Course summary
The MA Interior Design at the RCA explores emergent ideas and issues concerning the design of the interior through research, practice and making. You will investigate how the interior acts as an interface between its occupants and the built environment and consider it as an agent for social change. The programme encourages speculation, analysis and rigour, challenging you to develop your own independent and critical responses through reworking existing structures, designing installations or creating permanent interventions using space, objects and materials. You learn through design studios, supported by lectures, seminars and workshops, and are encouraged to question, experiment and challenge your processes by ‘thinking through making’ in both analogue and digital media. 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 Primer, which explores and synthesises critical ideas and methods about interior space to help you generate new meanings for buildings, objects, and interiors. You also take Media Studies, which examines historical and contemporary media practices through lectures, tutorials and workshops, pushing you to think critically about media in spatial design. Term 2 In term 2, you take Platforms, choosing one of three thematic platforms (like reuse, materiality or future practices) to guide your own project development through research and design. You also select a school-wide elective to deepen or broaden your practice in interior design. Term 3 In term 3, you take Independent Research Project, where you apply your skills and knowledge developed through the platforms to a self directed project. This typically includes a public-facing element (e.g. an exhibition) to present your ideas professionally. 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