Overview

The MA Curating Contemporary Art at the RCA develops your critical awareness of curating in a global context through collaborative, practice-led study. Working with London-based arts organisations and peers from around the world, you explore both theory and practice including programming, commissioning, advocacy and writing, within an ecology of spaces such as galleries, museums, urban sites and networked cultural platforms. The programme grounds itself in the political, social and cultural conditions of contemporary curating and, in your final term, you deliver a public-facing curatorial project, shaping how audiences experience art.

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Programme Structure

In Term 1 you take Curatorial Thinking, exploring dominant and emerging positions in curatorial studies and developing critical and analytical skills through lectures, seminars, and close reading. You also take Ecologies of Curating, examining how spaces, organisations, and conditions of place influence what is curated and for whom.

In Term 2, Curating in a Collaborative Context develops a curatorial proposal for a live brief, with group research, commissioning, planning, presentation, and advocacy. You also take Urgency of the Arts, exploring how arts practice responds to urgent socio-political issues.

In Term 3, the Independent Research Project produces a self-directed curatorial project, culminating in a public-facing event or exhibition.

AcrossRCA in Terms 1–2 enables cross-programme 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

Visual Arts Art History Museum Studies View 100 other Masters in Museum Studies 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

38650 GBP / year

≈ 38650 GBP / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

15450 GBP / year

≈ 15450 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 Curating Contemporary Art.

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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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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