Part-time programmes

We understand that pursuing a Master's degree while maintaining a career or other commitments can be challenging. That's why we offer a variety of part-time study options across a range of disciplines, allowing you to balance your academic pursuits with your personal and professional responsibilities.

Our part-time programmes are designed to provide you with the same high-quality education as our full-time equivalents, while giving you the flexibility to learn at a pace that suits you. Our world-renowned faculty of academics and practitioners will guide you through your studies, providing you with the tools and knowledge you need to excel in your chosen field.

At the Royal College of Art, we believe that creativity can change the world. Our part-time programmes are the perfect opportunity to explore your creativity and develop your skills in a supportive and challenging environment. Whether you're looking to advance or change your career, start a new venture, or simply pursue your passion, our part-time programmes can help you achieve your ambitions.

Part-time programmes available for our September 2025 intake are:

Master’s degrees

• Arts & Humanities MFA
• Communication MFA
• Creative Education MEd
• Design Futures MDes
• Design Practice MArch
• Healthcare & Design MRes
• History of Design MA
• Master of Research MRes

Research degrees

• Architecture MPhil/PhD
• Arts & Humanities MPhil/PhD (including History of Design)
• Communication MPhil/PhD
• Computer Science MPhil/PhD
• Design MPhil/PhD
• Intelligent Mobility MPhil/PhD
• Materials Science MPhil/PhD

These programmes are designed to be flexible, allowing you to balance your academic pursuits with your other commitments. When you study with us, you'll join a vibrant and diverse community of students, academics and practitioners from around the world.

We're committed to making our part-time Master's programmes accessible to students from all backgrounds. We offer a range of scholarships and financial aid options to help you fund your studies.

The RCA is authorised to issue a CAS to sponsor international students to study on a part-time Master’s degree programmes, however this part-time visa is not suitable for all part-time programmes.

The UK Government imposes a number of visa restrictions on part-time studies. Visit the Student Visas page for more information on visas for part-time programmes.

Many of our part-time programmes are also available to study full-time. The application process is detailed on the Apply to Study webpage. To indicate you wish to undertake part-time study, ensure you select the Part-Time option in the Mode of Attendance section in Stage 1 of your application