Seeking Advice on City/Urban Design MA: CSM - UAL vs. RCA.

Hello everyone,
I have been fortunate enough to receive offers for the City/Urban Design MA program at both Central Saint Martins - UAL and the Royal College of Art (RCA).
I am now faced with a decision and would greatly appreciate any advice or insights from those who have studied at RCA before.

Here are some key details to consider:
1. Central Saint Martins - UAL:
Duration: 2 years
Total Cost: Approximately £30,000 (International student)
Prestige: CSM is renowned and the most popular school at UAL.

2. Royal College of Art (RCA):
Duration: 1 year
Total Cost: Approximately £34,000 (International student)
Prestige: RCA is widely known for its excellence and reputation.

My main concern is regarding networking opportunities and employability. While RCA is famous, I also acknowledge that CSM holds considerable prestige and popularity within UAL.

If anyone who has studied at RCA could kindly share their experiences or offer advice on the networking and employability aspects, I would be extremely grateful.

(edited 1 year ago)

Reply 1

Anna001

Omg im in the same position as well, i got offer for Cities at CSM and City Design at RCA, I couldn’t decide

Reply 2

Alice Nguyen

Original post by Anna001

Omg im in the same position as well, i got offer for Cities at CSM and City Design at RCA, I couldn’t decide

It seems like not many people have insight from RCA. I found this thread 7 years ago: https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=3941687.

Reply 3

Ars_1709

Hi, have you decided yet?

I'm also interested in applying to the City/Urban Design MA program at both Central Saint Martins - UAL and the Royal College of Art (RCA). However, I'm still considering which one is the best. Do you have any advice?

Reply 4

Alice Nguyen

Original post by Ars_1709

Hi, have you decided yet?
I'm also interested in applying to the City/Urban Design MA program at both Central Saint Martins - UAL and the Royal College of Art (RCA). However, I'm still considering which one is the best. Do you have any advice?

I've decided to take the MA program at RCA though since the course at UAL is 2 years and I just want to finish as quickly as I can. I think at RCA, it's pretty politics, I learn a lot but also sometimes I feel like they don't have enough facility/staff to take care all of us. UAL also have a pretigious name so you can consider if you like the course there. I still keep contact with the recruiter from UAL though.

Reply 5

Ars_1709

Thank you for your response, Alicia.

Curriculum-wise, I actually prefer UAL over RCA. However, I have concerns about the staff and tutors at UAL. When I checked their website last year, they had few tutors listed based on the units. This year, I noticed that only the course leader is listed on the staff page, which is concerning to me.

Do you have any information regarding this matter from your communication with their recruiter?

Thanks in advance!

(edited 3 months ago)

Reply 6

totorodododo

Original post by Ars_1709

Thank you for your response, Alicia.
Curriculum-wise, I actually prefer UAL over RCA. However, I have concerns about the staff and tutors at UAL. When I checked their website last year, they had few tutors listed based on the units. This year, I noticed that only the course leader is listed on the staff page, which is concerning to me.
Do you have any information regarding this matter from your communication with their recruiter?
Thanks in advance!

hey there! was wondering if you decided on going to UAL Cities? I'm literally on the same boat as you. Knew two of the assistant professors teaching there, and all of a sudden I could only see the course leader as part of the staff directory for this year which seemed alarming..