What will I learn?
Challenge and extend your existing practice, developing greater confidence in what you make, how you work and why.Learn through research, experimentation and making, using prototypes, probes and interventions to demonstrate solutions and generate new knowledge.Work across disciplinary boundaries, drawing on perspectives from design, science, engineering, technology, social research, business, the arts and beyond.Develop keen discernment as a designer, learning to navigate uncertainty, competing priorities and the ethical consequences of design decisions.Consider products in relation to wider systems of care, resources, technology, society and ecology, and examine the relationships they create and sustain.Identify opportunities rather than simply respond to problems, asking where design can contribute meaningfully and where established assumptions need to be challenged.Products do more than meet needs. They embody assumptions about what matters, about who they are for, about how resources should be used to create and sustain them, and about what kinds of futures are possible through their creation. An object shapes a world.At a time of rapid technological, ecological and social change, product design demands more than the ability to solve predefined problems. Designers need to recognise which questions are worth pursuing, and to make discerning decisions about how to do so under conditions of deep complexity and uncertainty.
Which department am I in?
School of Communication and Design
Entry requirements
For international students
Candidates are selected entirely on merit and applications are welcomed from all over the world. The selection process considers creativity, imagination and innovation as demonstrated in your portfolio, as well as your potential to benefit from the programme and to achieve high Master's standards overall.For Design Products, you should have a good undergraduate degree or equivalent in an area of design, or related background and proficient written and spoken English. Several years of professional experience, either before or after a first degree, is a benefit, and you must be able to demonstrate critical and innovative thinking, a design curiosity and the ability to thrive in student led projects.Applications are welcomed from candidates from related backgrounds, such as engineering, architecture, communication, sports science, medical/health, international development/NGO, economics/business, material science, technology development and user experience.Portfolio requirementsWe are looking for people from all backgrounds who are interested in using design to solve problems and enrich lives. Use your portfolio to highlight your work and skills. We especially want to understand your thinking process, how to you frame problems and tackle them, how you measure success and learn from challenges.Portfolio (required)We want to see the depth and quality of your work, especially your approach to design work, interests, and ambitions.Pick your best projects to include that highlight your technical skills and design thinking process.Communicate the story of each project: the motivations, specific design problems, how you solved them, what you learned through testing/iterationHighlight challenges or failures and how they were addressedWorks in progress may be includedWorks that has been deployed in public (to real-world/places/people) is especially valuableClearly identify your role and specific contributions when including group projectsAny kind of project is acceptable. Even from a non 'design' field, tell us about it as outlined abovePersonal statementPlease provide a 300-word written personal statement that addresses the following points:Introduce yourself, your interests and your motivations for applying to the Royal College of Art, and to this programme in particular.Briefly summarise any educational background and professional experience to date that will support your application.Tell us what you want to do in the future.Video requirements
