Course summary
The MA Textiles at the RCA operates at the creative interface between materials, making and meaning. Practice-led research is at the heart of the programme: you ‘think through making’ by experimenting with materials and processes in both physical and digital domains. The community brings together commercial designers, craft practitioners, gallery-based makers and smart textiles innovators. Through individual initiatives, collaborative work, and interdisciplinary projects, you develop a unique creative identity. With a focus on radical experimentation, material exploration and transformation, the programme embraces a non-linear, conceptual approach, and values accidental and incidental discovery. You critically engage with all aspects of the discipline and work with responsibility and ethical values. 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 Textiles Alchemy, which lets you build foundational skills through research, experimentation, and exploration of colour, materials, and processes. You are encouraged to assess which techniques best support your emerging project and critically reflect on your material choices. Term 2 In term 2, you take Textiles Make, where you deepen your making practice through lectures, workshops, technical inductions and independent study. You develop specialist skills and techniques and engage with debates in textiles covering topics like sustainability, future materials, identity, and manufacturing. Also in term 2, you take Grand Challenge, a school-wide unit that asks you to work on a “wicked” design problem in a cross-disciplinary way, often with external partners. Term 3 In term 3, you take Independent Research Project, defining and delivering your own body of work. This culminates in a public event (Textiles Festival) where you present and reflect on your MA-level practice. 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