An insider's guide to getting into the Royal College of Art

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, with Round 2 closing on 26 March. Tere advises you start as early as possible, "particularly if you're an international student like myself and need to get a visa, arrange accommodation and/or apply for a scholarship.

"It's also very important to contact your referees in advance, giving them some guidance on why you're applying and to which programme," she continues. "People are busy, especially high-profile people, so make it easy by doing the homework for them."

What a good application looks like

Your application will consist of three elements: portfolio, personal statement and video. So, how do you create a good one? As admissions tutor Joseph Pochodzaj explains, it starts with gaining a fundamental understanding of the curriculum, learning environments and research areas of your chosen programme.

"Rather than approach the RCA as one big institution, you need to thoroughly research the specific programme you're applying to," he explains. "Sometimes we'll get an application where it's clear no one's read anything. And whilst the work might be amazing, we can't see that connection to the program, so make things really hard for us."

As for the portfolio, Joseph stresses the need to showcase both finished work and your creative process. "We want to see your sketchbooks, prototypes and roughs," he says. "Show us how you make decisions and inform your creativity. While polished outcomes are important, we're equally interested in the journey behind them."

Interestingly, he also suggests you include experimental or work-in-progress projects alongside completed pieces. "These emerging forms of practice often give us the greatest insight into you as a practitioner," Joseph explains. "We're interested in what you hope might happen next and how an MA could help you explore those questions further."

And this doesn't just apply to young graduates. Even if you're a mid-career professional, Joseph still advises including at least one self-directed project. "This gives us a sense of your personal voice and creative aspirations beyond client briefs," he explains. "Whether you're looking to break away from commercial work or deeply investigate a specific aspect of your practice, help us understand how an MA fits into your journey."

Diversity of approach

Joseph stresses that the RCA welcomes diversity in both background and approach from its candidates. "We often receive applications from architects, sociologists, policymakers, economists and writers who may not have a traditionally developed visual practice," Joseph reveals. "These different perspectives enrich our community. The key is explaining your journey – help us understand the connection between your current field and where you want to go."

While this all might seem daunting, Joseph emphasises that perfection isn't the goal. "We recognise there's time and space to discover something about yourself and your work during the MA," he explains. "Some students arrive with crystal-clear ambitions, while others are seeking transformation. Both approaches are equally valid."

The mandatory two-minute video submission offers a further opportunity to bring your application to life. "Use this moment to share the bigger story behind your work," Joseph advises. "Tell us about your influences and inspirations and how your local community, culture, or life experiences have shaped your practice."

Above all, authenticity is key. "Don't try to create an application just to please us," Joseph says. "We're looking for students with the imagination and vision to understand and develop their own work while addressing the global and local issues that define our time. And so we welcome applications that challenge our perspectives and make us think differently about creative practice."

Make every element count

As with any portfolio, Joseph adds that careful editing is crucial. "We review hundreds of applications, so be concise with your project selection," he explains. "You don't need to show us everything – choose key pieces that best represent your abilities and aspirations. Keep your reader in mind and make every element count."

That's exactly what weaver, designer and creator Mia Upton did when she originally applied for her Master of Arts degree in Textiles. "Great photography of your work is a must," advises Mia, who now works in sustainable education. "But you don't need to do it professionally. If you're not sure or completely happy with a photograph of work, take time to reshoot it, and you can easily achieve great results with your phone camera by shooting it outside in natural sunlight on a whiteboard.

"Don't overload your slides: treat them as if they were a real live display board," she continues. Every slide needs a focus or a visual impact. Try to design your sides on physical boards first, as it is so easy to move things around to get a layout that you are happy with before doing the digital version. For Textile applications, remember it's also key to show close-up details."

Finally, she says: "It's important to show 'you', as well as your practice and your skills. Some students come with one discipline in mind, such as print. But because you're encouraged to really explore your creativity here, that same student may have left as a mixed media artist featuring Embroidery. So, try to show your breadth through the projects and work you choose. Mention or show your relevant hobbies, too. Ultimately, the assessors can't read minds and don't know you, your ideas, your design intention, or your work yet. So tell them!"

Get started today!

By now, you've hopefully realised that applying to the Royal College of Art is about more than just filling in a form; it's about embracing a transformative journey of creative exploration. The key to success lies in a mixture of thorough preparation, genuine passion, and a willingness to challenge yourself.

Whatever discipline you wish to follow, the RCA offers an unparalleled opportunity to develop your craft and connect with a vibrant community of innovative thinkers. By investing time in understanding the program, crafting a compelling portfolio, and approaching the interview with authenticity and enthusiasm, you can turn your aspirations into reality.

In short, the Royal College of Art isn't just an institution; it's a launchpad for those ready to shape the future of art and design. Start your journey today.