Is RCA really that bad? 2025

I have an offer for MA Photography at RCA. I'm in two minds whether to accept, I've read a lot of bad reviews online, course being 1 year, over subscribed, etc

I did my BA at UAL and experienced the same thing, lots of students complaining but I really enjoyed it. I'm a mature student, 37, and tend to get on with my projects, use all facilities and workshops to experiment.

So I'm wondering if I applied the same attitude to the RCA would it still suck or is it possible to make the most of your time and create some solid work?

I like a couple of the lecturers on the course, Sarah Jones, Tom Lovelace, Lisa Chang Lee and a few others.

Also looked at some of their social media and it seems extremely focused towards international students, it's not a huge issue, just wondering if it really has just become a glorified institution that prioritises international students for the money.

Any insights into the current studying experiences that isn't just 'omfg it sucks so much', would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Reply 1

zwong005

Original post

by perfectblue

I have an offer for MA Photography at RCA. I'm in two minds whether to accept, I've read a lot of bad reviews online, course being 1 year, over subscribed, etc
I did my BA at UAL and experienced the same thing, lots of students complaining but I really enjoyed it. I'm a mature student, 37, and tend to get on with my projects, use all facilities and workshops to experiment.
So I'm wondering if I applied the same attitude to the RCA would it still suck or is it possible to make the most of your time and create some solid work?
I like a couple of the lecturers on the course, Sarah Jones, Tom Lovelace, Lisa Chang Lee and a few others.
Also looked at some of their social media and it seems extremely focused towards international students, it's not a huge issue, just wondering if it really has just become a glorified institution that prioritises international students for the money.
Any insights into the current studying experiences that isn't just 'omfg it sucks so much', would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

Hey, first of all, congrats on your offer! I’m a mature student in my early thirties and I’ve applied to RCA’s MA Writing (offer received) and MA Service Design (pending acceptance) and I have the same concerns. I spoke to a few RCA alumni and many of them joined the programme straight out of college. I also heard that last year’s cohort for the MA Service Design was about 180+ students which is pretty crazy. But the students had good things to say about the teaching staff and they suggested that it’s really up to me to make the most out of the opportunity to connect with other faculty and students who were more aligned with my interests. Many of them also took the initiative to look for external projects and apply for awards for their student projects. I thought this was a useful approach. Regardless, I’m sure the experience will be as rewarding as you let it be!