The Royal College of Art's new campus in Battersea, designed by Herzog & de Meuron.
Royal College of Art Tops Global Art and Design Rankings for 11th Year
By Elysia Lior, 13 Mar 2025
London's Royal College of Art (RCA) has once again been recognized as the world's leading university for art and design, achieving the top position in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025 for the 11th consecutive year. This prestigious ranking is based on an extensive global survey of academic and industry perspectives, highlighting the RCA's exceptional reputation with an overall score of 97.4 percent.
The RCA's sustained excellence underscores the UK's dominance in creative education, with institutions like the University of the Arts London also securing top positions in the Art and Design category. UK universities continue to outperform renowned international counterparts, including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Rhode Island School of Design, and Parsons School of Design in the US, as well as leading European schools like Aalto University in Finland and Politecnico di Milano in Italy.
Professor Christoph Lindner, President and Vice-Chancellor of the Royal College of Art, remarked, "Achieving the title of the world's best art and design university for 11 years in a row is a remarkable milestone. This recognition reflects the extraordinary talent and dedication of the RCA community—past and present—whose creativity and innovation continue to redefine the future of art and design."
The RCA's consistent top ranking highlights its vital role in nurturing talent and driving innovation within the UK's creative economy, which contributes £124 billion annually in gross value added (GVA) and supports over 2.4 million jobs.
Founded in 1837, the Royal College of Art has a rich history of fostering exceptional talent and pushing the boundaries of creative practice. It offers postgraduate and doctoral programs in art, design, architecture, and humanities, attracting students and faculty from over 70 countries. The RCA is renowned for its interdisciplinary approach, cutting-edge research, and strong connections to industry. Its alumni include influential figures such as David Hockney, Tracey Emin, and Thomas Heatherwick.
Located in the heart of London, a global hub for creativity and culture, the RCA provides a dynamic environment for collaboration and innovation. The university's mission is to empower its students and staff to address complex global challenges through creative thinking and practice, ensuring its continued impact on the future of art, design, and society.
For more information about the Royal College of Art and its programs, visit their official website.