSc Innovation Design Engineering (IDE) at the RCA, run jointly with Imperial College London, is a two-year, 360-credit double Master’s programme combining design, engineering, science and enterprise. IDE is about transformation of disciplines, of understanding future challenges, and of you as a creative leader. You will design through experimentation and collaboration, prototyping and validating ideas, working in transdisciplinary teams across industry and academia. The programme nurtures a supportive, empathic culture “the IDE family” while preparing you to tackle complex societal and environmental problems. Through rigorous technical training and conceptual development, you will emerge as a curious, analytical and open-minded innovator. Graduates from IDE have worked on everything from biomaterials to medical devices, inclusive interaction to sustainable systems. 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
Phase 1 (Terms 1 & 2) In phase 1, you take IDE Fundamentals; Transdisciplinary Practices; Cyber Physical Systems; Regenerative Materials; Structures & Aesthetics; and Impact. These units each involve a design-led project (sometimes with set briefs, sometimes self-initiated), where you generate imaginative ideas, build and test prototypes, simulate, and get feedback from expert stakeholders like engineers, designers and potential users. Phase 2 (Terms 3 & 4) In phase 2, you take Sustainable Systems and Agency & Implementation. This phase focuses on professional consolidation developing your individual and team identity, engaging with organisations, planning your own projects, and defining your pathway for the next phase. Phase 3 (Terms 5 & 6) In phase 3, you lead significant projects through team-based work, individual projects, and an elective module. You build leadership, technical and professional agency, and carve out a specialism aligned with your emerging interests under the guidance of tutors.
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