Master’s programmes in Humanities & Education

Humanities and education programmes at the Royal College of Art attract students from a broad variety of backgrounds who seek to explore, evaluate, discover and produce new theoretical and practical knowledge. Reflecting contemporary shifts in global social and ethical dynamics, our ambition is to nurture creative exploration alongside speculative and critical thinking to shape and develop our understanding of how creativity and culture can become the most significant agents of change. 

Featured programmes
History of Design MA (V&A/RCA): One year full-time/two years part-time. Discover history through the lens of design. Jointly run by the Victoria & Albert Museum and Royal College of Art, students combine scholarly excellence with risk-taking to forge histories of design and material culture that are public-facing and experimental. Our students explore diverse and global topics from fashion and textiles to graphic, architectural and urban design, theatre and performance, photography and digital materialities are a regular focus.

Ranked number one for History of Art, Design and Architecture programmes.*

Creative Education MEd: One year full-time/two years part-time. Design and deliver creative education with a difference. The MEd brings students together as a community to explore different aspects of creative education. This involves themes such as curriculum design, the pedagogies of making, and education for change. We also encourage you to reflect on what you bring to the programme through your own values, perspectives and experiences.

Writing MA: One year full-time. Develop your intellectual, literary, and technical skills. Whether you want to write for a mainstream audience or prepare for doctoral study, we’ll help you build the intellectual, literary, and technical skills you need for your future. Our students explore a variety of forms and subjects, often blending genres and approaches to create work that is both intellectually rigorous and poetically expressive.

Master of Research MRes (Experimental Humanities specialism): One year full-time/two years part-time. The interdisciplinary space of the MRes is one of freedom, risk, and experimentation. Disciplines are traversed. Possibilities are explored. Hierarchies are critiqued. Knowledge is not only amassed but shared. Joining us, you’ll ask, “what is research?” and explore what it brings to creative practice across writing and making.

Curating Contemporary Art MA: One year full-time. Learn to deliver innovative curatorial proposals with London-based arts organisations on this highly international programme designed to develop your critical awareness of curating in a global context. You’ll join a well-established and influential community of students, actively contribute to how curating is understood, practised and thought about globally.

Next application deadline
Master’s programmes in the Humanities at the Royal College of Art are in demand with high volumes of applications being received each year. Those interested in starting in our September 2025 intake are strongly encouraged to complete their application by the next deadline of March 26, 2025 to give the best chance in securing a place. 

Scholarships & funding
The RCA website includes funding advice for students including scholarships provided by the RCA and from external sources. To be eligible for RCA scholarships, you must submit your application by the March 26 deadline.

Discover funding options. Students from the US are eligible for US Federal Loans (Direct Loans) for many of our programmes.

Learn more about US Federal Loans

*QS World University Subject Rankings for History of Art, Design and Architecture (2023 & 2024). The Royal College of Art is ranked in first place in this ranking, which collects information on programmes teaching the history of architecture and design in addition to history of art.