17 Nov 2010

Royal College of Art: Critical Writing in Art and Design

Royal College of Art: Critical Writing in Art and Design

Last year the Royal College of Art in London launched a new MA programme in Critical Writing in Art & Design. We are now looking to recruit our second cohort of students to start in autumn 2011.

This full-time, two-year MA explores different aspects of writing about and for contemporary art and design. Students on the MA develop specialist knowledge of a field of art, design, architecture, fashion or the applied arts. They also follow a common programme of classes designed to develop their skills as writers, editors and thinkers. The MA offers a new opportunity to develop the literary and intellectual skills required for art and design criticism in an age of rapid technological and cultural change.

Students on this master's programme will work with and amongst artists, designers, architects and applied artists studying in Britain's only postgraduate university of art and design. A stimulating and intellectually provocative setting; world-leading artists, critics and designers exhibit, lecture and teach here.


Students on the Critical Writing in Art & Design MA have opportunities to publish their work - interviews, reviews, polemics, sustained critical essays and scripts - on-line and in print. Working alongside graphic designers and other postgraduates in the College, they will produce a major print publication in the second year of their studies.

Graduates of the MA will leave the College with a portfolio of different kinds of writing, editing skills and critical understanding as well as membership of a formidable network of RCA graduates.

Bursaries are available for students who qualify. For further details please contact the Registry at the RCA.

Interviews for places will be held in March 2011. Applications are encouraged from anyone with a good BA degree in a humanities / arts subject (including studio-courses in art and design). Applicants will need to demonstrate a commitment to writing and a strong interest in contemporary art and design practice.


The Department also offers opportunities to undertake research degrees (MPhil and PhD).

For further details about the MA course or research degree opportunities please go to www.rca.ac.uk  > Courses & Departments > Critical Writing in Art and Design. An open day is being held on 3 December where prospective students will have a chance to meet staff, students and to tour the RCA.

If you have further queries, please contact criticalwriting@rca.ac.uk