Graduate Diploma Art & Design (Pre-master's Conversion) - May 2026 intake
Entry requirements
- Those who have the required educational background to go on to Master’s study, but who require greater proficiency in the English language.
- Those who do not have an undergraduate background in art and design, but who can demonstrate potential in their chosen discipline of study.
- Those for whom their undergraduate studies did not adequately prepare them for Master’s study at the RCA
- Those who would like to use the programme as a diagnostic experience to help them decide which area to specialise in at Master’s level.
You will need to provide:
- a digital portfolio of your creative work
- a 300-word written statement about your motivation to study on the programme.
- a short video, up to two minutes, of yourself talking to the camera about your personal creative journey.
- one written reference.
- evidence of English language proficiency if English is not your first language
Months of entry
January, May, September
Course content
Study at the World's number one ranked art and design university for eleven consecutive years (2015-2025) in the QS World University Subject Rankings.
The Graduate Diploma Art & Design prepares students for Master’s study in Art and Design. The programme focuses on developing proficiency in the discursive languages and independent learning methods and practices of art and design, and on introducing students to the role and influence of art and design in the world today.
The programme aims to make its participants better informed about the study options available to them, as well as the possible career paths that they might follow beyond graduation.
The programme will be interdisciplinary in nature, mirroring the experience of Master’s study at the RCA, however Graduate Diploma students will be invited to select a specialism at enrolment from the following areas: Communication; Fine Art; Research; Fashion & Textiles, and Design.
The programme offers:
- The opportunity to specialise in one of five practice-led disciplines
- Development of a final portfolio that can be used for application to further postgraduate study or direct employment
- Guaranteed progression to an RCA MA programme subject to final classification and availability of places
- A unique and interdisciplinary studio-based learning experience
- Development of English language proficiency
- An introduction to the learning methods required for postgraduate study
Modes of study
The Graduate Diploma now has three modes of study you can apply for:
- Fully on campus for both stage 1 and stage 2.
- Blended: stage one (15 weeks) online, stage two (15 weeks) on campus.
- Fully online for both stage one and stage two.
Progression to Master's
Subject to availability, all students passing the programme with Distinction are guaranteed entry to MA and MRes programmes that reflect their specialism of study on the Graduate Diploma. Read about seven Graduate Diploma students who progressed to MA's at the RCA.
Fees and funding
Visit the RCA website to find out more about scholarships and funding opportunities.
Qualification, course duration and attendance options
- GradDip
- full time8 months
- Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
- Distance learningis available for this qualification
- Online learningis available for this qualification
Course contact details
- Name
- RCA Student Recruitment
- study@rca.ac.uk