Royal College of Art

Located in the heart of London, the Royal College of Art is the most influential, wholly postgraduate university of art and design in the world.

The RCA has a distinctive role in preparing its postgraduate students for careers in art, design and the creative sector – indeed the College is widely viewed as a crucible of the creative industries. Courses are taught by internationally renowned artists, practitioners and theorists, and students have a unique opportunity to study art in a design environment, and design in an art environment. Its concentrated, customised forms of teaching and learning – and dedicated technical facilities and research centres – contribute to an exceptional creative and intellectual environment.

As well as welcoming students from around the world, the College’s global dimension is enhanced through partnerships with leading art and design, cultural and educational institutions and though extensive links with business, both nationally and internationally.

The College’s Royal Charter, granted in 1967, specifies that the purpose of the institution is "to advance learning, knowledge and professional competence particularly in the field of fine arts…through teaching, research and collaboration with industry and commerce".

According to the most recent figures, 93% of the College’s graduates have gained employment at an appropriate professional level in their chosen specialist field, within a short time of their leaving the College. These destination figures are a significant indicator of the RCA’s success.
In 2019, the RCA was ranked as the number one art and design university in the world – for the fifth consecutive year – by the QS World University Subject Rankings.

Recognised for the outstanding quality of its graduates, the College boasts such note-worthy alumni as Sir James Dyson, Thomas Heatherwick, David Hockney, Tracey Emin, Christopher Bailey, Julien McDonald, Alison Jackson, Idris Khan, David Adjaye, AOC, Suzie Templeton, Sir Ridley Scott – the list goes on.