Course summary
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 programmes across the School of Design, including our MAs, research centres 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 gives you the opportunity to construct your own 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. About the RCA The Royal College of Art, is an internationally renowned art and design university, providing students with unrivalled opportunities to deliver art and design projects that transform the world. A small, specialist and research-intensive postgraduate university based in the heart of London, the RCA is a high performing institution, a radical traditionalist in a fast paced world. The RCA's approach is founded on the premise that art, design creative thinking, science, engineering and technology must all collaborate to solve today's global challenges. In 2021 the RCA was named the world’s leading art and design university for the seventh consecutive year in the QS World University subject rankings.
Modules
Unit 1: Research methods and individual research proposal Unit 2: Research cultures Unit 3: Research in practice Unit 4: Group research project Unit 5: Research identities Unit 6: Personal research project
Assessment method
Thesis route: You will submit a 12,000–15,000 word thesis that defines a research question, outlines the research methodology and theoretical context, presents and discusses the results and offers robust conclusions. Practice route: You will submit: An original work of art, design or communication (including critical and curatorial works) A visual portfolio of practice with clear documentation in PDF form A 4,000–6,000 word thesis that defines the purpose of the work, outlines its theoretical and technical context, and articulates the contribution it has made to advancing knowledge.
Entry requirements
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.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £12650 | Whole course |
| Northern Ireland | £12650 | Whole course |
| Scotland | £12650 | Whole course |
| Wales | £12650 | Whole course |
| International | £33500 | Whole course |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
Visit the programme page on the RCA website for details of fees for each year of this programme.
Provider information
Royal College of Art
Kensington Gore
Kensington and Chelsea
SW7 2EU