Royal College of Art 2017 applications

Had my interview wednesday and they sent me an informal offer on sat cause I emailed them as a thanks for the interview kind of thing. I was a late applicant. I reckon every course has its own timings! Just gotta wait guys! They will get to you soon! Good luck to everyone xxx

Hey everyone! I got an offer for MA in Print! I am an international student who graduated from an Australian programme (BA) in December 2016. I probably submitted in time for the priority deadline, which resulted in an early Skype interview and decision. I realised how nerve wrecking it was, especially when there was little to no information on the internet regarding the RCA interviews. Hence, I thought it would be helpful to share my (Skype) interview experience.

Interviewers & Atmosphere:
I was interviewed by a panel of three, two tutors and a student. I really really REALLY enjoyed my interview experience as they were smiling the whole time, I giggled a lot too. It was pretty laid back and not as intimidating as one would imagine (but of course, I mumbled a lot, I was very nervous after all).

Structure:
It was a 20-minute interview consisting of approx. 5 questions and a few Q&As.

Questions:
1) Why Printmaking at the RCA?
2) Describe your art practice.
3) Portfolio-related question.
4) Vision, personal goals & specialised interests.
5) Your character & personality i.e. will you fit in?

I happened to be interviewed by one of my art world heroines so I was ecstatic and acted like an idiot. Sure, they were there to challenge but by no means were they grim reapers. My advice would be: Be yourself, relax; be prepared, relax.

Good luck to you all!

They've sent me the invitation for a Skype interview this afternoon! I'm so excited!
I read that if invited to the interview you have to bring a physical portfolio, but what about Skype interviews? Does anyone know how it works?

Oh my god that is amazing!!!!!!!!!!
How was the interview though?
Do you have any tips on what question could be prepared?

>>sorry for the long reply! I had trouble looking for interview advice and I would have loved if I could have found more so I'm going to be quite detailed >>

My interview was really chilled out and informal, it was just the course leader. The course I applied for is Information Experience Design, which is largely theory based and innovation based (my BA is Graphic Design). I am on my last year of uni so it could be totally different for people from other backgrounds. He was really nice and it was a nice interview. He made me talk about my portfolio and explain all the projects to him, and that took up most of the time. He did not question me he just took lots of notes. Then he asked me:

-what do I want to develop while on the course?
-why do I want to do a masters?
-what have a been reading lately/ what informs me?
-how would a masters help me to be where I want to be?
-what are you doing for your final degree show?

Other questions I think I answered without him asking like -
-why do I want to do this course?
-How has my practice developed in order to arrive at this moment?
-how have I been working up until now?
-what would I do if I don't get in?

Basically I prepared quite well and I think I demonstrated that this was the right course for me and I was the right fit for them. My work is heavily researched based, my ideas are quite conceptual, and I am looking for a place to develop this. Even though my projects might not be brilliantly executed, I think for my course they are looking for a mix of different people.

My advice would be prepared well for what you are going to say, be confident in yourself, and prove that you are going to be an active participant in the school not a passive person. Also think of two or three questions to ask so that you don't get stuck when they ask you! Overall I think they just want to see how you work and your personality )

Here are some other questions that I used to prepare, it might help?

-Who is your favourite artist that you can relate to? Why?-How will you utilise the RCA resources during the degree?-What do you see yourself doing after two years?-Study / thesis proposal? Themes?-What is it about this design practice that excites you? Why are you interested?-how would I feel about being a student in London?-how I feel about writing the dissertation?

Good luck everyoneeee !!

This is really helpful !
I am definitely going to prepare this stuff.I myself am a final year student (BA Product Design/Lifestyle Accessories )

I have applied for the Global Innovation Design program and apart from the interview we are also given a creative exercise which we have to complete in an hour.I'm really anxious on what that is going to be.But I guess that is what they require us to do as designers, be spontaneous right ?

*Fingers crossed*

Did they ask you about how you would be funding your studies?

Sounds pretty cool to do the exercise haha! I had a look at that course, not for me but looks really fun! Good luck! No, they didn't ask me how I'd fund it.

Has anyone heard back? X

Are the interviews of your department over?

I have mine day after tomorrow. So nervous... !

best luck tomorrow mate on it, kill it, hope all of us get in and see each other in September

Hey,

I applied for the RCA/V&A MA in History of Design and got a place, so will begin in September 2017.

I was just wondering if there were any other people who also got on the course and wanted to chat about it/housing/funding/interests etc!

Thanks!

Ellie

Hello !
i've got a place on vis com illustration for 2017 ! currently looking for funding and housing options ! where do you think you are going to stay? its all very expensive

Hey guys! Have you gotten an official letter? Looking for housing options aswell!

Yes have you ? It came a couple of days ago in the post! what are you studying?

I was offered an informal place for GID, still waiting on the letter/official info. So excited!
I'll be coming from the US, so also looking at where to live in London. Any recs welcome!

NYC
Part of the interest in GID was being able to split my time between here and Europe/Asia.