The Royal College of Art (RCA) is an art and design university in London. It describes itself as a postgraduate institution, which means most students already have a first degree.
At a glance
| Founded | 1837, as the Government School of Design |
| University status | 1967, by Royal Charter |
| Location | London, United Kingdom |
| Main address | Kensington Gore, South Kensington, London |
| Schools | 3: Architecture; Arts & Humanities; Communication & Design |
| Fashion course | Fashion MA, 1 year, Kensington campus |
What is it?
The RCA started in 1837 as the Government School of Design. In 1967 it received a Royal Charter and became a university.
It offers postgraduate degrees such as the Graduate Diploma, MA, MArch, MFA, MDes, MRes, MPhil and PhD.
Its Fashion MA sits in the School of Communication & Design. The college says the course looks beyond making clothes, at environmental, social and economic challenges in fashion.
Schools and departments
- School of Architecture
- School of Arts & Humanities
- School of Communication & Design
Fashion courses you can study
The RCA’s fashion course is a one-year master’s degree:
- Fashion MA (1 year, full-time)
How to apply
- Apply online through the RCA’s applicant portal.
- The Fashion MA asks for a portfolio with design work and two short videos, a 300-word personal statement, and a video of up to two minutes about you as a designer.
- Applicants who are not from a majority English-speaking country need to meet an English language requirement.
Entry requirements, fees and deadlines change every year. Always check the official website before you apply.
Sources
All facts on this page come from the official website of the Royal College of Art. Last checked: 1 November 2026.