What will I learn?
The Contemporary Art Practice MA/MFA will be available either as a one year MA or a two year MFA. This programme at the RCA offers a discursive, research driven environment for ambitious and exploratory artists, blending theory and making as you develop contemporary artwork in media such as installation, moving image, performance and emerging technologies. Through individual tutorials, group critiques, lectures, seminars and workshops, you will situate your practice within current cultural, political and ethical debates, while critically responding to the world and shaping speculative futures. The programme supports collective and peer led learning, with collaboration, experimentation and public presentation (such as exhibitions and events) at its heart. While the intensive one-year MA route focuses on developing critical and technical agency through an Independent Research Project, the extended two-year MFA route builds on this foundation to cultivate sustained creative practice and professional leadership. Programme structure: Term 1 In Term 1, you take Situating Contemporary Art Practice, which provides theoretical and practical foundations through lectures, workshops, seminars, individual tutorials and group sessions, supporting experimentation and helping you position your practice within contemporary debates. Term 2 In Term 2, you take Demonstrating Contemporary Art Practice, focusing on making-public and collaborative practices. You engage with external partners, organise public events, and present your work in an artist talk or similar format. In Term 2, you can also choose from a range of elective units, allowing you to shape your own learning journey and work alongside students from other programmes, bringing your practice into dialogue with different creative approaches. Term 3 In Term 3, you take Independent Research Project, which culminates in a public exhibition, critical reflection, and planning for your practice beyond graduation, supported by tutorials and college-wide professional practice workshops. Referring to the website: 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 12 consecutive years, the RCA has been ranked as the world’s number 1 art & design university in the QS World University subject rankings (2015-2026) - attracting artists, designers and communicators from across the globe.
