Overview

One global community

On-campus and online students study together as one combined, collaborative and diverse community of creative practitioners, regardless of whether they choose online, on-campus or dual-learning modes of study.

Industry expertise

The Graduate Diploma Art and Design at Royal College of Art is supported by a dedicated team of technicians and local facilitators for online students. All teaching staff are practising artists and designers, as well as being experienced educators.

The best route to RCA Master’s study

We aim to make you better informed about the study options available to you, as well as the possible career paths that you might follow beyond graduation.

Gaining a Distinction on the Graduate Diploma guarantees you entry to MA and MRes programmes that reflect their specialism of study on the Graduate Diploma. This is subject to availability of places. All other students passing the programme will be guaranteed consideration for MA and MRes programmes of their choice.

Programme Structure

Specialisms

The programme is interdisciplinary in nature, mirroring the experience of Master’s study at the RCA, however on the Graduate Diploma you’ll be invited to select a specialism when you apply from the following areas:

Communication
Design
Fashion & Textiles
Fine Art
Research

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 7 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-09-08 00:00:00

Apply anytime.
Starting 2027-01-05 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-05 00:00:00
Starting 2027-05-06 00:00:00

Apply anytime.

More details

Apply as soon as you are ready.

Language

English

IELTS

5.5

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Credits

120 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus, Blended, Online

Campus Location

London, United Kingdom

Disciplines

Design Visual Arts Fine Arts View 133 other Bachelors in Fine Arts in United Kingdom

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

IELTS

5.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Prospective Diploma in Art & Design applicants are likely to be:

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.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

21800 GBP / full

≈ 21800 GBP / full
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

10200 GBP / full

≈ 10200 GBP / full

Additional Details

Distance Learning:

Home: £7,150 total cost
Overseas and EU: £15,250

Blended Learning:

Home: £10,200 (full-time)
Overseas and EU: £21,800

Living costs

London

United Kingdom

1137 - 2157 GBP / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Art and Design.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

One global community

Industry expertise

The best route to RCA Master’s study

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic Applies to you

Additional Details

Living costs

London

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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