Study V&A/RCA History of Design MA at Royal College of Art in the UK, School of Arts & Humanities

About this course

About this course
- Overview
- Department
Study options
Entry requirements
- International

What will I learn?

Benefit from our collaboration with the Victoria and Albert Museum and enjoy privileged access to museum spaces. Learn through hands-on teaching which moves beyond the classroom into studios, archives, galleries and public spaces. Ranked No. 1 in the QS World University Rankings for History of Art, Design and Architecture programmes (2023, 2024, and 2025). Objects shape everyday life, now and in the past. We study how objects are created, used and circulated around the world. We see design history in everything: in the materials that objects are made from, in their processes of production, and in the networks that they are part of. Studying with us, you'll develop your research skills and be inspired by future-facing approaches from design history. Our students explore diverse and global topics from fashion and textiles history to graphic, architectural and urban design. Histories of theatre and performance and the material culture of photography are a regular focus. Digital materialities are as relevant to us as histories of craft, making and the decorative arts.

Which department am I in?

School of Arts & Humanities

Study options

Full Time (1 Year)

Tuition fees

£43,000.00 (US$ 55,532) per year

Cost of living - Estimated annual costs lower range: £15,200 Estimated annual costs upper range: £35,688

This is a fixed fee

Application deadline

02/06/2027

Start date

September 2027

Venue

Royal College of Art- Kensington Campus

Darwin & Stevens Buildings Kensington Gore,

London,

SW7 2EU, London (South West), United Kingdom

Entry requirements

For international students

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 application, as well as your potential to benefit from the programme and to achieve high MA standards overall.You should have a good first degree in an arts and humanities or an art, design, photography or performance practice background. If you have a different background, for example in the social sciences or professions, we encourage you to apply. We welcome applications from students of all ages, and view both prior academic and professional experience as valuable.Portfolio requirementsPersonal 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

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