MA/MFA Creative Arts Practice
Study from anywhere in the world. Delivered through blended or fully online learning, this one-year programme will help you shape your creative identity, develop critical thinking skills and build a sustainable career in the performing and production arts.
Page Navigation
Overview
This one-year, practice-led, modular programme for creative graduates will evolve your practice and enhance employability in a world-leading performing and production arts education environment.
As contemporary creative artists often work across and beyond the traditional boundaries of artistic disciplines, the focus will be on bespoke, individual learning.
You will engage in critical inquiry to identify meaningful goals and develop essential knowledge, skills and attitudes for success in your artistic journey.
Throughout the programme, you will have the opportunity to build a professional network and receive support to critically engage with your practice in order to transform your creative identity.
It will also help you enhance your skills for freelance work, employment with creative agencies or further academic study, while expanding your professional network.
This is a flexible programme, where you’ll work alongside RCS lecturers and industry experts, as well as our network of national and international partners.
The MA is designed to integrate with your existing arts practice and includes a significant amount of student-led learning. It will be complemented by intensive residencies at the beginning and end of the programme, as well as online delivery, one-to-one support, and peer group learning.
The important details
UK Applicant Deadline:
31 March 2026
International (including EU) Applicant Deadline:
31 March 2026
Institution Code:
R58
Programme Code:
MA Full-Time - 219F; MA Part-Time - 214P / MFA Full-Time - 224F; MFA Part-Time - 224P
Application Fee:
£28.95
Welcome to Creative Arts Practice
Watch a short video with Director of Business Development, Helen McVey, where she discusses our new MA/MFA in Creative Arts Practice, what to expect from the programme, and who it is designed for.
Why Study Creative Arts Practice at RCS?
Develop and deepen your artistic practice in a world-leading creative and collaborative environment where you’ll share, learn and grow as part of a diverse, multidisciplinary community.
This one-year programme will help you shape your creative identity, develop critical thinking skills and build a sustainable career in the performing and production arts.
We welcome applications from filmmakers, composers, playwrights, dramaturgs, choreographers, designers, visual artists, photographers and any arts specialists who are ready to transform their creative practice.
Transform your creative practice
Evolve your creative identity with a bespoke degree programme that’s tailored to your own interests and needs. You decide who you want to be and we’ll help you get there.
Study when it suits you with flexible, online or blended learning
Study while continuing to work, over 1 or 2 years, when you want, and from wherever you are in the world. Our programmes are built to fit around professional and personal commitments while still delivering world-class mentorship and peer engagement.
World Class Teaching, Global Opportunities
The flexibility of the course means that you can fit your studies around work or family commitments, and study in the mode that best suits your needs (blended, online or distance)
Grow as a thinker, maker and leader in a multidisciplinary environment
Engage across artforms (e.g., film, dance, acting, music, production design) to deepen your practice and career versatility.
Student Experience
Watch Jack, a student on the MA Creative Arts Practice programme, talk about his experience at the intensive week that kicked off the MA, the course so far and what he hopes to get out of the year.
Graduate Destinations
Graduates from Creative Arts Practice will gain skills to develop in careers such as:
- Independent creative practitioner across music, film, dance, theatre and interdisciplinary contexts
- Creative director or lead artist in theatre, digital media and cultural production
- Curator, producer or project lead for festivals and public programmes
- Researcher or doctoral candidate
- Creative consultant for creative agencies, civic organisations and community arts partners
- Freelance collaborator with international arts networks and cross-disciplinary initiatives
- Founder of artistic collectives, micro-enterprises and independent studios
Programme Structure
This programme is a blend of scheduled sessions and guided, self-directed study so you can investigate what matters to you.
Teaching is structured, regular and interactive. Learning takes place in multiple formats: group lectures and seminar discussions, regular one-to-one meetings with programme staff, and specialist tutorials tailored to your individual interests and area of practice.
This ensures you benefit from peer exchange while also receiving focused mentorship aligned to your developing specialism.
The programme starts with two Intensive Weeks, the first for both part and full-time students, and the second for full-time students only. You can attend these either online or in-person.
These structured blocks combine hybrid lectures with industry experts, facilitated discussion groups, and dedicated academic skills support.
Intensives are designed for you to meet your cohort and provide concentrated time for critical reflection and development as you begin your MA journey.
After the intensive, full-time students attend weekly lectures and seminars; part-time students attend on a fortnightly basis.
Alongside these scheduled sessions, you will undertake guided, self-directed study to deepen and extend your practice. There are other opportunities for co-curricular learning modules through the programme, decided in close consultation with your programme staff.
Dates for 2026/2027
- Intensive week 1 (for all students): w/b 17 August 2026
- Intensive week 2 (for full-time students only): w/b 24 August 2026
August – December
Situating Practice (40 credits)
This module will help you understand and position your practice within the wider cultural, political and socio-economic landscape of the contemporary arts. Through critical engagement with cultural policy, ethics, sustainability, inclusion and emerging technologies, you will interrogate the values and assumptions that shape your work. You will develop a Professional Development Study Plan that defines your career priorities and establishes the foundations for your trajectory through the programme.
Creative Cultures in Context (20 credits)
In this module you will explore the ecosystems in which creative practice and arts leadership operate (select one or the other, depending on the page?). Through lecturer-led and peer-led critical discussion you will analyse how organisations and artists position themselves within complex cultural landscapes. The module culminates in a reflective statement and creative response that articulates your own positionality within contemporary creative cultures.
December – April
Expanding Practice (40 credits)
This module moves you from critical positioning into active development, extending your practice beyond its current scope. Working with specialist mentors and industry-informed case studies, you will test new strategies in areas identified in your Personal Development Plan. In a portfolio and reflective statement, you will evidence how your thinking has evolved and prepare the groundwork for your negotiated final project
Elective (20 credits)
You will choose between Innovation & Entrepreneurship or Introduction to Practice-Based Research, allowing you to tailor your studies to your professional ambitions.
Innovation & Entrepreneurship focuses on developing new ventures, business models and strategic initiatives, equipping you to design sustainable and forward-thinking cultural enterprises.
Introduction to Practice-Based Research provides a structured foundation in research design, methodology and critical inquiry, supporting those who wish to deepen analytical rigour or progress toward doctoral study. Both options strengthen your capacity to articulate, test and realise ideas that extend your impact within the arts sector.
May – September
Synthesising Practice (60 credits)
This capstone module is where your learning converges into a substantial, self-directed project. You will design and realise either a practical project, a 50/50 hybrid project, or a dissertation, demonstrating sophisticated insight and autonomy at Masters level. Supported by specialist tutors and you will critically investigate and develop a key aspect of your practice. This will result in a coherent body of work that articulates your distinctive vision.
For MFA only: September – January
MFA Major Project
The final project represents the extension of your practice to an advanced and autonomous level. You will design and deliver a substantial professional, creative or research-led project that demonstrates specialist expertise, and sustained critical enquiry. Rooted in your developing praxis, the project enables you to test complex ideas in real-world contexts while evidencing impact, innovation and professional maturity. This final stage positions you as a confident, self-directed practitioner capable of shaping practice, organisations and cultural discourse.
August – December
Situating Practice (40 credits)
This module will help you understand and position your practice within the wider cultural, political and socio-economic landscape of the contemporary arts. Through critical engagement with cultural policy, ethics, sustainability, inclusion and emerging technologies, you will interrogate the values and assumptions that shape your work. You will develop a Professional Development Study Plan that defines your career priorities and establishes the foundations for your trajectory through the programme
December – April
Expanding Practice (40 credits)
This module moves you from critical positioning into active development, extending your practice beyond its current scope. Working with specialist mentors and industry-informed case studies, you will test new strategies in areas identified in your Personal Development Plan. In a portfolio and reflective statement, you will evidence how your thinking has evolved and prepare the groundwork for your negotiated final project
May – August
Elective (20 credits)
You will choose between Innovation & Entrepreneurship or Introduction to Practice-Based Research, allowing you to tailor the programme to your professional ambitions.
Innovation & Entrepreneurship focuses on developing new ventures, business models and strategic initiatives, equipping you to design sustainable and forward-thinking cultural enterprises.
Introduction to Practice-Based Research provides a structured foundation in research design, methodology and critical inquiry, supporting those who wish to deepen analytical rigour or progress toward doctoral study. Both options strengthen your capacity to articulate, test and realise ideas that extend your impact within the arts sector.
August – December
Creative Cultures in Context
In this module you will explore the ecosystems in which creative practice and arts leadership operate. Through lecturer-led and peer-led critical discussion you will analyse how organisations and artists position themselves within complex cultural landscapes. The module culminates in a reflective statement and creative response that articulates your own positionality within contemporary creative cultures.
January – September
Synthesising Practice (60 credits)
This capstone module is where your learning converges into a substantial, self-directed project. You will design and realise either a practical project, a 50/50 hybrid project, or a dissertation, demonstrating sophisticated insight and autonomy at Master’s level. Supported by specialist tutors and you will critically investigate and develop a key aspect of your practice. This will result in a coherent body of work that articulates your distinctive vision.
For MFA only: September – January
MFA Major Project
The final project represents the extension of your practice to an advanced and autonomous level. You will design and deliver a substantial professional, creative or research-led project that demonstrates specialist expertise and sustained critical enquiry. Rooted in your developing praxis, the project enables you to test complex ideas in real-world contexts while evidencing impact, innovation and professional maturity. This final stage positions you as a confident, self-directed practitioner capable of shaping practice, organisations and cultural discourse.
How to Apply
Apply via UCAS Conservatoires
Applications are made through UCAS Conservatoires website. The UCAS Conservatoires application system is separate from the main UCAS undergraduate application system. You can read our guidance about using UCAS Conservatoires on our dedicated How to Apply page.
Applicants will also be required to create an Acceptd account when they apply, which will be used for scheduling auditions. More information about this process will be available soon.
We do not offer deferred entry. If you wish to commence in 2026, you must apply next year.
The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland institution code is R58. You will also require the following programmes codes to apply: MA Full-Time – 219F; Part-Time – 214P / MFA Full-Time – 224F; Part-Time – 224p
Application/Audition fees
There is a UCAS application fee of £28.95 to register to use UCAS Conservatoires.
Interview
The interview is designed to provide the programme team with an insight into your level of suitability for study on the programme. This will likely take place online.
The interview will comprise of two parts consisting of a short presentation and an interview.
The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland may require an applicant to provide additional material in support of their application prior to, or following, their interview.
Your programme will culminate in a module which enables you to design and undertake a substantial project, synthesising your arts leadership and/or fundraising enquiry into one cohesive piece of work. You are invited to share some initial ideas for how you might use this project to deepen your chosen field of enquiry. For example, you may choose to focus on investigating:
- Opportunities within your specialist area that you would benefit from a deeper understanding
- The practical application of arts leadership and/or fundraising in a professional context
- Defined areas of arts leadership and/or fundraising/policy that you believe would benefit from further research or exploration
- Ways in which you might use this final module to address gaps in your own development
You will be requested to provide some evidence to support your initial proposals, drawing on published journal articles, books or other key sources and to be prepared to provide some critical analysis of these in light of your project ideas. We will explore this with you and support your ideas development as part of the interview process.
Following your presentation, there will be a 20-minute discussion about your presentation and application with the Head of Programme and a member of the delivery team. This will be used to explore your educational background, experience, opportunities and aspirations and you will be invited to address the following questions:
- What has led you to apply for this programme?
- How do you see this programme contributing to your professional development?
- What opportunities, if any, will you have to apply your learning in a professional context whilst on the programme?
The panel will take account of all aspects of the applicants’ profiles. This will include:
- Performance at interview
- Commitment to the programme
- Potential to benefit from the programme
- Readiness for masters level study
- Academic qualifications
- Personal statement
- References (2 references from appropriately qualified persons)
- Contextualised data
References
It is your responsibility to nominate a referee as part of your UCAS Conservatoires application form. We may contact this referee after your audition if the panel feels they need more information.
We will not accept references from family, other relatives or close friends. You can read guidance about nominating your referee on the UCAS Conservatoires website.
Policy
We have a number of policies and pages which you should read when applying to study at the Royal Conservatoire:
Entry Requirements
Academic Requirements
Applicants for the programme normally have a degree or international equivalent in a subject area relevant to the demands of the programme. It is recognised that some applicants may not have achieved a full degree in a relevant subject area, and we will take account of relevant professional experience where it is deemed to be a suitable equivalency.
English Language Requirements
The language of study is English. Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to provide evidence of proficiency in English. We accept the International English Language Testing System score (IELTS) (if applicable) – Level 7.0 with a minimum score of 7.0 in speaking and with a minimum score of 6.5 in all parts.
Full details of the English language tests and equivalencies we accept can be found on our English Language Requirements page.
Fees & Funding
Tuition Fees
For academic year 2025/26:
- Full-time: £14,700
- Part-time: £7,350
Please note these fees are subject to change.
Funding & Scholarships
You can find out about the funding and scholarships available for studying at RCS by visiting our dedicated page:
Cost of Living & Programme Costs
This course can be studied fully online if you live further afield and don’t wish to travel to participate in-person. The course is structured to be delivered online with in-person residencies offered to supplement and enhance the learning experience.
Sign Up for Updates
Why RCS?
We are the only place in Europe where you can study all of the performing arts on the one campus. There is a distinctive creative energy at RCS and you’ll be made to feel part of our inclusive and diverse environment from the very beginning of your studies.
Our graduates are resourceful, highly employable and members of a dynamic community of artists who make a significant impact across the globe.
At RCS, students develop not just their art but their power to use it.
World Top Ten
We were voted one of the world’s Top Ten destinations to study the performing arts (QS Rankings) in 2025, the ninth time we have been placed in the top ten since the ranking was established in 2016.
Perform & Collaborate
Our curriculum is built around performance and collaboration and we hold professional partnerships with all of Scotland’s National Companies. Join forces across artforms and be part of the 500+ performances we give each year.
Outstanding Alumni
Our graduates are employed across the world and we take pride in the impact they have on their art forms. We’ll equip you with the skills to thrive as a professional and join their ranks.
Learn from the Best
More than 1,000 lecturers, tutors, artists, technicians, co-ordinators and support staff work at RCS across all our art forms. Study with some of the finest educators and performing and production artists in the UK.
A Campus Built for You
Our facilities are world-class. From rehearsal rooms and recording studios to our five professional performance venues, we have a campus to showcase and develop emerging artists to the highest standards.