The MA Painting at the RCA cultivates an inclusive and expansive approach to painting both as a material practice and a way of thinking. You will interrogate the meanings, forms and futures of painting in a contemporary world, embracing its rich material and conceptual histories within global, transnational contexts. Supported by expert tutors, group critiques, seminars and lectures, you will refine your studio practice through individual tutorials and critical reflection. The programme emphasises experimentation, self reflexivity and innovation, empowering you to develop as an independent artist, researcher and thinker capable of sustaining a vibrant professional practice beyond the institution.
September 2026
RCA Battersea
1 Hester Road,
London,
SW11 4AY, London, United Kingdom
September 2027
RCA Battersea
1 Hester Road,
London,
SW11 4AY, London, United Kingdom
Candidates are selected entirely on merit and applications are welcomed from all over the world. The selection process will consider creativity, imagination and innovation as demonstrated in your portfolio, and your potential to benefit from the programme to achieve high MA standards. We are looking for candidates who are highly motivated, independent and can demonstrate they have the critical skills necessary to advance their practice in a rigorous and challenging environment.
Typically, our students will have a good BA (Undergraduate) Fine Art degree, however we welcome applications from candidates with other backgrounds. In recent years, students have come from fine art, painting, printmaking, sculpture, photo media, conservation, illustration, design, textiles, architecture, art history and interactive arts courses. While many students enter the course after a period of independent work, we also accept students directly from undergraduate courses.
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.
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