The Royal College of Art (RCA) needs no introduction. Established in 1837 in London, it remains the best-known art school in the country and one of the most prestigious in the world.
A postgraduate-only school, its list of famous alumni is pretty mindblowing. Henry Moore, Peter Blake, David Hockney, Sir Frank Bowling, Tracey Emin, Zandra Rhodes, James Dyson, Tony and Ridley Scott… we could go on and on. But could you ever imagine seeing your own name among such esteemed company?
Well, unfortunately, many wouldn’t. And we get it: applying to the Royal College of Art can feel like scaling an impossible mountain.
But think about it. Every great artist and designer who has passed through its hallowed halls once stood exactly where you are now: uncertain, hopeful, and slightly terrified. And if they could do it, there’s no reason you can’t follow in their footsteps.
Read on as we share insider advice from successful graduates and an RCA admissions tutor on how to do it right.
Visit an Open Event
One of the best ways to get to know the college is to attend one of its Open Events. The RCA organises a range of online events for prospective students, including portfolio and application advice sessions, as well as in-person events such as open days, monthly campus tours and exhibitions.
That’s exactly how Chilean artist Tere Chad began her journey with the Royal College of Art. “After going through the process of convincing myself I had a portfolio strong enough to apply, I visited one of the Open Days,” she recalls. “This was very helpful, as it helped me better understand the application process.”
She went on to take a Sculpture MA, which she completed in 2020 and hasn’t looked back since. To date, she’s held seven solo exhibitions, completed seven residencies, participated in more than 50 collective exhibitions, and curated over 20 shows on four different continents.
“The RCA is a melting pot of creativity and innovation, offering a rich education in art,” she enthuses. “I’d advise anyone looking to pursue a creative career to embrace the opportunities it offers. I wouldn’t be where I am now without the RCA. It’s a transformative place that will help you get to where you want in life.”
Ask questions and get advice
Mingxin Li, who completed an MA in Environmental Architecture in 2020 and is currently pursuing a PhD, tells a similar story. “My advice is to join that Open Day, and feel free to ask teaching staff any questions you have about your proposed programmes,” he recommends. “You can also get advice on your portfolio, which is probably very helpful.” He’s certainly glad he did so himself. “For me, the RCA’s School of Architecture was a very free, creative, reflective and radical place to develop my research and gradually move forward,” Mingxin says.
Applications for 2025 are open until 30 June,