Royal College of Art
Senior Research Fellow (MA Architecture) Riyadh University of the Arts Partnership

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About the Role
The Royal College of Art is seeking an exceptional researcher to help shape the intellectual foundations of a new internationally leading MA programme, while undertaking cutting-edge research into emerging urban design practices, professional competencies, governance models, pedagogical innovation and regional urban transformation.
Working within an international academic partnership, you will play a central role in generating new knowledge that informs curriculum development, challenge-based learning, research-led teaching and practice-led research. You will collaborate with senior academics, external partners and stakeholders, contributing both strategic insight and rigorous research to a project of significant international ambition.
Role Description
In this fixed-term role, you will undertake original research exploring contemporary urban design practice, education models, professional standards and regional development. Using a range of qualitative and analytical methods, you will collect, analyse and synthesise evidence to help shape programme development and inform a wider research agenda.
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I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
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Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
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Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
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StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
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Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
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The role requires an individual who can operate confidently across research, pedagogy, curriculum development, stakeholder engagement and strategic planning. You will contribute to high-quality research outputs, funding applications, partnership development and public dissemination activities, while helping to build the profile and impact of the project internationally.
About You
You will hold a PhD in Urban Design, Architecture, Planning, Urban Studies or a closely related discipline and have a strong track record of postdoctoral research achievement.
You will bring:
- Expertise in urban design, architecture, planning, urban studies or a related field.
- Experience of designing and delivering high-quality research projects.
- A strong publication record with evidence of producing internationally recognised research outputs.
- Excellent analytical, organisational and project management skills.
- Experience of working collaboratively across academic, industry or external partnerships.
- A creative, proactive and intellectually ambitious approach to research and programme development.


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Why Join Us?
This position offers the opportunity to work at the forefront of applied urban research and pedagogical innovation within one of the world's leading art and design institutions. You will contribute to a strategically important international initiative with the potential to influence urban design education, professional practice and research on a global scale.
The successful candidate will join an ambitious and collaborative environment, working alongside internationally recognised academics, industry partners and stakeholders to shape the next generation of urban design education and research.
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