RCA vs UAL vs Goldsmiths
So… I got offers from these programmes, ranked in my order of preference:
The RCA programme seems very broad and highly conceptual, with students and tutors from diverse backgrounds. It doesn’t focus much on teaching technology, but some graduates' work is really impressive. However, it admits around 90–100 students each year and has a very self-directed structure with little planned curriculum.
The UAL programme is similar but has a much smaller cohort (around 30 students), which means more interaction with tutors. The faculty are active in specific fields, and UAL has a solid reputation with strong research outcomes, just like RCA.
Goldsmiths, being in the Computing department, offers a more technical curriculum, including coding and interactive technologies. Their graduate show location—a church—is also very cool. However, I noticed Goldsmiths' ranking has been declining in recent years, and I've heard some concerning things about the institution. I’m unsure if these issues affect the Computing department specifically.
I want to learn technical skills like coding, game engines, and working with interactive sensors, but RCA seems too conceptual with limited resources. While students can access some workshops, it feels unfair that they accept so many students while charging the highest tuition fees.
I’ve already paid my RCA deposit because of their short deadline. While I'm very grateful on all the offers, I’m struggling to decide if it's truly the best choice. Does RCA’s reputation ultimately make a difference, no matter what? Has anyone studied in these programmes? Any advice would be really helpful!
1.
RCA – MA Information Experience Design (School of Communication)
2.
UAL – MA Interaction Design (London College of Communication)
3.
Goldsmiths – MA Computational Art (Computing Department)
The UAL programme is similar but has a much smaller cohort (around 30 students), which means more interaction with tutors. The faculty are active in specific fields, and UAL has a solid reputation with strong research outcomes, just like RCA.
Goldsmiths, being in the Computing department, offers a more technical curriculum, including coding and interactive technologies. Their graduate show location—a church—is also very cool. However, I noticed Goldsmiths' ranking has been declining in recent years, and I've heard some concerning things about the institution. I’m unsure if these issues affect the Computing department specifically.
I want to learn technical skills like coding, game engines, and working with interactive sensors, but RCA seems too conceptual with limited resources. While students can access some workshops, it feels unfair that they accept so many students while charging the highest tuition fees.
I’ve already paid my RCA deposit because of their short deadline. While I'm very grateful on all the offers, I’m struggling to decide if it's truly the best choice. Does RCA’s reputation ultimately make a difference, no matter what? Has anyone studied in these programmes? Any advice would be really helpful!
(edited 1 month ago)
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