London's
Royal College of Art proves that fashion is truly an art. And much like other art forms, fashion is ever-evolving. It continues to change, from one trend to the next to even one new aesthetic to another. Such an art form requires further and consistent research, allowing for a better understanding of how it evolves over time. Thus, this is what makes the Royal College of Art one of the best fashion schools in London. Serving as both an educational institution and a research facility, the school both teaches and takes its students from one point in fashion to the next.
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ Shadowssettle
History of The Royal College of Art
The Royal College of Art in
London started out as the Government School of Design during the early 1800s. It was founded in Somerset House in 1837 and became one of the UK's first art and design schools. It didn't take long for the institution to gain prominence among the noble and intellectual elite, So much so that in 1853, the school expanded and moved to Marlborough House. By the late 19th century, the school became known as the premier teacher-training college for art and design. It taught such figures as George Clausen, Christopher Dresser, Kate Greenaway, and more.
What Does The Royal College of Art Look Like?
Located on Kensington Gore in South Kensington, the school's current campus is a world away from its original home. During its first years in the early to mid-19th century, the school was housed in grand buildings like Somerset and Malborough Houses. Today, the school is in its own modern campus, devoid of the grand architecture of its past. But what its campus may lack in eye-catching design, it more than makes up for with its ample space. The school has more than enough facilities for its design classes, even for the fashion students.
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ Shadowssettle
The Royal College of Art Student Body
Despite how big of a school it is, the Royal College of Art expresses its relative exclusivity with its slightly limited student body. The school only accepts about over 1,000 students per year, at times reaching 1,500. These include both new enrollees and returning students who have yet to finish their multi-year courses. Not to mention international students too. Though it's not the most popular
fashion school in London, the Royal College of Art still welcomes a lot of foreign applicants. Nevertheless, its acceptance rate is still just 27.2%, a further testament to how hard it is to get into the school.
The Royal College of Art's Best Programs and Courses
Admittedly, the Royal College of Art only offers one fashion program. It's a Master of Arts in Fashion, teaching you various parts of the industry. While it's only one program, it's not a limited one. The school allows you to choose your specific platform within the fashion course, be it in design, business, and more. Additionally, there are also courses related to textiles, jewelry-making, and fashion research, among many others. It's a collection of classes that delve deep into various areas in the industry. Your fashion education here will not be limited!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
The Royal College of Art's Prerequisites
As it is a Master's Degree program, the Royal College of Art's fashion course has three main prerequisites, apart from the usual Bachelor of Arts degree. The first is a portfolio that shows and expresses your creativity. Your portfolio should show your thought process, how well you can curate your work, your preferences in terms of design, material, style, etc., and how your work relates to others. The second is a two-minute introductory video about yourself, what you feel the fashion industry needs now, and how the industry will benefit from your contributions. Finally, the third is for international students. The school requires foreign enrollees an IELTS (International English Language Testing System) Academic score of at least 6.0 to 6.5.
How Much Does It Cost to Study at The Royal College of Art?
Even for its fashion program alone, the Royal College of Art imposes different tuition fees depending on where you're coming from. If you've
moved to London or anywhere else in the UK before applying, for example, you'll be regarded as a UK student. The school's tuition fee for UK students is £15,150.00 per year. As for overseas students (which now include EU citizens), the tuition fee is £35,950.00 per year. Upon getting accepted, you'll also have to pay non-refundable to secure your place in the coming school year. The required amount is £1,000.00 for UK students and £2,000.00 for international students.
Where is The Royal College of Art in The City?
As already mentioned, the Royal College of Art is located in Kensington Gore in South Kensington, one of the more affluent
neighborhoods in London. The place itself is among the more peaceful and green-filled districts in the city, perfect for a fairly peaceful lifestyle amidst the bustling British capital. It's also famous for its proximity to Central London, where you'll find the trendy areas of Chelsea, SoHo, and the like. As such, this is one of the best addresses to
rent a luxury apartment in London, whether you'll be studying at the Royal College of Art or not.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
You'd do well to learn fashion in London's prestigious Royal College of Art! It's one of the best places to truly understand the artistry and craft of fashion, a billion-dollar industry that remains impactful in society today.
