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Royal College of Art: Design MPhil/PhD
| Institution | Royal College of Art |
|---|---|
| Department | School of Design |
| Web | http://www.rca.ac.uk |
| Study type | Research |
Summary
The MPhil/PhD Design at the RCA is rooted in a practice based, interdisciplinary research environment within the School of Design. Research covers a wide range of areas including design products, fashion, innovation design engineering, healthcare design, robotics, service design and textiles. You can explore topics from human centred innovation, health, and systems design to more experimental themes such as multispecies design, trust in AI, or resilient design. The programme encourages independent, original research, whether you’re developing an object, system or speculative design project. Through supervision, professional training, and engagement with the RCA’s research community, you will build a research profile capable of influencing academia, industry or cultural practice.
More about RCA MPhil and PhD research degrees:
At the RCA, we offer both MPhil and PhD research degrees, which can be studied full-time or part-time (subject to approval) and undertaken by project or thesis modes. A research degree emphasises independence of learning and increased specialisation, requiring you to manage your own research project to investigate your topic in depth and produce new ideas, arguments, and solutions.
A PhD is awarded to students who produce a substantial piece of original research that contributes to the field, either as a thesis (60,000–80,000 words) or a project with a thesis (25,000–40,000 words). Full-time PhD registration is normally three years, with submission within four years; part-time is six to seven years. An MPhil is awarded for original research and submission of a thesis, normally two to three years full-time or four to six years part-time.
RCA research students undertake training both at a college-wide level and within their Schools/Centres, providing robust preparation for research progression and future careers. All students must attend Doctoral Training Weeks in September, February, and July, which include professional development, writing, publishing, achieving impact, and presenting research.
The RCA hosts a Research Biennale every alternate February to showcase research publicly and extend perceptions of art and design research. Students also undergo Annual Progress Reviews to receive formal feedback and a Confirmation Exam midway through PhD study to ascertain readiness for submission; those who do not meet requirements may be recommended to submit for MPhil.
The RCA community includes more than 250 PhD students across Schools and Centres such as Architecture, Arts & Humanities, Communication, Design, Computer Science Research Centre, Helen Hamlyn Centre for Design, Intelligent Mobility Design Centre, Material Futures Research Centre, and Robotics Laboratory. The College is ranked the most research-intensive university of art and design in the UK since 2014 and values the contributions of international students.
Programme duration: PhD: 3–4 years (full time), 6–7 years (part time) MPhil: 2–3 years (full time), 4–6 years (part time)
Please refer to the programme webpage for the most accurate and up-to-date information about the programme, its structure, modules and any updates or changes.
Doctor of Philosophy - PhD
| Level | RQF Level 8 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | We welcome applications from individuals from all backgrounds and from all over the world. To apply for the RCA Architecture MPhil/PhD, you need to demonstrate strong research potential, a clear project idea, and relevant experience. Your application is judged on the quality of your research proposal, your academic or professional background, and whether the school can supervise your topic. You must submit a portfolio showing your creative and intellectual approach, a CV, a short application video, a personal statement, a detailed research proposal, and at least one academic or professional referee. If English is not your first language, an approved language test is also required. Key requirements: Portfolio showing creativity, intellectual clarity, technical skill, and project context CV outlining academic background, professional experience, and relevant work 2-minute video explaining your motivation, why RCA, what you bring, and your project summary 300-word personal statement detailing who you are, your experience, and future aims 1,000-word research proposal including title, research questions, methods, timeline, and bibliography At least one referee who can support your ability to undertake doctoral research English language test (if relevant), completed within the last two years Please refer to the programme webpage for the most accurate and up to date information on entry requirements for this programme. |
| Location | London – Kensington Kensington Gore Kensington and Chelsea SW7 2EU |
| Level | RQF Level 8 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | We welcome applications from individuals from all backgrounds and from all over the world. To apply for the RCA Architecture MPhil/PhD, you need to demonstrate strong research potential, a clear project idea, and relevant experience. Your application is judged on the quality of your research proposal, your academic or professional background, and whether the school can supervise your topic. You must submit a portfolio showing your creative and intellectual approach, a CV, a short application video, a personal statement, a detailed research proposal, and at least one academic or professional referee. If English is not your first language, an approved language test is also required. Key requirements: Portfolio showing creativity, intellectual clarity, technical skill, and project context CV outlining academic background, professional experience, and relevant work 2-minute video explaining your motivation, why RCA, what you bring, and your project summary 300-word personal statement detailing who you are, your experience, and future aims 1,000-word research proposal including title, research questions, methods, timeline, and bibliography At least one referee who can support your ability to undertake doctoral research English language test (if relevant), completed within the last two years Please refer to the programme webpage for the most accurate and up to date information on entry requirements for this programme. |
| Location | London – Kensington Kensington Gore Kensington and Chelsea SW7 2EU |
Master of Philosophy - MPhil
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | We welcome applications from individuals from all backgrounds and from all over the world. To apply for the RCA Architecture MPhil/PhD, you need to demonstrate strong research potential, a clear project idea, and relevant experience. Your application is judged on the quality of your research proposal, your academic or professional background, and whether the school can supervise your topic. You must submit a portfolio showing your creative and intellectual approach, a CV, a short application video, a personal statement, a detailed research proposal, and at least one academic or professional referee. If English is not your first language, an approved language test is also required. Key requirements: Portfolio showing creativity, intellectual clarity, technical skill, and project context CV outlining academic background, professional experience, and relevant work 2-minute video explaining your motivation, why RCA, what you bring, and your project summary 300-word personal statement detailing who you are, your experience, and future aims 1,000-word research proposal including title, research questions, methods, timeline, and bibliography At least one referee who can support your ability to undertake doctoral research English language test (if relevant), completed within the last two years Please refer to the programme webpage for the most accurate and up to date information on entry requirements for this programme. |
| Location | London – Kensington Kensington Gore Kensington and Chelsea SW7 2EU |
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | We welcome applications from individuals from all backgrounds and from all over the world. To apply for the RCA Architecture MPhil/PhD, you need to demonstrate strong research potential, a clear project idea, and relevant experience. Your application is judged on the quality of your research proposal, your academic or professional background, and whether the school can supervise your topic. You must submit a portfolio showing your creative and intellectual approach, a CV, a short application video, a personal statement, a detailed research proposal, and at least one academic or professional referee. If English is not your first language, an approved language test is also required. Key requirements: Portfolio showing creativity, intellectual clarity, technical skill, and project context CV outlining academic background, professional experience, and relevant work 2-minute video explaining your motivation, why RCA, what you bring, and your project summary 300-word personal statement detailing who you are, your experience, and future aims 1,000-word research proposal including title, research questions, methods, timeline, and bibliography At least one referee who can support your ability to undertake doctoral research English language test (if relevant), completed within the last two years Please refer to the programme webpage for the most accurate and up to date information on entry requirements for this programme. |
| Location | London – Kensington Kensington Gore Kensington and Chelsea SW7 2EU |
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