Undergraduate
Postgraduate progression with the Royal College of Art
Study on one of 13 undergraduate courses at Arts University Plymouth and you can access application guidance, portfolio preparation and progression planning if you later decide to apply for relevant postgraduate study at the Royal College of Art.
Arts University Plymouth and the Royal College of Art have a formal agreement covering postgraduate progression from 13 of our undergraduate courses.
<p dir="ltr">If you are considering postgraduate study at the Royal College of Art, support available through the agreement includes:</p><ul> <li dir="ltr">guidance on the RCA application process and requirements</li> <li dir="ltr">portfolio development guidance as you prepare for postgraduate study</li> <li dir="ltr">progression planning to help you consider programmes relevant to your work.</li></ul>
<p dir="ltr">Information about the guidance available and how to take part will be shared with students on the courses covered by the agreement.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Your undergraduate degree will continue to be taught and awarded by Arts University Plymouth. The agreement concerns the option of applying for postgraduate study at the RCA after you graduate.</p>
Royal College of Art Kensington campus
<p>Students graduating from the following Arts University Plymouth courses can use the progression route:</p><ul> <li><a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/ba-hons-painting-drawing-printmaking">BA (Hons) Painting, Drawing & Printmaking</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/ba-hons-fine-art">BA (Hons) Fine Art</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/ba-hons-craft-material-practices">BA (Hons) Craft & Material Practices</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/ba-hons-textile-design">BA (Hons) Textile Design</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/ba-hons-illustration">BA (Hons) Illustration</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/ba-hons-graphic-design">BA (Hons) Graphic Design</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/ba-hons-film-screen-arts">BA (Hons) Film & Screen Arts</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/ba-hons-fashion-media-marketing">BA (Hons) Fashion Media & Marketing</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/ba-hons-interior-design">BA (Hons) Interior Design & Styling</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/ba-hons-fashion-design">BA (Hons) Fashion Design</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/ba-hons-game-arts-animation">BA (Hons) Game Arts & Animation</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/ba-hons-photography">BA (Hons) Photography</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/ba-hons-costume-production">BA (Hons) Costume Production</a></li></ul>
<p>The agreement identifies relevant RCA taught postgraduate programmes for each of these courses. Programme availability and entry requirements can change, so use the current RCA course information when preparing an application.</p>
RCA Works by Applied Art students on display 2026 – Credit Thomas Moen Reliant Imaging
<p>The Royal College of Art is offering up to six progression scholarships towards tuition fees for eligible Arts University Plymouth graduates entering RCA postgraduate study in the 2027/28 academic year:</p><ul><li>Up to five scholarships of £5,000 each for applicants assessed by the RCA as having Home fee status.</li><li>Up to one scholarship of £9,000 for an applicant assessed by the RCA as having International fee status.</li></ul>
<p>These scholarships are available through the progression agreement covering the undergraduate courses listed below. Each award contributes towards the recipient’s RCA tuition fees.</p>
<p>To be considered, applicants must apply through the RCA’s normal admissions process, meet the requirements of an eligible postgraduate programme, receive and satisfy the conditions of an admission offer, and meet any additional scholarship criteria set by the RCA.</p>
<p>The RCA determines eligibility and selects scholarship recipients. An admission offer does not automatically include a scholarship, and fewer than six awards may be made.</p>
<p>These awards are for RCA entry in 2027/28. Funding arrangements for subsequent years will be published when confirmed.</p>
<p>Application dates and scholarship application instructions will be added here once confirmed by the RCA.</p>
Work by MA Sculpture students on show at RCA2026. Credit Thomas Moen Reliant Imaging.
<p>If you are considering postgraduate study at the Royal College of Art, speak to your course team about the application guidance and portfolio preparation available through the progression agreement.</p>
<p>Applications are made directly to the RCA through its standard admissions process. Check the current entry requirements and application dates for your chosen programme.</p>
<p><strong>Admission is not automatic</strong></p>
<p>A place at the Royal College of Art is not reserved or guaranteed.</p>
<p>You must successfully complete an undergraduate course covered by the agreement and meet the RCA’s academic and programme-specific entry requirements, including any portfolio or interview requirements. English language and visa requirements also apply where relevant.</p>
<p>The Royal College of Art makes all admissions decisions. Scholarship eligibility and selection are assessed separately.<br /></p>
RCA Untitled by Julia Moon, Red by Gaby Sahhar, deep in nature by Claire Zakiewicz. All MA Painting at RCA 2026. Credit Thomas Moen Reliant Imaging.
<p dir="ltr">The progression agreement forms part of a wider relationship between the two specialist universities.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Arts University Plymouth and the RCA have also set out a shared ambition to develop collaboration across teaching and curriculum, research and knowledge exchange, postgraduate and doctoral activity, and staff and technical exchange. Confirmed opportunities will be added here as the partnership develops.<br /></p>
<p>Postgraduate study at the RCA is one possible next step after your degree. You can also continue your studies at Arts University Plymouth, apply elsewhere or move into employment, freelance practice or your own creative business.</p>
<ul> <li><a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate">Explore postgraduate courses at Arts University Plymouth</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.rca.ac.uk/study/programme-finder/">Explore postgraduate study at the Royal College of Art</a></li></ul>
<p><a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/open-days">Come to an Open Day</a> to explore our studios and workshops, meet course teams and talk to us about the work you want to make and where your degree could take you.</p>
