MRes RCA Design Pathway

at Royal College of Art

Working both collaboratively and individually you will explore research design and methodologies through a cycle of theory, action, reflection and dialogue with your peers. At all times you will be strongly encouraged and given the space to interrogate, generate and experiment with new ideas with a range of research challenges.
 

Throughout the course, we will encourage and promote experimentation, flexibility and collaboration. We aim to offer you a thorough grounding in research theory and practice that both directly and indirectly relates to art and design. We aim to work with you in developing your confidence and ability to work independently, individually and in collaboration with communities across different research cultures and communities. It is this adaptability which will provide you with the tools to thrive as researchers in your chosen career, whether in academia, industry or individual practice.
 

You will take the following units as part of the programme:
 

• Group Research project (40 credits)
• Research Cultures (20 credits)
• Research in Practice (20 credits)
• Research Methods (20 credits)
• Research Identities (20 credits)
• Personal Research Project (60 credits)

Candidates are selected entirely on merit and applications. The course welcomes candidates from all over the world and ages both prior academic and professional experience.
 

The selection process considers creativity, imagination, curiosity and the capability to reflect, criticise and innovate as demonstrated in the research statement and portfolio; it also assessed the potential to benefit from the programme and to achieve high standards overall.
 

While it is not necessary to hold a relevant design degree, we welcome applicants interested in design research.
 

Portfolio requirements

Your portfolio is a showcase of your work as an artist or designer and can be made up of images, videos or writing examples. Your portfolio helps us to better understand your application and allows you to show evidence of your ability and motivation to undertake a given programme.
 

Generally, we’re looking for you to demonstrate your:

• Creativity, imagination and innovation
• Ability to articulate the intentions of the work
• Intellectual engagement in areas relevant to the work
• Technical skills appropriate to the work
• Potential to benefit from the programme
   

English-language requirements

If you are not a national of a majority English-speaking country you will need the equivalent of an IELTS Academic score of 6.5 with a 6.0 in the Test of Written English (TWE) and at least 5.5 in other skills. Students achieving a grade of at least 6.0, with a grade of 5.5 in the Test of Written English, may be eligible to take the College’s English for Academic Purposes course to enable them to reach the required standard.
 

You are exempt from this requirement if you have received a 2.1 degree or above from a university in a majority English-speaking nation within the last two years.

Overseas and EU - £33,500 total cost*