Widening access to architecture
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At the RCA we are committed to widening access for everyone to pursue a career in architecture. The built environment shapes communities in many different ways, and it is crucial that the designers of the built environment represent the full range of communities that it serves.
Without architects who understand the different experiences of the people they are building for, the full possibilities of a site or brief can be missed and opportunities lost. Expanding access to people who have previously been shut out of the field is crucial to raising standards and improving the quality of our spaces.
In 2024, we launched a new architecture outreach programme in support of this commitment, co-designed by RCA alumni the POoR Collective and RCA MA Architecture staff. The programme works with schools and further education colleges in London to raise awareness of architecture as a career, to uncover what architects do, and to demonstrate the impact of architecture on society. For older age-groups, the sessions include more information on the skills necessary to succeed in studying architecture at university. The pilot programme was shortlisted for the Thornton Education Trust’s Inspire Future Generations Awards 2024.
We give our MA students key roles in our widening access work by engaging them as paid outreach ambassadors to support the delivery of the programme, providing them with new skills and experience in the process.
“I do think my work is part of who I am. Everyone who knows me knows that architecture is my passion, and I feel lucky to be paid to do something I love.”
Shawn Adams, Architect, writer, lecturer, co-founder of POoR Collective
Shawn Adams
Funding your studies
MA Architecture Scholarships
The following scholarships are available for study at the RCA in the financial year 2025/26:
Eranda Rothschild Scholarship
- For: MA Architecture, MA Writing, MA Animation, MA Design Products
- Eligible fee status: Home fee status
- Value: Full fees & maintenance
ALTHAFEN Foundation Scholarship
- For: MA Architecture, MA City Design, MA Environmental Architecture, MA Photography, MA Intelligent Mobility
- Eligible fee status: Home & Overseas fee status
- Value: Full fees
Sir Frank Bowling Scholarship
- For: All programmes excluding PhD & short courses
- Eligibility criteria: Black or Black British Caribbean, Black or Black British African, Other Black Background, Mixed - White and Black Caribbean, Mixed - White and Black African
- Eligible fee status: Home fee status
- Value: Full fees & maintenance
The RCA UK Cost of Living Scholarship
- For: All MA programmes, MArch, MFA, MDes, MRes & MEd
- Eligible fee status: Home fee status
- Value: £5,000 towards living costs
The RCA UK Disabled Students’ Scholarship
- For: All MA programmes, MArch, MFA, MDes, MRes & MEd
- Eligibility criteria: Students who identify as D/deaf or disabled
- Eligible fee status: Home fee status
- Value: £6,000 towards living costs
RCA Scholarships
The RCA is committed to celebrating diversity, eliminating discrimination and promoting equality of opportunity to all. See a full list of all available RCA scholarships.
RCA Access and Participation Plan 2023/24 – 2027/28
The RCA Access and Participation Plan (APP) outlines how the RCA will enable progression and success for students from under-represented groups who are undertaking the MA Architecture programme.
RIBA Scholarships, bursaries, and grants
RIBA offers a wide range of scholarships and bursaries to support students of architecture throughout their Part 1 and Part 2, as well as research funding for academics and practitioners.
