Graduate Diploma Art & Design: Fees & Entry Requirements at Royal College of Art, UK

Graduate Diploma Art & Design

UK

8

What will I learn?

The Graduate Diploma Art & Design at the RCA is a 30‑week, 120‑credit pre‑Master’s programme that provides a bridge between undergraduate study (or non-practical backgrounds) and a full Master’s.


You choose one of five specialisms: Communication, Design, Fashion & Textiles, Fine Art, or Research. You study either on-campus, online, or through a mix of both.


The programme is interdisciplinary, offering studio-based learning, access to technical facilities, and a supportive community of artists, thinkers and practitioners.


Over two 15‑week blocks, you first explore broad themes and learning methods, then focus on developing a body of work and a portfolio.


You’ll build a portfolio that prepares you for progression. Distinction guarantees entry to RCA MA and MRes programmes aligned with your specialism, subject to availability.


Throughout, the programme emphasises independent learning, critical thinking, and the practices needed to develop your creative identity.

Which department am I in?

School of Arts & Humanities

Study options

Full Time (30 Weeks)

Tuition fees
£755.00 (82,262) Week
This is a provisional fee yet to be approved
Start date

September 2027

Venue

White city

Garden House Dorando Close,

London,

W12 7FN, London, United Kingdom

Full Time (30 Weeks)

Tuition fees
£755.00 (82,262) Week
This is a provisional fee yet to be approved
Start date

September 2027

Venue

White city

Garden House Dorando Close,

London,

W12 7FN, London, United Kingdom

Entry requirements

For international students

Prospective Diploma in Art & Design applicants are likely to be:

  • Those who have the required educational background to go on to Masters study, but who require greater proficiency in the English language.
  • Those who do not have an undergraduate background in art and design, but who can demonstrate potential in their chosen discipline of study.
  • Those for whom their undergraduate studies did not adequately prepare them for Masters study at the RCA
  • Those who would like to use the programme as a diagnostic experience to help them decide which area to specialise in at Masters level.

*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.

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