Royal College of Art

Royal College of Art (RCA)

The Royal College of Art (RCA) is a world-renowned postgraduate art and design university located in London, England. Renowned for its cutting-edge research, creative innovation, and interdisciplinary teaching, RCA is an iconic institution for students aiming to become future leaders in creative industries.

Established: 1837 (as the Government School of Design)

University Status: Awarded in 1967

Location: London, England (campuses in Kensington, Battersea, and White City)

The RCA has been consistently ranked as the top university in the world for Art and Design, offering unparalleled opportunities for students to work on real-world projects alongside leading industry experts. Its focus on practice-based learning, collaborations with global brands, and cutting-edge facilities create a vibrant, supportive environment for creative talent.

Programs Offered

Category	Programs Offered
Fine Art	Painting, Sculpture, Photography, Printmaking
Design	Product Design, Innovation Design Engineering, Service Design, Interaction Design
Visual Communication	Illustration, Graphic Design, Animation
Architecture	MA Architecture, City Design, Environmental Architecture
Humanities	Critical Writing in Art & Design, Curating Contemporary Art, History of Design
Fashion and Textiles	Fashion Design, Knitwear, Printed Textiles, Woven Textiles
Ceramics and Glass	MA Ceramics & Glass
Jewelry and Metal	MA Jewellery & Metal
Advanced Studies	MRes (Master of Research), MPhil, PhD programs

Rankings

Year	QS World Rankings (Art & Design)
2024	Ranked #1
2023	Ranked #1
2022	Ranked #1

 

Estimated Tuition Fees per Year (2024)

Program Type	UK Students	International Students
MA Programs (Full-time)	£14,800 – £16,000	£39,000 – £41,000
MRes Programs (Full-time)	£15,000	£42,000
MPhil/PhD Programs (Full-time)	£7,000 (per year)	£19,000 (per year)

Cost of Living (London-based Campuses)

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost (£)	Estimated Annual Cost (£)
Accommodation	200 – 300 per week	10,400 – 15,600
Food	200 – 300 per month	2,400 – 3,600
Transportation	120 – 150 per month	1,440 – 1,800
Utilities & Misc	100 – 150 per month	1,200 – 1,800
Total Estimated Cost	1,200 – 1,900 per month	14,400 – 22,800

International Student Visa (UK)

Requirement	Details
Offer of Admission	Must have a confirmed place at the RCA
Financial Proof	Must demonstrate funds to cover tuition and living expenses (£1,334 per month in London)
Visa Processing Time	Approximately 3 weeks; apply at least 3 months before the start date
Duration	Typically covers the program duration plus a short additional period for preparation and departure

Accommodation Options

1. Private Accommodation

• Types: Private flats, shared houses, student halls managed by private companies.
• Cost: £200 – £350 per week.
• Notable Locations: White City, Battersea, Kensington, areas near RCA campuses.

2. University-Approved Housing

• Managed by RCA Partners: Housing options in proximity to campuses.
• Cost Range: £200 – £300 per week.
• Facilities: Typically includes common areas, study spaces, and en-suite options.

3. Journey Consulting Group Managed Hostel (Hypothetical)

• Type: Affordable hostels or residences linked to educational partnerships.
• Rent: Likely to be around £200 per week.
• Features: Lower costs, cultural integration programs, and student networking opportunities.

Food Options for Indian Students

Campus Location	Options
Kensington & White City	Indian restaurants such as Dishoom and Tandoor Chop House, with Indian groceries available
Battersea	Options include Thali and nearby Indian takeaway services
Local Grocery Stores	Supermarkets stock Indian staples; specific stores cater to international ingredients

Travel Costs

Campus	Flight (₹)	Local Travel (₹/year)	European Travel (₹/year)
Kensington	30,000 – 80,000	30,000 – 50,000	30,000+
Battersea	30,000 – 80,000	30,000 – 50,000	30,000+
White City	30,000 – 80,000	30,000 – 50,000	30,000+