MRes Design
Royal College of Art
Key Information
Campus location
London, United Kingdom
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
1 year
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
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Application deadline
Request info *
Earliest start date
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* subsequent application rounds dates will be published after the current application deadline
* visit the RCA website to find out about fees for this programme as well as scholarship and funding opportunities
Introduction
To provide prospective students with opportunities to find out about the RCA experience and programs we run several on-campus and online open days and recruitment events in various countries around the world. In January 2023, opportunities to meet with RCA staff will occur in:
- India (Bangalore, Ahmedabad and Mumbai)
- Singapore
- San Francisco
The MRes RCA Design pathway builds design research skills that can be deployed within academic and professional careers. We foster innovation and tackle complex systems and social challenges, from the future of work to the circular economy, climate change, AI, and healthcare.
We offer interdisciplinary learning; you'll be exposed to the full range of programs across the School of Design, including our MAs, research centers, and networks. Experienced researchers run seminars and workshops on design research across topics that include cybernetics, ethnography, ethics, future forecasting, speculative design, participatory design, action research, reflective practice, robotics, and coding.
The pathway's curriculum offers a transformational experience and allows you to construct your area of expertise through a solo research project. You'll develop knowledge in design research through experimentation in theory and practice, interdisciplinary knowledge exchange, and peer-to-peer review.
Meet the RCA
We host a range of online and on-campus open days as well as recruitment events in cities around the world. These events can include 1-to-1 meetings and portfolio advice, informal chats, presentations, and sessions with staff, students, and alumni.
Check the Check the RCA event webpage for details of upcoming events.
Admissions
Curriculum
Programme structure
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 is both, directly and indirectly, related 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 a researcher 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)
Program Tuition Fee
Scholarships and Funding
Sir Frank Bowling Scholarships
The Scholarship supports 21 UK MA, MRes and PhD students every year from across all RCA MA, MRes and PhD disciplines.
Eligible Programmes: Architecture MA, Interior Design MA, City Design MA, Environmental Architecture MA, Architecture Pathway MRes RCA, Architecture MPhil/PhD, Ceramics & Glass MA, Contemporary Art Practice MA, Curating Contemporary Art MA, V&A/RCA History of Design MA, Jewellery & Metal MA, Painting MA, Photography MA, Print MA, Sculpture MA, Writing MA, Fine Arts & Humanities Pathway MRes RCA, Arts & Humanities MPhil/PhD, Animation MA, Digital Direction MA, Information Experience Design MA, Visual Communication MA, Communication Design Pathway MRes RCA, Communication MPhil/PhD, Design Products MA, Fashion MA, Global Innovation Design MA/MSc, Innovation Design Engineering MA/MSc, Intelligent Mobility MA, Service Design MA, Textiles MA, Design Pathway MRes RCA, Design MPhil/PhD, Healthcare & Design MRes, Intelligent Mobility MPhil/PhD, Materials Science MPhil/PhD, Computer Science MPhil/PhD
Funding Categories: Financial hardship, Students with Black African and Caribbean diaspora heritage, or mixed Black African and Caribbean diaspora heritage
Eligible fee status: UK fee status
Value: £21,000
The Tony Snowdon Scholarship
Applicants must make an application via the application portal on the Snowdon Trust website from Jan 2023: https://www.snowdontrust.org/scholarships
Eligible Programmes: Architecture MA, Interior Design MA, City Design MA, Environmental Architecture MA, Architecture Pathway MRes RCA, Ceramics & Glass MA, Contemporary Art Practice MA, Curating Contemporary Art MA, V&A/RCA History of Design MA, Jewellery & Metal MA, Painting MA, Photography MA, Print MA, Sculpture MA, Writing MA, Fine Arts & Humanities Pathway MRes RCA, Animation MA, Digital Direction MA, Information Experience Design MA, Visual Communication MA, Communication Design Pathway MRes RCA, Design Products MA, Fashion MA, Global Innovation Design MA/MSc, Innovation Design Engineering MA/MSc, Intelligent Mobility MA, Service Design MA, Textiles MA, Design Pathway MRes RCA, Healthcare & Design MRes
Funding Categories: Financial hardship, Students with a diagnosed physical or sensory disability
Eligible fee status: Any
Value: Up to £15,000 in tuition fees + £15,000 maintenance support