Royal College Of Art

The Royal College of Art offers Graduate Diploma, Master's and MPhil/PhD programmes in the arts, design, communication, architecture and the humanities. Their students are from diverse backgrounds including science, technology, engineering, social sciences, business and healthcare.

The Royal College of Art (RCA) was founded in 1837 as the Government School of Design in Somerset House, London, with the mission of promoting excellence in the decorative arts and supporting the industrial revolution's need for skilled designers. The institution was created in response to the growing demand for technical skills in design and manufacturing, and it quickly established a reputation for fostering innovation and creativity. By the mid-19th century, the school had begun offering specialized courses in a wide range of subjects, including textiles, pottery, and architecture, which laid the groundwork for the college's future emphasis on design.

In 1853, the institution gained the status of a "Royal" college, becoming the Royal College of Art, as a result of a royal charter granted by Queen Victoria. This momentous change marked a new phase in the institution's history, enabling it to broaden its scope and become an internationally recognized center for design education. The move to South Kensington in 1857 was pivotal, as it positioned the RCA within the cultural hub of London's Exhibition Road, alongside the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Science Museum, and the Natural History Museum. This proximity to other world-renowned institutions helped foster collaboration and cross-disciplinary innovation.

Throughout the 20th century, the RCA expanded its focus beyond traditional design to include fine art, fashion, and applied arts, and became renowned for its commitment to developing leading artists and designers. In the post-war period, the RCA played a central role in shaping British art and design through its emphasis on experimental art practices and the blending of craft with industrial design. The college's influence grew as its alumni made significant contributions to contemporary art, fashion, architecture, and design, with figures like David Hockney, Sir James Dyson, and Zandra Rhodes among its notable graduates.

The 1980s and 1990s saw the RCA continue its evolution, becoming a postgraduate-only institution. It embraced new technologies and interdisciplinary approaches, expanding its offerings to include fields such as digital media, design innovation, and communications. This shift was part of a broader trend in higher education to focus on specialized postgraduate study, and the RCA became known for attracting talented individuals who sought to push the boundaries of creativity in a rapidly changing world.

Today, the Royal College of Art stands as one of the most prestigious art and design institutions globally. It continues to offer an interdisciplinary approach to education, with a focus on creativity, innovation, and research. The RCA's unique status as a postgraduate-only institution provides a platform for artists, designers, and innovators to engage in rigorous academic research while exploring practical applications. Its commitment to sustainability, innovation, and digital transformation has ensured that the RCA remains at the forefront of creative education, shaping the future of design, art, and technology across the globe.

The RCA is the world’s largest postgraduate-only art and design university, representing an exciting talent base and opportunities to build a network and collaborate. An RCA student might be working in industry or the arts, a career-changer, or come straight from an undergraduate course. 

The RCA offers a Graduate Diploma pre-masters conversion programme, MA, MRes, MPhil and PhD degrees in twenty-eight subject areas, divided into four schools: architecture, arts and humanities, communication, and design. The history of design programme is in collaboration with the Victoria and Albert Museum; there are two double MA/MSc programmes with Imperial College London.

In early 2019, the RCA announced the launch of its new GenerationRCA programme. GenerationRCA -among other initiatives- will also "inject science disciplines into the mix of creative disciplines traditionally on offer." The new programmes includes Environmental Architecture and Digital Direction; with future programmes centred on nano and soft robotics, computer science, and machine learning, material science and the circular economy. It also offers Summer school and Executive education courses throughout the year.

In early 2019, the RCA announced the launch of its new GenerationRCA programme. GenerationRCA -among other initiatives- will also "inject science disciplines into the mix of creative disciplines traditionally on offer." The new programmes will include Environmental Architecture and Digital Direction; with future programmes centred on nano and soft robotics, computer science, and machine learning, material science and the circular economy.

The Royal College of Art (RCA) is renowned for its excellence in art and design education, consistently ranking as the world's top institution in this field. According to the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025, the RCA holds the number one position in Art and Design for the 11th consecutive year, with an overall score of 97.4% . This achievement underscores the institution's commitment to fostering creativity and innovation in the arts.
 

In addition to its global ranking, the RCA has been recognized for its strong academic and employer reputations. In the 2024 QS rankings, the college achieved a perfect score of 100% for academic reputation and 85% for employer reputation . These accolades reflect the high regard in which the RCA is held by both the academic community and industry professionals.

 

While the RCA excels in art and design, it does not offer traditional business programs such as an MBA. Therefore, it is not included in global MBA rankings. However, the institution's interdisciplinary approach, integrating art, design, and technology, provides students with a unique skill set that is highly valued in various creative industries. This approach equips graduates with the versatility and innovation needed to thrive in dynamic professional environments.

The Royal College of Art boasts impressive graduate employment outcomes, underscoring its status as a premier institution for art and design education. According to the RCA Graduate Careers Report 2024, within just 12 months of graduation, two-thirds of RCA graduates were generating income in roles related to their studies. Notably, 83% of alumni reported that studying at the RCA enabled them to pursue their career ambitions, and 74% felt the institution prepared them well for life after university .

The RCA's commitment to fostering employability is evident in its comprehensive support services. Approximately 83% of alumni rated the RCA as 'good' or 'excellent' in areas such as careers advice, exposure to industry, sector-specific skills development, and networking opportunities. This robust support framework contributes to the high rate of job integration among graduates .
 

Furthermore, the RCA's global reputation enhances its graduates' employability. Ranked as the world's number one university for Art & Design by QS World University Rankings for 11 consecutive years, the RCA's alumni network includes influential figures in various creative industries. This extensive network provides graduates with valuable connections and opportunities in the global job market .

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12. "The Sackler Building by Haworth Tompkins". Dezeen 
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15. "New Gates installed for the opening of the Woo Building Battersea". 
16. "Degree Programmes". Royal College of Art. 
17. Schools & programmes. Royal College of Art
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