Design Products MDes

The Design Products MAMDes will be available either as a one year MA or a two year MDes. This programme at the RCA explores new terrain for designing products by questioning what a product can be and what design can do. You develop a distinctive practice through research, experimentation and making, working across materials, technologies and disciplines to explore physical and digital products, services, systems and interventions. Through project-based units, collaboration and critical reflection, you develop the skills to navigate complexity, uncertainty and the ethical consequences of design, culminating in an Independent Research Project. While the intensive one-year MA route focuses on developing critical and technical agency through an Independent Research Project, the extended two-year MDes route builds on this foundation to cultivate sustained creative practice and professional leadership. Programme structure: Term 1 In Term 1, you take Locating Practice, which helps you situate your practice within the changing design products landscape while developing research skills and identifying areas for technical and intellectual development. Experimental Design expands your creative practice through experimentation across methods, materials, technologies, making, manufacturing, futures and social and participatory approaches. Term 2 In Term 2, you take Advanced Practice, deepening your creative methods and exploring how design operates within wider social, technological, cultural and ecological contexts. You also participate in the School-wide Grand Challenge, collaborating across disciplines to address a major emerging strategic design issue through a cross-disciplinary approach. A choice of college-wide elective units also allows you to shape your learning journey and work alongside students from across the RCA. Term 3 In Term 3, you take the Independent Research Project, where you independently develop, manage and deliver a high-resolution design project that brings together your research, experimentation, making and critical thinking. Through supervision and technical support, you develop a project that demonstrates your emerging design position and explores new territory within the field. Year 2 – MDes Term 4 In Term 4, you develop your practice through focused research and experimentation, building on the skills and ideas developed during Year 1. You refine your design direction through independent work, critical reflection and specialist support. Terms 5 & 6 Across Terms 5 and 6, you develop and complete your Major Project, bringing together research, experimentation and making to explore a focused design question. Through independent practice and critical reflection, you refine your ideas and outcomes, culminating in a substantial body of work that demonstrates your developing design practice and professional direction.Referring to the website: Please refer to the programme webpage for the most accurate and up-to-date information about the programme, its structure, modules and any updates or changes. About RCA: The Royal College of Art is the world’s leading postgraduate art and design university, providing students with unrivalled opportunities to develop their practice, build their networks, enhance their career and to deliver art and design projects that transform the world. For 12 consecutive years, the RCA has been ranked as the world’s number 1 art & design university in the QS World University subject rankings (2015-2026) - attracting artists, designers and communicators from across the globe.

Candidates are selected entirely on merit and applications are welcomed from all over the world. The selection process considers creativity, imagination and innovation as demonstrated in your portfolio, as well as your potential to benefit from the programme and to achieve high Master's standards overall.For Design Products, you should have a good undergraduate degree or equivalent in an area of design, or related background and proficient written and spoken English. Several years of professional experience, either before or after a first degree, is a benefit, and you must be able to demonstrate critical and innovative thinking, a design curiosity and the ability to thrive in student led projects.Applications are welcomed from candidates from related backgrounds, such as engineering, architecture, communication, sports science, medical/health, international development/NGO, economics/business, material science, technology development and user experience.Portfolio requirementsWe are looking for people from all backgrounds who are interested in using design to solve problems and enrich lives. Use your portfolio to highlight your work and skills. We especially want to understand your thinking process, how to you frame problems and tackle them, how you measure success and learn from challenges.Portfolio (required)We want to see the depth and quality of your work, especially your approach to design work, interests, and ambitions.Pick your best projects to include that highlight your technical skills and design thinking process.Communicate the story of each project: the motivations, specific design problems, how you solved them, what you learned through testing/iterationHighlight challenges or failures and how they were addressedWorks in progress may be includedWorks that has been deployed in public (to real-world/places/people) is especially valuableClearly identify your role and specific contributions when including group projectsAny kind of project is acceptable. Even from a non 'design' field, tell us about it as outlined abovePersonal statementPlease provide a 300-word written personal statement that addresses the following points:Introduce yourself, your interests and your motivations for applying to the Royal College of Art, and to this programme in particular.Briefly summarise any educational background and professional experience to date that will support your application.Tell us what you want to do in the future.Video requirements