Overview

The MA Painting at the RCA cultivates an inclusive and expansive approach to painting both as a material practice and a way of thinking. You will interrogate the meanings, forms and futures of painting in a contemporary world, embracing its rich material and conceptual histories within global, transnational contexts. Supported by expert tutors, group critiques, seminars and lectures, you will refine your studio practice through individual tutorials and critical reflection. The programme emphasises experimentation, self reflexivity and innovation, empowering you to develop as an independent artist, researcher and thinker capable of sustaining a vibrant professional practice beyond the institution.

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Programme Structure

In Term 1 you take Establishing a Painting Practice, exploring the content, form, and research behind your work. Technical inductions, lectures, seminars, tutorials, and group critiques support experimentation with materials and situate your practice within historical and contemporary contexts.

In Term 2, Painting in the Expanded Field: Experimental Positions deepens conceptual, aesthetic, and material approaches through research, experimentation, and resolved work. You also take the school-wide unit Urgency of the Arts, examining how arts and humanities practice can respond to urgent socio-political issues.

In Term 3, the Independent Research Project produces a resolved body of work reflecting critical thinking, research, and creative ambitions, culminating in a public presentation.

AcrossRCA in Terms 1–2 enables collaboration on themed projects addressing cultural, social, environmental, or economic issues.

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Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-09-14 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-06-03 00:00:00

More details

Applications are now open for September 2026 entry. Round 2 application deadline: 17 March 2026, 12:00 (UK time). Round 3 deadline: Wednesday 3 June 2026(12:00)

Language

English

IELTS

6.5

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Credits

180 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

London, United Kingdom

Disciplines

Design Interior Design Painting & Drawing View 15 other Masters in Painting & Drawing 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

6.5

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Other requirements

General requirements

We welcome applications from individuals from all backgrounds and from all over the world.
RCA alumni come from a wide range of backgrounds and industries, bringing diverse experiences including those unrelated to art, which enrich the creative community and drive fresh perspectives.
As part of your application, you may need to submit:
- A portfolio showcasing your work and artistic vision.
- A personal statement (around 300 words) describing your interests, motivations, and future goals.
- An introduction video (maximum 2 minutes) to introduce yourself and explain your artistic approach and project ideas.
To help you prepare your application, we host regular portfolio and video Q&A sessions. Please visit the RCA website to learn more about these events and to register.
Please refer to the programme webpage for the most accurate and up to date information on entry requirements for this programme.

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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

41350 GBP / year

≈ 41350 GBP / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

17350 GBP / year

≈ 17350 GBP / year

Additional Details

Please refer to the programe webpage for the most up-to-date information on tuition fees, deposits, and additional costs for both home and overseas/ EU students

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

RCA offers a wide range of funding opportunities to support postgraduate study, including a variety of tuition fee and living cost scholarships.

Beyond financial support, many of these scholarships also provide networking opportunities with peers, partnership organisations and professional bodies to enhance your experience.

You can find more information about available scholarships and their eligibility criteria here: https://www.rca.ac.uk/study/apply-to-study/funding-your-studies/rca-scholarships-and-awards/

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Painting.

Available Scholarships

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

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About

Overview

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Programme Structure

Check out the full curriculum

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

Explore more key information

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Make sure you meet all requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic Applies to you

Additional Details

Living costs

London

Funding

Check for any work restrictions

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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