Royal College of Art
Also known as: RCA
5 Star Employer Ranking
Kensington Gore, South Kensington, London SW7 2EU, UK
Also known as: RCA
| Event | Date | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🎉 | New Year's Day Bank Holiday | 1 January 2025 | National holiday marking the start of the year, affecting all students and staff with campus closures. |
| 📅 | Spring Term Begins | 13 January 2025approximate | Commencement of spring term classes and studios for postgraduate programs. |
| 🐉 | Chinese New Year Celebration | 29 January 2025 | Cultural event for international community, no classes affected. |
| ✝️ | Good Friday Bank Holiday | 18 April 2025 | Easter holiday period begins, providing break for reflection and travel. |
| 🥚 | Easter Monday Bank Holiday | 21 April 2025 | Continuation of Easter break, campus services limited. |
| 🏦 | Early May Bank Holiday | 5 May 2025 | Public holiday, ideal for short breaks amid term. |
| 🏫 | Spring Term Ends | 20 June 2025approximate | Conclusion of spring term assessments and projects. |
| ☀️ | Summer Term Begins | 23 June 2025approximate | Start of summer term with focus on exhibitions and residencies. |
| 🏖️ | Summer Bank Holiday | 25 August 2025 | Late summer holiday, often used for final preparations. |
| 🍂 | Autumn Term Begins | 22 September 2025approximate | New academic year kickoff with orientations and inductions. |
| 🎨 | London Design Festival | 13 September 2025approximate | Integrated event for design students, enhancing curriculum. |
| 🎃 | Halloween Event | 31 October 2025 | Campus social event, no academic impact. |
| 🔥 | Guy Fawkes Night | 5 November 2025 | UK tradition, fireworks and bonfires around London. |
| 🕊️ | Remembrance Sunday | 9 November 2025 | Observance with potential campus memorials. |
| ❄️ | Autumn Term Ends | 12 December 2025approximate | End of term with reviews and holiday preparations. |
| 🎄 | Christmas Day | 25 December 2025 | Major holiday, campus closed for winter break. |
| 🎁 | Boxing Day | 26 December 2025 | Continued holiday period for rest and family time. |
Are you planning on applying to RCA next year? Then you need to know the important dates and deadlines for the admissions process at RCA. You can check them out below…
| Event | Date | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 📝 | Application Opening for Postgraduate Programs | 1 September 2025 | Start of application period for 2026 entry. |
| ⏰ | Early Application Deadline | 1 December 2025 | For priority consideration in competitive programs. |
| 🖼️ | Portfolio Submission Deadline | 15 January 2026 | Required for art and design applicants. |
| 📧 | Interview Invitations Sent | 1 February 2026approximate | Notifications for shortlisted candidates. |
| 🗣️ | Interview Period | 15 February 2026approximate | In-person or virtual interviews. |
| ✅ | Offer Notification Deadline | 15 March 2026 | Decisions released to applicants. |
| ✉️ | Acceptance Deadline | 15 April 2026 | Final date to accept offers. |
| 🌍 | Visa Application Guidance Session | 1 May 2026approximate | For international students. |
| 📋 | Enrollment Confirmation | 1 June 2026 | Final steps for incoming students. |
The Royal College of Art (RCA), renowned as the world's leading postgraduate art and design university, structures its academic calendar to foster creativity, innovation, and rigorous artistic development. Located in London, England, RCA operates on a term-based system typical of UK higher education institutions, with three main terms: autumn, spring, and summer. This setup allows for intensive studio-based learning, interdisciplinary projects, and global collaborations that define the RCA experience. Unlike undergraduate-focused universities, RCA's calendar is tailored to postgraduate students, emphasizing research, exhibitions, and professional practice. Historically, the institution has evolved from its founding in 1837 as the Government School of Design, adapting its schedule to align with major art events like London Design Festival and international biennales. This calendar not only accommodates academic pursuits but also integrates with the vibrant cultural scene of the UK, including bank holidays and seasonal breaks that provide opportunities for reflection and inspiration. For students, the calendar impacts everything from project deadlines to portfolio reviews, while faculty benefit from structured periods for research and mentoring. International students, who make up a significant portion of RCA's diverse community, find the calendar aligns well with global holidays, easing transitions. Compared to other UK universities like University College London or Central Saint Martins, RCA's calendar emphasizes flexibility for creative disciplines, with extended studio access during terms. Planning around this calendar helps in coordinating exhibitions, critiques, and collaborations. If you're a student or alumni, consider sharing your experiences by rating professors on Rate My Professor to help others navigate the academic landscape. The calendar also ties into admissions cycles, ensuring prospective students can align their applications with term starts. Overall, understanding RCA's academic calendar is key to maximizing the unique opportunities in art and design education.
At the Royal College of Art, semester dates are designed to support immersive learning in art and design fields. The autumn term typically begins after summer breaks, allowing new students to settle into London's dynamic environment. Class planning involves selecting modules that blend theory with practice, such as fine art, architecture, or fashion design. Students often use the calendar to map out studio time, group projects, and guest lectures from industry leaders. Tips for effective planning include prioritizing core requirements early and leaving room for elective explorations. RCA's flexible scheduling accommodates part-time work or internships, common among postgraduate students. Ratings from platforms like Rate My Professor can guide course selections by highlighting teaching styles. International students should note how terms align with visa requirements and travel plans. Faculty encourage proactive planning to avoid overlaps with major deadlines. By understanding general timing, students can balance academic loads with personal commitments, ensuring a productive year. For more insights, explore higher ed career advice on our site.
Exam schedules at RCA are integrated into the term structure, focusing on assessments like portfolio reviews, critiques, and thesis defenses rather than traditional written exams. Preparation involves building a strong body of work throughout the term, with feedback sessions helping refine ideas. Study tips include regular studio practice, peer reviews, and utilizing RCA's extensive resources like libraries and workshops. Time management is crucial, as assessments often coincide with exhibition preparations. Students rate professors highly for their supportive approaches during these periods—check Rate My Professor for detailed reviews. International aspects include accommodating different time zones for virtual elements.
Holidays and breaks at the Royal College of Art provide essential downtime in the intense world of postgraduate art and design. In the UK context, key periods include Christmas and Easter breaks, aligning with national bank holidays like Boxing Day and Good Friday. These times allow students to recharge, travel, or engage in personal projects. For instance, the winter break offers opportunities to visit family or explore Europe's art scenes, while spring breaks coincide with Easter, ideal for reflection amid London's blooming parks. Summer breaks are longer, perfect for internships or residencies. Planning tips include booking travel early, especially for international students returning home. RCA traditions might involve holiday exhibitions or workshops. Compared to US universities with spring breaks, UK schedules emphasize these seasonal pauses for well-being. Faculty use breaks for research, and staff for professional development. Aligning with holidays like May Day or August Bank Holiday enhances work-life balance. For family coordination, parents can sync visits with these periods. If you're faculty or staff, rate your employer experiences on our platform to share insights. Explore related university rankings for more on UK institutions.
Faculty and staff at RCA follow a work schedule tied to the academic calendar, with deadlines for grading, curriculum planning, and event coordination. Terms dictate busy periods for teaching and mentoring, while breaks allow for research. Tips include using digital tools for deadline tracking. Job opportunities in higher ed can be found on higher ed jobs.
Faculty meetings and grading periods are scheduled around terms, ensuring smooth operations. Invite employees to rate their employer on our site. Links to lecturer jobs and research jobs.
Historically, RCA's calendars have adapted to educational reforms, with patterns showing consistent term structures. Future calendars maintain this, incorporating digital flexibility.
Key events like orientation and commencement are highlights. Invite students to rate professors on Rate My Professor or view results.
| Event | Date | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🎉 | New Year's Day Bank Holiday | 1 January 2026 | Start of the year with national closures. |
| 📅 | Spring Term Begins | 12 January 2026approximate | Resumption of classes post-winter break. |
| 🐉 | Chinese New Year | 17 February 2026 | Cultural celebration for diverse student body. |
| ✝️ | Good Friday | 3 April 2026 | Easter holiday start. |
| 🥚 | Easter Monday | 6 April 2026 | Extended break period. |
| 🏦 | Early May Bank Holiday | 4 May 2026 | Spring public holiday. |
| 🏫 | Spring Term Ends | 19 June 2026approximate | Term conclusion with assessments. |
| ☀️ | Summer Term Begins | 22 June 2026approximate | Summer sessions commence. |
| 🏖️ | Summer Bank Holiday | 31 August 2026 | End-of-summer holiday. |
| 🍂 | Autumn Term Begins | 21 September 2026approximate | New year orientations. |
| 🎨 | London Design Festival | 12 September 2026approximate | Design-focused event integration. |
| 🎃 | Halloween | 31 October 2026 | Social campus event. |
| 🔥 | Guy Fawkes Night | 5 November 2026 | Fireworks tradition. |
| 🕊️ | Remembrance Sunday | 8 November 2026 | Memorial observance. |
| ❄️ | Autumn Term Ends | 11 December 2026approximate | Term wrap-up. |
| 🎄 | Christmas Day | 25 December 2026 | Holiday closure. |
| 🎁 | Boxing Day | 26 December 2026 | Post-Christmas holiday. |
