The History of Design MA course at The Royal College of Art and V&A Museum explores design history within the context of global themes and topics.

The History of Design MA is ranked at number one in the QS World University Rankings for history of art, design and architecture programmes (2023 to 2025).

We study how objects are created, used and circulated around the world. In this course, students explore diverse and global topics from fashion and textiles history to graphic, architectural and urban design.

Histories of theatre, performance and the material culture of photography are a regular focus, with digital materials as relevant as histories of craft, making and the decorative arts.

Students are based at both the RCA Kensington campus and V&A Museum, providing privileged access to museum spaces. We'll encourage students to communicate their views on urgent design and heritage issues and by our end-of-year symposium, they will be capable of writing and presenting research both confidently and professionally.

Full and part time study options are available.

Course modules include: Artefacts in History, History as Public Practice, Research in the History of Design and Material Culture, Urgency of the Arts, AcrossRCA and Independent Research Project.

School: The Royal College of Art
Course: The History of Design MA
Type: Postgraduate
Location: London, UK
Course dates: September 2026 to July 2027
Application deadlines: 19 January 2026

Applications to this course have now closed.

What will I learn during this course?

– Historical research skills via artefact analysis
– Theoretical approaches
– Research methods and approaches
– Engage with contemporary debates in design history and material culture
– Apply intellectual, technical and professional skills to briefs

What are the requirements?

– A portfolio showcasing your work and artistic vision
– A personal statement (around 300 words) describing interests, motivations and future goals
– An introduction video (maximum two minutes) to introduce yourself and explain your artistic approach and project ideas

What facilities and resources are available?

– Access to V&A museum spaces
– Guidance from technicians for glass, metalwork, jewellery, embroidery, screen printing, dying or letterpress printing
– Specialist facilities across cutting-edge digital technologies such as VR, 360 sound, robotics, rapid prototyping, CNC milling and 3D-scanning

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