March 1–June 30, 2026
20 Howie Street
London SW11 4AS
UK
In a world reshaped by artificial intelligence, new forms of global collaboration, and evolving expectations of work today’s organisations are seeking people who can think creatively, empathise with users and teams, navigate complexity, and collaborate across disciplines—not only because these skills are valuable, but because they have become essential.
These capabilities—long nurtured at the Royal College of Art—are at the heart of executive learning in 2026.
Why this learning matters now
According to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025, employees expect 39 percent of workers’ core skills to change by 2030, down from 44 percent projected in the 2023 report. Crucially, the World Economic Forum attributes this reduced level of disruption to a growing emphasis “on continuous learning, upskilling and reskilling programmes, enabling companies to better anticipate and manage future skill requirements.”
These programmes are exactly what has been developed by RCA Executive Education for more than ten years, delivering over 200 customised professional art & design life-long learning programmes to date. The programmes are built on the belief that human-centred, creative skills are core competencies for tomorrow’s workforce. This is why organisations and individuals come to the RCA—and why more organisations are recognising creative thinking and interdisciplinary problem-solving as strategic advantages.
Neville Brody, an influential designer who is leading a Masterclass at RCA this year, explains why engaging with these core skills is especially necessary for creatives and professionals. “Experienced practitioners need the chance to challenge creative assumptions. In an age of AI it’s becoming more difficult to take meaningful risks, and break free from habitual ways of working,” says Brody. “It isn't about producing an instantly perfect outcome; it's about embracing the process of response itself as a gateway to new learning, change, and creative revitalisation.”
Why the RCA is uniquely placed
As the oldest continuous school of art and design in the world, the Royal College of Art combines heritage with a forward-looking ethos. The College’s environment—where creative practice, research and professional experimentation intersect—creates a distinctive learning experience that cannot be replicated in a traditional business school setting.
One of the hallmarks of RCA executive education is learning through doing. Participants engage with real challenges, work in multidisciplinary teams, prototype solutions, and receive expert feedback—all in a setting that mirrors the collaborative, project-based realities of contemporary work.
New courses for 2026 in London
Futures Through Design: Face to face, March 25, 26, 27
A forward-looking course that equips learners to anticipate change, explore emerging opportunities and design resilient strategies.
Leading with a Design Mindset for a World Changed by AI: Face to face, May 14 & 15
A timely programme exploring how leaders can guide human–AI collaboration with creativity, ethical judgement and adaptive decision-making.
Design Without: a Neville Brody Masterclass: Face to face, June 10, 11, 12
Led by the influential designer Neville Brody, this immersive experience challenges participants to explore creativity, experimentation and risk beyond conventional boundaries.
Established offerings
Alongside these new programmes are long-running courses that reflect the RCA’s experience and authority in executive education and creative short courses:
Creative Leadership: Face to face, March 19 & 20 / Design Thinking and Innovation: Face to face, May 11 & 12 / Service Design Masterclass: Online, April 16, 17 & 20, 21 / Curating Contemporary Art & Design Summer School: Online, July 6–17 / Contemporary Art Summer School: Online, July 13–31 / Architecture Summer School: Face to face, July 13–17.
For those looking to challenge creative assumptions and lead with human-centred empathy, the RCA offers a unique space for growth. Explore the 2026 short course portfolio to join a global community at the forefront of art and design education.
