Meet the Royal College of Art in Istanbul

Studying at the Royal College of Art places you in London: a city internationally renowned for its creativity, culture and diversity - the perfect place to develop your creative career in. What do prospective students need to know about living and studying in the UK?

You’re invited to meet Dr Delfina Fantini van Ditmar (Tutor of Research on Fashion MA) and Jeroen van Dijk (Student Recruitment & Marketing Manager) in Istanbul for an in-person conversation about studying at the RCA.

What to expect

Monday 29 September 2025, 11 am – 2pm

11am - Start of a series of one-to-one or portfolio review meetings

2pm - End

Please only book 1 session per person to allow other the opportunity. If we see you have booked two sessions then we may cancel the latest booking in order to free up the space.

Who is this event for

• Those interested in postgraduate study at the Royal College of Art
• Current RCA applicants and offer-holders
• Friends and family are also welcome to join, though they do not need to have a ticket

You don't have to specialise in any discipline to attend this event: we welcome guests planning to apply to all subject areas.

Due to the postgraduate nature of RCA study, all attendees must be over 18.

How to join

The event is free to attend, but please note that places are limited. Pre-booking is essential to guarantee your spot.

I'm thinking of applying to the RCA - can I have an informal portfolio chat?

Yes! We're delighted you're thinking of starting your RCA journey. Please book an appointment during the registration process.

You are welcome to bring and show your work but can also attend to just have a chat about the Royal College of Art and ask questions.

About the hosts

Dr Delfina Fantini van Ditmar (Tutor of Research on Fashion MA)

Dr Delfina Fantini van Ditmar is a biologist and design researcher. Her practice is concerned with ecological thinking, reflective systemic practices, regeneration, more than human approaches and alternative futures. Delfina worked previously as a Senior Tutor (Research) at the MA/MSc Innovation Design Engineering and as a Tutor (Research) at the Design Products Programme.

Delfina has a BA in Biology and completed a year of an MFA at Konstfack University in Stockholm. She holds a PhD from the RCA with a thesis entitled 'The IdIoT'.

Delfina is a co-Founder of the Design Research Society (DRS) ‘Design and Ethics’

In 2021 she was selected as one of the Future Observatory Design Researcher in Residency (DriR) at the Design Museum in partnership with the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC).

Driven by her interest in ecological thinking, reflective practices and inter-relations as a systemic response to the environmental collapse, Delfina's critical practice examines material ethics of care and the necessary paradigm shift in design.

In her teaching practice, Delfina encourages students to reflect on epistemological paradigms, envision alternative futures, think systemically and critically analyse the broader implications of their decisions.

Delfina participates in the School of Design transdisciplinary module The Grand Challenge, Across RCA and the elective ‘Design Futures’. Previously Delfina worked as a tutor at Innovation Design Engineering (IDE), Design Products + Futures programme and has been a Visiting Lecturer on the Information Experience Design (IED) programme, MRes RCA Communication Design, MRes RCA Healthcare Design, and the MRes RCA Design pathway.

Delfina has been a crit and Visiting Lecturer in several institutions, including, Politecnico di Milano, TU Berlin, Critical Media Lab Basel, Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK), Hochschule Luzern (HSLU), École Nationale Supérieure des Arts Décoratifs (ENSAD), The Bartlett, Architectural Association, University of the Arts, Goldsmiths University, Imperial College London, University of Brighton, University of Leeds, Loughborough University, University for the Creative Arts, Manchester School of Art, Liverpool University, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi), Syracuse University and Rice University among others.

Jeroen van Dijk (Student Recruitment & Marketing Manager)

Jeroen van Dijk joined the Royal College of Art as Marketing Manager in 2022 and hosts external and on-campus events in London and across the globe, where he advises incoming students on what it means to study a postgraduate art & design degree at the RCA and how to develop one's creative practice into a successful application.

Jeroen is an architectural history and heritage professional whose research centres on LGBTQ+ perspectives on the built environment. He has written about queer heritage in London and Amsterdam, focusing on queer memorials and nightlife.

Other events at the RCA

We are continually adding to our diverse programme of events: conversations on key topics such as funding advice and portfolio development, symposia, exhibitions, open days and more. Many are free and open to the public.