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University for the Creative Arts

About university for the creative arts.

The University College for the Creative Arts is a specialised public university for arts and design located in the United Kingdom.

It was initially established in 2004 and attained university status in 2008.

It offers undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate courses in a wide range of subjects ranging from fine art, animation, business, music and photography. It offers these courses through its seven academic schools namely: the Canterbury School of Architecture; crafts and design; fashion; film, media and performing arts; fine art, photography and visual communication, further education and the Business School for the Creative Industries.

The university has a number of centres such as the Animation Research Centre, Centre for Digital Scholarship, Crafts Study Centre and several other research clusters to further its academic research.

The university also has a wide range of academic collaborations with institutions across the world such as the London School of Marketing and Design and the MIT School of Design among others.

Students and staff have the opportunity to study and work abroad. It has partnerships with leading industry experts and corporations too.

The University College of Creative Arts is the second largest provider of creative arts education in the UK and has four campuses in Canterbury, Epsom, Farnham, and Rochester.

The university organises several events every year through its student union and has a wide range of facilities such as animation suites, virtual reality labs and 3D printing facilities.

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University for the Creative Arts

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Dream. Discover. Disrupt.

At the University for the Creative Arts, you can be as unique as the work you create. We help creatives take their specialist skills further, providing the tools and experiences needed for a rewarding career in the creative industries.

Offering a range of Undergraduate and Postgraduate courses across the arts, business, and technology, with us you’ll be supported to find your creative voice and specialise in the area that excites you the most.

We have vibrant campuses located across the South East of England in Canterbury, Epsom, Farnham, and Maidstone. Each campus is home to a unique set of dedicated creative spaces and workshops, as well as a community of like-minded creatives ready to meet you.

Why not find out for yourself? Visit our website to register for the next UCA Open Day.

Unleash your Creativity

We’re specialists. We get excited about change, difference, and the possibilities they open up. We’re all about shaping the future of creativity and teaching you how to find opportunities that speak to you – at university and beyond.

What makes us different

UCA has more than 160 years of history, but we’re always looking forward. Our experienced academics come from all walks of life and bring a huge variety of specialist knowledge from the creative sector. This will give you the confidence that you'll not only learn more about your chosen creative subject, but be ready to take on the world when you leave.

We’ll help turn your creative ideas into reality thanks to the extensive industry standard facilities, resources, and connections you'll have access to, as well as support from those around you in our close-knit community.

You’ll find the experience with us to be quieter and calmer than that offered at bigger universities, giving you the freedom to express yourself openly alongside like-minded others. Plus, our campuses are still in easy reach of lively cities and London, keeping you well-connected.

Our campuses are packed with creative studios, workshops, and specialist equipment. Here you’ll learn practical, flexible skills, collaborate with peers on exciting projects, and gain industry insight through competitions, guest lectures, live industry briefs and work placements. Just imagine what we can create together.

UCA Farnham, Falkner Road, Farnham, Surrey, GU9 7DS

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Student support

Academic strengths, student life, job prospects, scholarships and funding, in this section, cug ranking source: complete university guide 2024, 5,930 average, undergraduate students source: hesa , 2021 (note: only applies to undergraduate records).

• 74% Full-time 26% Part-time
• 84% % in job or further study Source: DLHE , 2021

Students seeking a fully creative university experience should look no further than the University for the Creative Arts.

With picturesque campuses across the south east of England, UCA provides access to state-of-the-art creative facilities, inspiring local surroundings and the freedom for students to express themselves creatively amongst like-minded peers.

New students join a vibrant community of artists, crafters and visionary thinkers, studying in an environment that encourages creative innovation. No matter how big or bold ideas may be, at UCA students will be guided to transform sparks of creativity into meaningful projects, while forging a pathway to a rewarding creative career along the way.

Students will discover a wide range of specialist creative subjects within the Arts, Business and Technology sectors. Whether looking to begin their creative journey with a pre-degree or undergraduate course or hone their skills at postgraduate level, students can find the course for them at UCA.

“I’m doing the BA Fashion in the Epsom campus- it’s a sweet and calm lil town and I love that! I love the course and genuinely feel like I’m really learning. no really bad aspects that I can think of!”

“I felt encouragement, patience, and enthusiasm.”

“Very good university with tutors that push you to make your best work.”

University for the Creative Arts offers over 100 creative degree courses .

Their vibrant campuses in Canterbury, Epsom, and Farnham are each home to a different set of specialist subjects. And thanks to partnerships with Maidstone Television Studios and the Institute of Creativity and Innovation in Xiamen, China, there are even more focused creative routes available to choose from.

Courses will a large practical component, with teaching delivered through hands-on workshops, thought-provoking seminars and lectures, and supportive tutorials. Depending on students’ chosen course, they could be assessed through independent project work, practical research, digital assignments, presentations or industry-style briefs.

Many courses encourage students to complete work experience within their chosen creative industry, as well as offering a chance to study abroad for a year. With all of this available, as well as the ability to work collaboratively on projects with other creative courses, UCA has everything to help students prepare for life after their qualification.

Students at UCA benefit from the knowledge and experience of their tutors, who help them to realise their ideas in a rigorous and encouraging environment. UCA’s academics come from all walks of life with a huge variety of experience in the creative sector. This will give students the confidence that they’ll not only learn more about their chosen creative subject when they leave, but also be ready to take on the world.

“The curriculum is excellent.”

“I started my course online then moved to in person and found that the quality of teaching is the exact same. we have plenty of actual class learning time and so much communication with the tutors. it feels like one big happy family”

“Tutors are really engaged and respectful.”

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Interested? Order a prospectus to find out more about the uni and the courses on offer.

Entry requirements differ depending on the course and study mode that students are applying for. Prospective students can find the specific entry requirements for their chosen course on the university website, or they can contact the UCA Admissions Team to ask any questions they may have.

For certain courses, students may be required to attend an interview or audition or demonstrate experience in a relevant field. Some courses may also require submission of a portfolio or body of work for consideration. Full details are provided on each course’s page on the university website, so that students know what to expect when they apply.

International students may be asked to provide evidence of a basic level of English-language proficiency before the start of the course, as all courses at UCA are taught and assessed in English.

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Send a message directly to the uni to learn more about their entry requirements.

Accommodation

Halls of residence accommodation options are offered to first year students at UCA’s campuses in Canterbury, Epsom, and Farnham. Housing consists of shared apartments, with a communal living and kitchen area.

All first-year students who apply before the January UCAS deadline are guaranteed placement by the university in either halls of residence or private accommodation, so that they can focus on preparing for their life at university without the worry of securing an accommodation contract

Second and third-year students can find accommodation from the local private rental sector. The university’s dedicated accommodation office is always on-hand to give advice around finding accommodation in the local area, help identifying reputable landlords, and guidance on how to handle any problems that may arise.

UCA’s campuses have dedicated creative and technical facilities tailored to each of their specialist subject areas. Students are not just restricted to those of the discipline they study - students at UCA can use all the creative workshops on campus to support their studies with help on-hand from a friendly team of technicians.

From animation suites to kilns and looms, TV production studios to virtual reality labs, laser cutting and 3D printers, students have everything they need for academic and creative success.

The university is continually updating its infrastructure and resources to ensure students have access to industry-standard creative environments, furnished with the latest equipment and technologies. Students will learn using the same equipment that they would likely use in the professional world, ensuring that they graduate fully prepared to launch their career.

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• Part-time work opportunities
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• Value for money
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T Temiloluwa Reviewed 29 Nov 23 Interior Architecture (with Professional Practice Year) BA (Hons) The University facilities and Tutors are amazing, I really enjoy the feedback method of teaching used in my course, It is super effective as it helps me know what level I am in, and what I need to do to achieve excellence and be top flyer, The Student union is also amazing as there is a lot of... READ FULL REVIEW

LL LIS LILY Reviewed 24 Aug 23 Fashion Design BA (Hons) I had a rlly good experience with all of my tutors on the course. They are very supportive, esp the year one lead. However, uca’s ridiculously slow in replying emails, management and arrangements, eg, for general requests, grades updates are an absolute chaos. :) some short-sighted classmates are... READ FULL REVIEW

The dedicated support staff within UCA’s Student Services department ensure that every student has someone to go to in times of need. This team is there to help, advise and guide students through numerous aspects of the university experience, and can refer individuals to specialist support services where required.

There are student support teams at all campuses, who offer services including free and confidential counselling, academic guidance, accommodation advice, financial services, disability support, and health and wellbeing support.

Students are actively encouraged to contact the support services as they require them and can either visit in person or get in touch via email or phone, if that is more comfortable. The services teams are there to allow students to remove unwanted distractions and help them focus on their primary goal of achieving a quality education.

“Good staff support.”

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Find out more about the student support offered on the university’s website.

UCA is a specialist creative arts university that gives students the freedom to develop their own personal style, instead of limiting their imagination within conventional metrics of success. This freedom to create is built upon a firm foundation of knowledge and experience, shared by the university’s inspirational teaching staff who inform and guide each individual student’s creative journey.

Students benefit from having access to the best tools, equipment, and resources to build their craft, and develop a rich portfolio of work which will take them further into their professional development.

Collaboration between students is encouraged, and the university acts as a melting pot for students with many different stories to tell, from all over with world, and from all areas of the creative spectrum.

Students' Union

Clubs and societies.

The UCA Students’ Union ( UCASU ) is an organisation run by elected student members. The union works hard to represent the university community, as well as co-ordinating a timetable of events and activities throughout the academic year. With a lively social calendar and an on-site venue, UCA students can look forward to freshers’ events, workshop activities, quiz nights, social meetups, and much more.

The Students’ Union team are a friendly and approachable first point of contact for any student who needs advice, guidance, or someone to talk with about a range of topics, from academic issues to personal support, accommodation advice, leadership opportunities, and even funding for creative projects. Alongside this, the SU is responsible for the running and administration of the clubs and societies open to students.

Social and recreational life is a large part of the university experience, and UCA has an active community of clubs, societies and communities which bring plenty of opportunities for new and returning students to try something new.

Students can learn a new skill, meet with others who share cultural or other interests, or develop an existing hobby, all while socialising with like-minded individuals and building friendships which often last a lifetime.

There is a wide range of sports clubs and special interest societies to choose from. The university offers everything from rugby to photography, football to life drawing, anime to creative writing. Students who cannot find an existing club to join that suits them, or have a particular passion not covered by the current clubs offered, are also able to start a new society with support from UCASU.

Each of the three campuses are situated within easy reach of local amenities – so no matter where students ultimately study, they will enjoy a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere.

UCA Canterbury

Canterbury is a bustling historic student city, with many local exhibitions and creative spaces as part of Kent’s vibrant international art scene. Students can enjoy established community links, with venues such as the Turner Contemporary Gallery nearby.

Popular with professionals, students, and families alike, Epsom is a welcoming and sociable town, located at the edge of the Surrey Hills. Only a stone’s throw from London, it's the perfect place to live and study.

UCA Farnham

Farnham is a 5-minute stroll from campus, and students can easily discover what this beautiful town has to offer. It’s a pretty Georgian market town with quaint cobbled streets, a variety of independent shops and a rich arts scene, nestled in the beautiful Surrey countryside.

“Overall a nice quiet town to live in. Loads of nice people.”

“Very close to the uni, don't have to travel far, like 4 minutes.”

See the campus and city for yourself in person by booking an open day place.

The UK’s creative industries are growing faster than the UK economy as a whole, employing over 1.9 million people. There is an abundance of careers available for well-trained and hard-working creatives, and UCA ensures that its graduates are fully prepared for life after university.

Students develop a comprehensive knowledge base in their subject area and a versatile hands-on education that ensures they have the transferable skills to succeed in any working environment. Course content is designed in collaboration with leading experts, and the university also offers options for study and work abroad . This helps to build experience and broaden horizons, as well as enhancing a student’s CV and job application credentials.

Whether a current student or UCA graduate, the university has a dedicated careers teams that can provide advice and guidance into starting a fulfilling career in the creative industries.

“Perfect work placement and quality.”

Scholarships/ Bursaries

UCA believes that access to higher education should remain as accessible as possible to students from all walks of life, and from any economic background.

The university offers a programme of scholarships and bursaries to ensure the financial stability of all students, and to give motivated and hardworking students an opportunity to subsidise the cost of study. Undergraduate students may be eligible for one of the many scholarships on offer and are encouraged to check online for full details.

These bursaries are awarded for a variety of criteria, including levelling the playing field for students applying from a poorer financial background, and those that reward and encourage gifted students to apply. Students are encouraged to consider their application carefully as there is often competition for awards.

Tuition fees for students applying to UCA will vary depending on their country of residence and whether they are applying for a full-time or part-time course.

As an illustrative example, UK undergraduate students will pay £9,250 per academic year in tuition fees, while international students will pay £15,540. These fees are accurate for 2022/23 but may rise in future.

To help students afford their university education, those from the UK and EU can apply for a tuition fee loan to cover the costs. This loan only becomes repayable once the student has reached a minimum salary level when they are employed in future, with repayments calculated as a percentage of the money earned above that threshold.

Support services are on hand at the university to help students who have concerns about budgeting or other financial matters.

Send a message directly to the uni to learn more about their scholarships and bursaries.

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Fashion design, film / video production, digital media, digital arts, fashion photography, find a course at this uni.

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Frequently asked questions

Why go to university for the creative arts.

You'll be shocked by the number of clubs and societies on offer at University for the Creative Arts. There's something for everyone! As well as being able to pick different clubs and societies, most courses let you choose modules at different points through your degree.

As well as personalising your course through optional modules, you may have the chance to do a work placement during your studies. Developing your professional skills through work placements is a great way to add to your CV and boost your employability.

What can you do with a degree from University for the Creative Arts?

If you want a job you love (and who doesn't?), getting a job in a field you're passionate about is a great place to start. By studying a subject you really enjoy, you'll be qualified for a range of jobs relating to that subject, which you'll hopefully love.

For those who aren't ready to give up on education after an undergraduate degree, you'll have the opportunity to progress to postgraduate study such as a master's or even a PhD.

What accommodation does University for the Creative Arts offer?

University for the Creative Arts's accommodation is designed to be as straightforward and stress-free as possible. All your bills are included in your rent, you'll have free WiFi and your rent also includes security and maintenance.

You'll have access to communal areas like kitchen and dining facilities, where you can socialise with other students you're living with. Disabled students will find several rooms adapted in accessible halls to suit a range of access requirements.

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Studying at the University for the Creative Arts

Art & Design UK University Profiles

Last updated: 6 November 2023

The  University for the Creative Arts has been providing creative education for 160 years to students from all over the world. Based in scenic Surrey and Kent, UCA provides pre-degree, undergraduate and postgraduate education to the next generation of creative learners and is the 2nd largest provider of creative education in Europe. 

UCA was named the highest placed specialist creative university in all three UK league tables and their Business School for the Creative Arts is ranked no.7 in the whole of the UK for Business, Management & Marketing (Guardian League table 2021).

Learn more about studying at UCA below and if you wish to begin your application,  arrange a free consultation with SI-UK London today.

Five Reasons to Choose University for the Creative Arts

1. employability.

UCA offers extensive support and advice to graduating students before they begin their career, working closely with industry professionals to ensure you are prepared for the competitive creative world. Three years of ongoing careers support is offered, and almost 97% of graduates are in work or further study after graduation.

2. Broad portfolio of courses

UCA has expanded its  portfolio of courses in recent years to offer courses in subject areas including Computing, Coding and Technology, and Games Arts. This is in addition to its architecture, business and media courses, which are all centred around creativity.

3. Modern University of the Year

University for the Creative Arts was named ‘Modern University of the Year’ in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2019. The Modern University prize is specifically for institutions which were given university status after 1992.

4. Ground breaking business school

UCA’s Business School for the Creative Industries was a key reason why the school won the Modern University prize. Offering a wide variety of undergraduate and  postgraduate courses in areas such as business and marketing, its cutting-edge courses will fully prepare you for the world of high level creative business.

5. High profile alumni

Oscar winning directors, famous designers and Turner Prize nominated artists have all studied at the University for the Creative Arts, and many return for special lecturers to inspire the next wave of UCA graduates looking to forge a successful and rewarding career.

UCA count over a dozen Oscar winners amongst their alumni, and an animation written and directed by UCA alumnus beat Walt Disney’s Frozen 2 and Pixar’s Toy Story 4 to be crowned winner at the 77th Golden Globes Awards!

Study at UCA

If you want to learn more about any of the above, or wish to begin your application, contact SI-UK London today to arrange a free consultation . Our friendly, international education experts can answer all your questions on studying in the UK.

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Last Updated: 6 November 2023

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Masterstrokes: A Guide to the 12 Best Art Universities in the UK

Studying art and design at a UK university offers a fantastic opportunity for both British and international students to expand their creative abilities.

With a long-standing reputation for producing acclaimed artists and designers, UK universities provide a comprehensive education in a range of mediums, from traditional methods to cutting-edge technology.

The country's diverse and vibrant art scene also offers plenty of opportunities for students to immerse themselves in creative culture, network with industry professionals, and gain work experience through internships and exhibitions.

In this guide, we take a closer look at 12 of the best art schools in the UK, exploring why they are ideal for achieving success within this domain.

Table of Contents

1.royal college of art (rca), 2. university of the arts london (ual).

3. Edinburgh College of Art, University of Edinburgh

4. Glasgow School of Art

5. goldsmiths, university of london, 6. falmouth university, 7. arts university bournemouth, 8. slade school of fine art, university college london, 9. loughborough university, 10. university of oxford, 11. lancaster university, 12. newcastle university.

For more than two hundred years, Royal College of Art in London (RCA) has been recognised as one of the most prestigious and influential art schools not only in Europe, but globally. It has been ranked number 1 in the world for Art & Design nine years running by QS World University rankings.

Image source: Royal College of Art

It is the only entirely postgraduate art and design university in the United Kingdom and consists of four schools; the School of Architecture, School of Arts and Humanities, School of Communication and School of Design.

Its graduates are leaders whose work defines creative trends across diverse artistic disciplines ranging from fine art, photography, and design to library science and curating.

Image source: Shutterstock

London; a creative melting pot, and the best city in the world for students (QS Best Student Cities ranking 2024). The RCA is based across three locations in the city; Battersea, Kensington (next to Hyde Park, the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Royal Albert Hall), and White City (located in the BBC Media Village).

Tuition and fees

Varies by course, but tuition and fees for 2024 for the MFA in Arts and Humanities are:

• UK: £16,550
• International: £38,600

Best features

• Esteemed alumni: many prominent British artists have attended RCA, including Antony Gormley, Tracey Emin, David Hockney and Peter Blake.
• Excellent facilities, in particular at its new campus in Battersea: the most significant campus development in the College’s history, it houses art and design programmes as well as Research Centres in Intelligent Mobility, Robotics and Material Futures, the Helen Hamlyn Centre for Design and InnovationRCA.This new flagship building marks the College's transformation into a dynamic STEAM-focused postgraduate university (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics).

With a rich history dating back to the 19th and early 20th centuries, UAL is an esteemed institution that reigns supreme in the field of art and design. It was ranked top 2 in the world for Art and Design (QS World University Rankings 2023).

Image source: UAL

Boasting a collection of six renowned arts, design, fashion, and media Colleges, (Camberwell College of Arts, Central Saint Martins, Chelsea College of Arts, London College of Communication, London College of Fashion and Wimbledon College of Arts) UAL is at the forefront of innovation and creativity. And now, breaking new ground, UAL has introduced the UAL Creative Computing Institute, a cutting-edge addition to its already impressive lineup.

Image source: Shutterstock (Central Saint Martins campus)

London, the UK's arts and culture capital and the ultimate destination for aspiring artists and designers ready to embark on a transformative educational journey.

Annual tuition and fees for UAL for 2023-24 are:

• International: £28,570
• A wide range of subject areas: UAL gives students unique opportunities to learn, create, research and innovate across a whole range of disciplines and at all levels – covering everything from the performing arts, graphic and interior design to fashion and fine art.
• A varied and renowned body of staff: its teaching staff consists of professional artists, practitioners, designers, critics and theorists, all of which are expert in their field.
• Excellent graduate prospects: UAL graduates go on to work in and shape creative industries worldwide, and the university has launched the careers of many creative and cultural leaders, including over half of all Turner Prize nominees.

Progression to UAL through Kings

At Kings, our newest Art and Design programmes, the UAL Level 3 and 4 Diplomas in Art and Design (offered in Oxford, London and Brighton), prepare students for progression this outstanding university and are recognised by the leading art schools in London and throughout the UK too. Find out more .

3. Edinburgh College of Art (University of Edinburgh)>

The Edinburgh College of Art at the University of Edinburgh is an ideal destination for those looking to study Art and Design. Not only does the institution boast rich historical ties, but it also has a reputation for producing some of the most accomplished artists and designers.

Studying in this environment exposes students to one of the world’s great cultural cities, a place that is known globally for its annual arts festivals, including the renowned Edinburgh Fringe.

Image source: Edinburgh College of Art

The College comprises five Schools: School of Art; School of Design; ESALA (Architecture and Landscape Architecture); History of Art; and the Reid School of Music. Through them, students can access a range of degree programs, covering everything from drawing and painting to fashion design and architecture.

Edinburgh, Scotland. The College enjoys a central location within the city, close to a range of galleries and other arts spaces and venues, and surrounded by the astounding architecture of the Old and New Towns (a UNESCO World Heritage Site).

Annual tuition and fees for University of Edinburgh for 2024-25 are:

• Scotland: £1,820
• Rest of UK: £9,250
• International: £34,800
• Excellent facilities: the college has fantastic facilities, including animation studios and workspaces, a digital film editing suite, fashion workshops, a foundry and casting room, jewellery and silversmithing workshops, painting studios, a printmaking suite, performance costume workshops and sculpture court.
• Renowned faculty: staff at the college are practising artists, designers, architects, curators and writers.
• A Russell Group degree: degrees at the college are awarded by the University of Edinburgh, a member of the prestigious Russell Group and internationally recognised as one of the world’s leading academic institutions (currently ranked 22 - QS World Rankings 2024)

The Glasgow School of Art is one of Europe's leading higher education institutions for the education and research in the visual creative disciplines. It is currently ranked 12th in QS World University rankings for Art and Design 2023 and 2nd in the UK for Art and Design by the 2024 Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide.

All GSA degree programmes are validated by the University of Glasgow, a member of the prestigious Russell Group and the Times & Sunday Times Good University Guide's current Scottish University of the Year (2024).

Image source: Glasgow School of Art

With a long history of artistic innovation and a focus on practical skills, the school instills in its students a deep appreciation for both the creative process and the technical mastery necessary to bring their visions to life.

Whether students there aspire to be painters, photographers, or graphic designers, studying Art and Design at Glasgow School of Art will provide them with the tools, resources, and support needed.

GSA is located in the heart of Scotland's largest city, Glasgow. It’s a city that is rich in Victorian architecture and known as an important creative and artistic hub. It has endless galleries and museums, and numerous cultural venues, including the Glasgow Film Theatre, the Centre for Contemporary Arts, and The Lighthouse Centre for Architecture. Glasgow's Digital Media Quarter at Pacific Quay is the hub for Scotland's digital media industry.

Annual tuition and fees for The Glasgow School of Art for 2023-24 are:

• International: £21,360
• An inspiring and affordable location: GSA is situated right in the heart of one of Britain’s coolest cultural hubs, but more affordable than counterparts such as London and Edinburgh.
• Academic prestige: it holds high academic reputation as the largest art and design research community in Scotland.
• A wide range of study abroad options: students can benefit from study abroad opportunities at its Singapore campus as well as thorough other academic partners. GSA currently has academic partnerships with more than 75 leading arts schools in the world, who often facilitate staff and student exchanges.
• A reputation for producing Scotland’s leading contemporary artists: these include Turner Prize winners like Richard Wright, Martin Boyce, Simon Starling and Charlotte Prodger.

Founded in 1891, and part of the University of London since 1904, Goldsmiths offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate study options in the arts, humanities, social sciences, cultural studies, computing, and entrepreneurial business and management.

Goldsmiths is ranked 9th in the UK for Art and Design by the 2024 Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide.

Image source: Goldsmiths, University of London

With a faculty composed of celebrated artists and designers, including Antony Gormley, Damien Hirst, Mary Quant and Steve McQueen, students receive unparalleled guidance and mentorship in a wide range of mediums and styles, from traditional painting to cutting-edge digital techniques.

The College is friendly and vibrant, and proud of the diverse student population which adds to this welcoming atmosphere - nearly 20% of students come from countries outside the UK.

Goldsmiths is a close-knit community based on a single-site campus within the vibrant New Cross area of south east London.

The area has a thriving music and arts scene, and a genuinely diverse population. Plus, it’s just a short journey away from the centre of London, and all the arts venues and spaces that are there to be explored.

Annual tuition and fees for Goldsmiths for 2023-24 were:

• International: varied by degree programme, maximum £25,820
• Industry-standard spaces and facilities: students have access to studio space and industry-standard workshops, with the latest in laser cutting and 3D modelling technology.
• The opportunity to work on live briefs set by real life companies: these projects allow them to develop their ideas and present to design professionals, gaining valuable experience and insight.
• Excellent graduate prospects: Goldsmiths graduates have gone on to work for top London design consultancies and major international brands including Dyson, LEGO, Google and Burberry.

Falmouth University has been a hub of creative thinking and design innovation for more than 100 years, in a famously inspiring creative region. Today, its portfolio of undergraduate and postgraduate courses represents the breadth of the creative industries and career opportunities spanning art, design and fashion, to gaming, music and film.

Degree courses include a BA(Hons) in Fine Art, BA(Hons) in Graphic Design, BA(Hons) in Drawing, BA(Hons) in Illustration and BA(Hons) in Interior Design.

Image source: Falmouth University

Falmouth, Cornwall, South West England. Cornwall and its varied, beautiful vistas and special light have long attracted and inspired artists. Today, the Falmouth area in particular has one of the most energetic and creative art scenes in the county, which students at the university can actively become involved in.

Annual tuition and fees for Falmouth University for 2024-25 are:

• International: £17,950
• Outstanding facilities: spread across two campuses, facilities and spaces are carefully designed and developed with professional consultation and ongoing investment to ensure that graduates are well equipped to succeed.
• An inspiring environment: arts programmes are primarily located at the Falmouth Campus, in a subtropical garden. Studios and workshop facilities provide an exceptional environment for thinking and making: fostering experimentation, innovation, and critical dialogue.
• Excellent industry connections: students have exciting opportunities through industry connections and dedication to mirroring professional practice . They can connect with industry by tackling live briefs from real clients, working for in-house agencies and hearing from sector leaders through guest lectures.

Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) stands apart as one of the UK's few higher education institutions exclusively dedicated to arts-based courses. Although a standalone university, it has ties with Bournemouth University, with which it shares some facilities and resources.

Courses at AUB seamlessly integrate practical and theoretical aspects, individually tailored to each subject. This ensures students at AUB gain the confidence they need to pursue successful careers in their chosen fields of study.

Image source: Arts University Bournemouth

Bournemouth, south coast of England.

Tuition and fees for Arts University Bournemouth for 2024-25 are:

• International: £18,950 (£19,950 for Animation, Costume, Film, Modelmaking, Performance Design and Film Costume)
• Excellent local opportunity in the arts field: Bournemouth is home to one of the fastest growing creative and digital hubs in Europe, with its digital sector supporting more than 7,500 digital jobs and contributing over £340million to the UK economy.An award-winning campus.
• Excellent industry-standard facilities: AUB has a range of industry-standard facilities to help aid students’ creativity, including a drawing studio, dance studios, a printmaking room, workshops and its Innovation Studio. For inspiration, an onsite gallery showcases the work of artists and designers from around the world.

One of the most renowned art schools in the world, the Slade School of Fine Art at University College London (UCL) offers an exceptional opportunity for students to study art and design at an advanced level. The school's reputation is built on a long-standing tradition of innovation and experimentation, which has attracted some of the most talented students and professors from across the globe.

UCL is ranked 6th in the UK for Art and Design by the 2024 Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide.

Image source: UCL

Tuition and fees for Slade School of Art for 2023-24 are:

• International: varies by course, as an example Fine Art, BA is £35,000
• Expertise in fine art: the Slade School of Art focuses primarily on Fine Art, offering two undergraduate degree programmes - the BFA three-year course and the four-year BA programme.
• Innovation: the curriculum at UCL consistently evolves to meet the demands of the contemporary art world and is designed to develop the critical and conceptual skills necessary to succeed in this field.
• Location: the school's prime location in central London provides access to world-class art galleries and museums, offering students numerous opportunities to engage with contemporary art first-hand.

Loughborough's School of the Arts, English and Drama is highly regarded as one of the leading degree-awarding institutions for art and design majors in the UK..

It is ranked 1st for Fashion and Textiles, and 2nd for Graphic Design by the Guardian Good University Guide 2024, and 3rd in the UK for Art and Design by both the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide, and the Complete University Guide in 2024. Its current global ranking for Art and Design according to QS World University Rankings is 32.

Image source: Loughborough University

Undergraduate degree courses offered at the university currently include BA (Hons) Fine Art, BA (Hons) Graphic Design, BA (Hons) Design, BA (Hons) Fashion Design and Technology, BA (Hons) Textile Design, BA (Hons) Industrial Design and BSc (Hons) Product Design and Technology.

Loughborough, East Midlands of England. Its central location makes all major hubs for art and design (London, Manchester, Edinburgh and Glasgow, for example) accessible to students.

Tuition and fees for Loughborough University for 2024 are:

• International: £23,000
• An integrated work placement for all: all Creative Arts undergraduate degrees offer the opportunity to integrate a work placement or study abroad year. This is an invaluable opportunity for students to explore future career paths, network with employers and broaden their cultural horizons. Recent placement destinations of Creative Arts students include Mondelez, The Walt Disney Company, H&M, Suzie Turner, Dr. Martens, The MTC, Nacho Carbonell, Debenhams and more.
• Access to a range of world-class facilities: state-of-the-art Creative Hubs provide industry-standard production possibilities and facilitate a high level of professional training. These are: Creative Digital Technologies and Photography; Print, Dye, Weave, Stitch and Digital Embroidery; Wood, Metal, Plastics, Laser, and 3D Printing; Painting and Printmaking; and Ceramics and Mouldmaking.
• A focus on inter-departmental collaboration: Loughborough's focus on interdisciplinary learning means that students are encouraged to collaborate across departments and explore a range of approaches to their art and design work.

The Ruskin School of Art is the Fine Art Department of the University of Oxford and is one of the UK’s leading art schools . It is currently ranked 1st for Fine Art in the Guardian Good University Guide 2024, and 1st in the UK for Art and Design by the 2024 Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide.

Image source: University of Oxford

Ruskin offers a three-year studio-based BFA course in which students work alongside each other in collaboratively-organised studios. Whereas many fine art courses run in an environment devoted exclusively to art and design, Ruskin students, as members of a collegiate university, have the advantage of contact with their contemporaries on all of Oxford’s other courses.

The school’s main premises are in the very centre of Oxford, surrounded by many of the university's most prestigious colleges, however in October 2015, the Ruskin opened a second Fine Art building in East Oxford's Bullingdon Road. Sitting on the site of a former warehouse and studio annex, the building houses purpose-built, state-of-the-art facilities and studios, and won an RIBA South Award in 2016.

Annual tuition fees at the Ruskin School of Art are:

• International: £38,550
• A degree from one of the world's top universities: the University of Oxford is known as being one of the world's best, and a degree in any discipline from such a renowned institute will make many avenues and opportunities accessible post graduation.
• A small but focused environment: with only around 130 students, those who complete their degree at the Ruskin have the best of both worlds; a focused, intimate environment, but the advantages that accompany being part of a wider research-intensive and world-renowned university.
• Excellent links to other departments: the Ruskin enjoys vibrant relationships with Oxford’s Department of the History of Art, the School of Anatomy, the Department of Engineering Science, the Institute of Archaeology, the Ashmolean Museum, Pitt Rivers Museum, and many other parts of the University. In addition, connection with Modern Art Oxford has enabled Ruskin students to stage exhibitions, performances and screenings in their galleries.

Lancaster University is ranked 4th in the UK for Art and Design by the 2024 Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide. The same guide also ranks it 6th for Art and Design Graduate Prospects.

Lancaster University is consistently recognised as one of the top universities in the UK and globally. It ranks among the top 15 universities in the three major UK league tables: The Complete University Guide, The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide, and The Guardian University Guide.

Undergraduate art and design courses currently include BA (Hons) Design, BA (Hons), Fine Art and Design, BSc (Hons) Marketing and Design, BA (Hons) Fine Art, BA (Hons) Fine Art and Design, BA (Hons) Fine Art and Film, BA (Hons) Fine Art and Theatre.

Lancaster, North East England. Lancaster itself is an attractive city with historical significance, yet it has good transport links to both Manchester and Glasgow, which are known internationally for their vibrant contemporary arts scenes.

Undergraduate tuition fees for 2024-25 at Lancaster University are:

• International: £23,750
• A Fine Art specialism: Lancaster specialises in the field of fine art and studying the subject at this university gives students the opportunity to integrate Fine Art Practice with Art History/Theory at a high level.
• Innovative ways to apply design: Lancaster’s approach to design reflects a department that is actively seeking new and innovative ways to apply design. The degree is taught by leading design researchers, and it moves beyond the scope of traditional disciplines such as graphic or product design.
• Access to interdisciplinary modules: The Lancaster Institute for the Contemporary Arts also has a range of interdisciplinary modules available to give students the opportunity to develop knowledge, skills and understanding that is relevant across both art and design.

One of the prestigious Russell Group universities, Newcastle’s reputation is built on inspirational teaching, alongside excellent facilities and world-leading research and art practice. The Bachelor’s (BA) Fine Art degree at Newcastle University is ranked 2nd in the UK in the Guardian University Guide 2024.

Image source: Newcastle University

Students studying Fine Art in the art school at Newcastle are taught by a group of distinguished artists and art historians who are all active practitioners, researchers and specialists in their fields.

Newcastle, North East England. Newcastle is one of the best and most vibrant cities in the UK in which to study and make contemporary visual art. It has a thriving art scene with numerous studios and galleries.

Undergraduate tuition fees for 2024-25 at Newcastle University are:

• International: £24,700
• Excellent facilities and input: based at the very heart of Newcastle University's city-centre campus, the art school provides students, from undergraduate to postgraduate, with excellent workshops and studio spaces, support by excellent technicians, and a superb Visiting Artists Programme.
• Interdisciplinary opportunities: Fine Art at Newcastle is also home to the Hatton Gallery, and is also art of the University's Institute for Creative Arts Practice, which supports Creative Practice and interdisciplinary working across the university.

Need Help With Choosing the Right Art Uni?

At Kings, we offer a host of qualifications and programmes to prepare students for progression to study an Art and Design course at university.

From traditional Art & Design A-levels to the Art & Design Foundation , UAL Foundation Diploma in Art & Design and Fast-track Art and Design pathway we can cater for all needs and requirements. Irrespective of the course followed, all students at Kings benefit from:

• Expert teaching from subject specialists
• Specialist facilities and excellent resources
• Personalised support to establish the best university fit and give you the best chance of winning a place there

Progression to top art schools - find out which universities have welcomed our art and design alumni

We hope that this article has helped you understand more about the best universities for Art-related subjects in the UK.

If you would like receive more detailed information about the Kings and our programmes, please get in touch with us at [email protected] .

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Department and faculty, campus and facilities, about university for the creative arts, about this university.

The University for the Creative Arts (UCA) is a top specialist creative arts university in the UK. Courses span Arts, Business, and Technology with subjects from acting and performance to virtual and immersive reality, with plenty in between. 

UCA believes that creativity makes global communities more vibrant and more innovative. Which is why, for 160 years, the university has been a passionate advocate for creative education and research, developing and nurturing that creative mindset in every student.

Top reasons to study here:

• UCA is the second largest provider of arts education in the UK- the courses are designed so students gain sought-after industry knowledge and skills.
• The UK campuses are all within an hour's travel from London. UCA is home to a diverse and multicultural community, with students from over 90 countries.
• Students benefit from innovative and high-quality equipment and facilities. These include animation suites, photography studios, soundstages, and much more.

UCA’s programmes are acclaimed for their top teaching quality, and highly respected by creative sector employers. They also house the UK’s first Business School for the Creative Industries. 

UCA has campuses in Farnham, Canterbury, and Epsom, which are located in Surrey and Kent in the southeast of England. They also work with partner institutions like Maidstone Television Studios and the Institute for Creative Innovation in Xiamen, China. Each campus is well connected to Heathrow airport.

Student support

Studying abroad is a big step. Which is why UCA provides dedicated support to international students ranging from specialist immigration and visa advice to English language support and career guidance. Students can also access a free, confidential counselling service. The university offers further support for students with disabilities, as well as a learning and teaching service for those who need extra help with their studies.

Not only does UCA welcome students from diverse backgrounds, but it is constantly innovating to provide students with new facilities and new experiences, including new courses.

As specialists in the creative arts, business, and technology fields the university regularly reviews the courses offered and makes new additions. For 2022, the newest courses offered to students at undergraduate level include art history, theory and contemporary culture, comic and concept art, as well as virtual and augmented reality.

In December 2021, UCA announced it has secured GBP 2 million in funding to invest in the new School of Games and Creative Technology at the Farnham campus.

The university often shares exciting stories of alumni and students that have achieved major success in their field. Film production alumni Kate Herron was Director and Executive Producer for the first season of Disney+ series Loki , and two international UCA students have had their artwork selected for the 12 th International Fiber Art Biennale in Yunnan, China.

UCA is extremely proud to have been voted the top specialist art and design university for world-leading research outputs in the UK, according to the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF), 2021.

£17,210 Undergraduate Fees are for indicative purposes, check with institution for details

£17,760 Postgraduate Fees are for indicative purposes, check with institution for details

£5,000 Living costs

£3,480 To live on campus

The university has a range of scholarships and fee discounts available to help students manage the cost of their studies. Some of these are funded by the university but many are also funded by donors including alumni of the university.

The criteria for scholarships will vary, with some open to all applicants and others only available to students from selected backgrounds or on specific courses. Selection criteria for those awarded the financial grants will sometimes be based on academic performance, whilst others will be provided to those most in financial need.

International students are also able to take advantage of these scholarships, with all courses eligible except for pre-sessional English. For the 2021/22 academic year, there were 300 scholarships offered to international students that discounted tuition fees by up to GBP 6,000. Full details of the financial awards available and the qualifying criteria are available on the university’s website.

Discover scholarships

Entry requirements.

The entry requirements to study at UCA will vary depending on the chosen course and country of origin.

Academic requirements

If students do not have UK qualifications, UCA will consider equivalent qualifications from their home country for entry onto their Foundation, Bachelor’s, and master’s courses. International students can learn more about equivalent qualifications on the university’s website.

As UCA is a creative university, a lot of the degrees don’t just rely on qualifications for acceptance criteria. Students may be asked to provide a portfolio of their work or attend an interview or audition for a place on their course. Details of specific entry requirements can be found on the website and course web pages.  

English language requirements

A good level of English language proficiency is necessary for admission to UCA. This can be shown through an English language test. Full details of UCA’s English language requirements can be found on the website.

For students whose language skills need improving, the university also offers pre-sessional English courses that aim to prepare international students for degree programmes, develop their English language proficiency and facilitate acceptance onto degrees where a certain level of English language ability is a pre-condition.

Students can apply for a student visa to study in the UK when they have received acceptance from UCA. International students can find out more about visas and immigration on the university’s website.

Teaching Quality

To provide the highest quality creative education, the University for the Creative Arts works with the best experts who have a wide range of experience and industry connections in the creative sector which informs their teaching.

Courses are tailored to provide a great mix of hands-on practical learning and theory, weaving career strategy throughout the degree so that students are fully prepared to step into their field of work upon completion of their studies.

The Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide ranks the university as number one for teaching quality of their courses in communications & media and in business and management, while architecture courses are ranked third.

Furthermore, the university stands out for its research excellence. UCA was voted the top specialist art and design university for world-leading research outputs in the UK, according to the latest Research Excellence Framework ( REF 2021 ).

UCA alumni spans across all creative industries. Graduates have won numerous awards of national and international repute including Oscar Awards, BAFTA Awards, Turner Prize, and Stirling Prize.

Notable alumni include Arnold Schwartzman (Film director), Zandra Rhodes (Fashion designer), William McGregor (Screenwriter), and Tracey Emin (Artist).

Department structure

UCA offers a variety of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, as well as an integrated international foundation year. 

There are approximately 130 courses available to study at UCA and these are grouped together into 21 different subject areas:

• Advertising – including digital marketing, global marketing, and brand management
• Animation – including visual effects, augmented reality, and games animation
• Architecture – including interior design and interior architecture
• Business & Management – including various business courses by creative discipline
• Communication & Media – including television & media production, and graphic design
• Computer Arts – including comic art, games design, and games development
• Crafts – including ceramics, jewellery, and textiles courses
• Fashion – including fashion photography, fashion design, and fashion branding
• Film – including acting & performance, screen studies, and film production
• Fine Art & Digital Art – including fine art, art theory, and contemporary culture
• Games – including studio practice and games design
• Graphic Design – including visual communication and graphic design
• Illustration – including concept art and illustration
• Interior Design – including product & furniture design and design for theatre & screen
• Marketing – including various marketing courses by creative discipline
• Music – including composition for screen and international music management
• Performing Arts – including writing for screen, screen acting, and design
• Photography – including photography and fashion photography
• Product Design – including silversmithing and industrial design
• TV – including television production and acting & performance
• Textiles – including printed fashion textiles for fashion and interiors

Being a specialist creative university, UCA provides access to innovative, high-tech, and quality facilities and resources . These include animation suites, photography studios, digital media suites, darkrooms, soundstages, and so much more.

Students are able to learn and express themselves using the latest tools and equipment, preparing them for a career working with state-of-the-art technologies and techniques. Skilled technicians dedicated to each area of study are available to support and guide students with their work.

Students can also use the university's extensive indoor and outdoor sports facilities, which include dance/fitness studios, artificial pitches, and tennis courts. 

With over 280,000 print and e-books and exhibition catalogues, 500m of archival material and a wide range of broadcast materials, UCA’s libraries hold a wealth of information that will enhance student’s studies. The largest library, located on the Farnham campus, includes comfortable study pods and socialising space for group study. 

Each campus has a diverse range of shops, supermarkets, restaurants and nightlife, ensuring that students have easy access to everything they need.

Student bars can be found on the Farnham and Canterbury campuses. All campuses have exhibition spaces displaying work by students and external artists.

There are numerous clubs and societies available to students, covering a wide range of interests from K-pop dance and yoga to animation and martial arts, meaning there is something for everyone.

Halls of residence are available on each of the university’s campuses. Some are on campus, while others are just a short walk away. University accommodation is guaranteed for all new international students who apply before the deadline.

Private accommodation is also an option, and there is plenty of it in and around each campus area. If students wish to rent privately, UCA’s housing staff will gladly provide them with relevant contacts and information.

Courses at University for the Creative Arts

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Creative Arts

Creative arts undergraduate degrees, creative arts postgraduate degrees, creative arts research degrees, employability and opportunities.

Our vibrant School of Creative Arts offers an inspiring and supportive environment in which to start your journey towards a creative career. Our film, media, design, visual arts, music and art therapy courses are all led by talented artists, experienced lecturers and industry experts.

We also offer innovative cultural journeys that will help you view the world in a whole new way, giving you exceptional opportunities to learn and develop. Alongside traditional subjects such as English Literature, English Language and Linguistics, Politics and International Relations, History and Philosophy, we offer applied courses including Mass Communications, Journalism, Media and Creative Writing.

With a wide variety of modules to choose from in a range of subjects, you’ll be able to shape your degree around your personal interests and ambitions. Many offer opportunities to study abroad, immersing you in another culture.

Rookie Awards

Our Creative School is ranked 3rd in the UK (The Rookies Top Global Creative Schools, 2023). We'll help you develop your creative curiosity by putting the latest technology at your fingertips, including 3D printers, a motion capture studio, a construction and carving workshop, jewellery benches, sound control rooms, darkrooms and post-production suites.

Nick Lovegrove

Programme Leader for Graphic Design and Illustration

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School of Creative Arts University of Hertfordshire Hatfield Hertfordshire AL10 9AB UK

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Lincoln School of Creative Arts

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April 3, 2023

Announcing NEW Arts and Cultural Industries Post-graduate and PhD opportunities at University of Lincoln

May 9, 2022

Line-up Announced for new arts festival: LSFPA LAUNCH FEST 2022

December 16, 2021

University of Lincoln Theatre students make Much Ado About Nothing! | 26th Jan 2022 | LPAC

July 28, 2021

Digital performance from The Lincoln Company at Edinburgh Fringe 2021

March 25, 2021

LSFPA student appointed as theatre critic for National Student Drama Festival 2021

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Apply now to join The Lincoln Company, Lincoln School of Creative Arts’ company of emerging theatre, dance, art and...

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The University of Lincoln School of Creative Arts are delighted to announce a suite of new post-graduate and PhD opportunities to...

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Symposium: Wednesday 9th November 2022, 14.00 – 17.00 – NDH1010 Exhibition: Opening, Wednesday 9th November, 17.30 – 19.30. Run, Thursday 10th November...

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• University of Oxford VIEW COURSES UCL (University College London) VIEW COURSES Loughborough University VIEW COURSES University of Glasgow VIEW COURSES University of Leeds VIEW COURSES Newcastle University VIEW COURSES Lancaster University VIEW COURSES Goldsmiths, University of London VIEW COURSES Kingston University VIEW COURSES University of Reading VIEW COURSES GET PROSPECTUS The University of Edinburgh VIEW COURSES University of Kent VIEW COURSES University of Dundee VIEW COURSES IN CLEARING Nottingham Trent University IN CLEARING VIEW COURSES Bangor University VIEW COURSES Northumbria University, Newcastle VIEW COURSES University of Lincoln VIEW COURSES Canterbury Christ Church University VIEW COURSES IN CLEARING Brunel University London IN CLEARING VIEW COURSES IN CLEARING University of Wales Trinity Saint D... IN CLEARING VIEW COURSES Manchester Metropolitan University VIEW COURSES Bournemouth University VIEW COURSES IN CLEARING University of the Arts London IN CLEARING VIEW COURSES Ulster University VIEW COURSES Falmouth University VIEW COURSES University of Southampton VIEW COURSES Cardiff Metropolitan University VIEW COURSES University of Plymouth VIEW COURSES Sheffield Hallam University VIEW COURSES University of Chester VIEW COURSES University of Portsmouth VIEW COURSES Abertay University VIEW COURSES Edinburgh Napier University VIEW COURSES University of Westminster, London VIEW COURSES University of Manchester VIEW COURSES University of Brighton VIEW COURSES GET PROSPECTUS Liverpool John Moores University VIEW COURSES Bristol, University of the West of ... VIEW COURSES Oxford Brookes University VIEW COURSES Norwich University of the Arts VIEW COURSES University of Winchester VIEW COURSES University of Salford VIEW COURSES Coventry University VIEW COURSES University of South Wales VIEW COURSES University of Central Lancashire VIEW COURSES Staffordshire University VIEW COURSES Bath Spa University VIEW COURSES University of Gloucestershire VIEW COURSES Arts University Bournemouth VIEW COURSES University of Huddersfield VIEW COURSES London South Bank University VIEW COURSES Birmingham City University VIEW COURSES Leeds Beckett University VIEW COURSES Leeds Arts University VIEW COURSES University of Greenwich VIEW COURSES Robert Gordon University VIEW COURSES Aberystwyth University VIEW COURSES De Montfort University VIEW COURSES University of Chichester VIEW COURSES Teesside University, Middlesbrough VIEW COURSES University of Northampton VIEW COURSES Middlesex University VIEW COURSES University of Sunderland VIEW COURSES University of Worcester VIEW COURSES York St John University VIEW COURSES Heriot-Watt University VIEW COURSES IN CLEARING University for the Creative Arts IN CLEARING VIEW COURSES Anglia Ruskin University VIEW COURSES University of Wolverhampton VIEW COURSES University of Derby VIEW COURSES University of Hertfordshire VIEW COURSES University of East London VIEW COURSES Buckinghamshire New University VIEW COURSES IN CLEARING University of Suffolk IN CLEARING VIEW COURSES Arts University Plymouth VIEW COURSES University of Cumbria VIEW COURSES University of Bolton VIEW COURSES IN CLEARING Liverpool Hope University IN CLEARING VIEW COURSES London Metropolitan University VIEW COURSES IN CLEARING Solent University (Southampton) IN CLEARING VIEW COURSES Wrexham University VIEW COURSES University of West London VIEW COURSES University of the Highlands and Isl... VIEW COURSES University of Bedfordshire VIEW COURSES
• 100% 94% 91% 91% 89% 89% 89% 88% 87% 87% 87% 87% 86% 86% 86% 86% 85% 85% 85% 85% 84% 84% 84% 84% 84% 84% 84% 84% 83% 83% 83% 83% 83% 83% 83% 83% 83% 83% 83% 83% 82% 82% 82% 82% 82% 82% 82% 82% 82% 81% 81% 81% 81% 81% 81% 81% 81% 81% 81% 80% 80% 80% 80% 80% 79% 79% 79% 79% 79% 79% 78% 78% 78% 78% 78% 77% 77% 77% 76% 76% 75% 75% 74% 68%
• 100% 84% 73% 96% 71% 86% 65% 70% 69% 58% 70% 50% 76% 58% 53% 62% 54% 48% n/a 69% 63% 49% 65% 56% 62% 59% 56% 56% 53% 53% 57% 73% 75% 58% 69% 60% 67% 62% 54% 55% 46% 55% 52% 53% 53% 53% 55% 52% 61% 56% 46% 59% 51% 64% 55% 71% 62% 52% 67% 51% 46% 52% 50% 49% 51% 69% 55% 49% 49% 54% 50% 44% 45% 54% 61% 52% 46% 55% 44% 45% 52% 45% n/a 39%
• n/a 82% 83% 70% 74% 82% 80% 85% 79% 79% 75% 81% 76% 79% 88% 80% 83% 85% 73% 83% 77% 85% 76% 78% 80% 81% 77% 76% 82% 78% 79% 77% 80% 74% 79% 74% 73% 80% 80% 79% 78% 81% 78% 82% 85% 81% 72% 78% 78% 78% 77% 80% 78% 77% 74% 86% 79% 79% 71% 82% 84% 79% 81% 76% 81% 72% 80% 76% 84% 76% 75% 85% 86% 88% 83% 69% 81% 77% 80% 78% 83% 76% 73% 78%
• 96% 83% 82% 88% 82% 87% 85% 83% 85% 81% 81% 89% 82% 82% 76% 79% 79% 75% 73% 63% 81% 74% 80% 81% 79% 84% 83% 68% 84% 68% 74% 77% 66% 90% n/a 82% 75% 74% 67% 74% n/a 79% 82% 78% 72% 83% 63% 77% 67% 69% 71% 72% 68% 44% 68% 58% 77% 73% n/a 79% 56% 76% 80% 57% 54% 72% 77% 71% 73% 65% 68% 58% 73% n/a n/a 65% 61% 54% 75% 49% 46% 76% n/a n/a
• 71% 92% 79% n/a 79% 55% 77% 70% 70% 74% 68% n/a 68% 72% 69% 75% 68% 76% 82% 63% 66% 75% 65% 66% 64% 55% 68% 67% 67% 75% 72% 78% 69% 63% 65% 64% 61% 63% 62% 65% 95% 62% 72% 62% 60% 59% 65% 61% 57% 66% 81% 60% 69% 60% 73% 59% 59% 65% 54% 63% 60% 61% 63% 72% 72% 56% 53% 61% 58% 61% 61% 57% 51% 57% 56% 72% 59% 50% 51% 54% 52% 63% 58% 58%

This table was first published on 14 May 2024. 

Read the  University and subject tables methodology  to find out where the data comes from, how the tables are compiled and explanations of the measures used. 

All measures used to compile the tables are available on the full table view. Maximum scores for the measures: 

Overall score: maximum score of 1000 

Entry standards: no maximum score  

Student satisfaction: maximum score of 4 

Research quality: maximum score of 4 

Continuation: maximum score of 100 

Graduate prospects – outcomes: maximum score of 100 

Graduate prospects – on track: maximum score of 100 

The following institutions have courses in this subject but insufficient data to be included in the ranking:  

• - Rose Bruford College
• - Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
• - University of Hull

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Creative Arts courses

The Open University now offers a broad range of qualifications and courses in the creative arts. These online courses are available through our college dedicated to the creative arts, The Open College of the Arts.

Choose from part-time distance learning courses in graphic design, photography, painting, drawing, illustration, interior design, and textiles.

From August 2023, all Open College of the Arts honours and masters degrees will be accredited by The Open University.

To learn more about our creative arts courses through The Open College of the Arts, and how to apply, visit the The Open College of the Arts website or click on a course link below.

Undergraduate Creative Arts courses

Choose from our subject-specific art degrees if you have a particular discipline you’re passionate about. Alternatively, The Open College of the Arts BA (Hons) Creative Arts degree provides an exciting opportunity if you’re looking to explore two or more creative arts practices.

BA (Hons) Graphic Design

Explore the creative world around you with our graphic design degree, and develop your unique graphic design practice.

BA (Hons) Photography

Our highly popular online photography degree will help you advance in (or even begin!) your photographic journey.

BA (Hons) Painting

Our online painting degree helps you develop your core skills, methods and approaches in the many practices of painting.

BA (Hons) Drawing

Question your ideas of what drawing can be on our online drawing degree, and discover your creative potential.

BA (Hons) Illustration

Explore book, editorial, commercial and graphic novel illustration – and beyond! – on our broad-ranging illustration degree.

BA (Hons) Creative Arts

Explore our multidisciplinary creative arts degree for an exciting journey through diverse artistic forms.

BA (Hons) Fine Art

An online fine art degree sees you acknowledge and learn from tradition while pushing forward in contemporary practice.

BA (Hons) Textiles

This online textiles degree offers a rich exploration of surface, pattern, texture and materials in many forms.

BA (Hons) Visual Communications

This online degree will give you the skills and tools to communicate with any given audience.

BA (Hons) Interior Design

Explore how you can discover the full potential of different spaces with this online interior design degree.

Postgraduate Creative Arts courses

Find your creative voice with one of The Open College of the Arts two-year online postgraduate courses.

MA Fine Art

This online fine arts programme focuses on studio practice and developing your skills in your medium of choice.

MA in Graphic Design

Working on your chosen medium, this masters degree is available as a two-year part-time course.

Arts foundation courses

If degree study is new to you or you are uncertain where to start, we recommend you consider getting started with one of The Open College of the Arts Art Foundation courses. These courses will provide the building blocks you will need to start on a degree pathway, help to build your confidence, and familiarise you with the study skills you need to study from home.

• Foundation Creative Writing
• Foundation Drawing
• Foundation Drawing for Textile Art, Design and Fashion
• Foundation Drawing from the Past
• Foundation Interior Design
• Foundation Material and Making
• Foundation Music
• Foundation Painting
• Foundation Photography
• Foundation Textiles

Personal Development Courses

Whether you’re studying for a different qualification and want to try something new, are working on your continuing professional development (CPD), or are looking to enhance your knowledge and practice, you can do that with the Open College of the Arts through our personal development courses.

• Mixed Media for Textiles
• Textiles Vocabulary
• Illustration Sketchbooks
• Key Steps in Illustration
• Expressing Your Vision
• Scriptwriting
• Starting Your Novel
• Writing Skills

Short Courses

Focusing on a single topic, these short courses run for 8–10 weeks. Designed and led by The Open College of the Arts expert tutors, you will go deep into a topic and develop expertise in topical issues.

• Photography as Language
• Investigating Place with Psychogeography

Contact The Open College of the Arts

If you have any questions about creative arts courses with The Open College of the Arts, please get in touch with our enquiries team:

Telephone: +44 (0)1226 978330 Email: [email protected]

Or via The Open College of the Arts contact page .

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UK arts bodies urge incoming government to stand up for the culture sector

More than 20 organisations have called for improved arts education and freedom of movement in europe.

Keir Starmer, the leader of the Labour party, during a visit to a school on 24 June

PA Images / Alamy Stock Photo

Twenty one UK visual arts organisations have issued a collective manifesto calling on the future government of the United Kingdom to back the country’s ailing visual arts sector after the 4 July general election. The organisations—which include DACS, Contemporary Visual Arts Network, Art Fund, Gallery Climate Coalition, Crafts Council and A-N—are calling for more investment in creative education in schools, closer links to Europe and protecting free entry to museums and galleries.

The signatories have collectively outlined “a roadmap to sustain the visual arts for the long term”, says the joint manifesto. “Our galleries, studios, museums and visual artists face significant challenges that hinder their ability to survive and thrive,” adds the manifesto, which highlights the “critical role of the visual arts in the UK’s £126bn creative industries”. The call to action also underlines that the UK art market, according to the British Art Market Federation, is worth £9.7bn, while stressing that artists from Banksy to Tracey Emin “are instrumental in shaping the UK’s global recognition and soft power”.

The joint document proposes integrating “visual literacy into the national curriculum at Key Stage 2, ensuring every schoolchild visits a cultural organisation every year”, among other proposals. “Review the national curriculum, increasing the availability of creative subjects and reform the EBaccalaureate [academic qualification] to include them to ensure the pipeline of skills and knowledge,” say the organisations.

Last year Sally Bacon, the former director of the Clore Duffield Foundation, wrote in a piece for The Art Newspaper that “the top-level finding [of The Arts in Schools: Foundations for the Future report] is the lack of value ascribed to the arts within the state education system in England, with the arts disadvantaged at every stage, and that access to the arts can therefore no longer be assumed in either the primary or secondary system.”

Another proposal in the manifesto involves establishing a Smart Fund aimed at creating new collective licensing revenue for artists, writers, performers and directors when copyright-protected works are created, shared, or distributed, across digital devices.

The organisations also want to appoint a “freelancer commissioner” to advocate for the needs and interests of freelance visual artists and creative workers (both this and the Smart Fund policy were recently put forward by the Culture, Media, and Sport Committee in their Creator Remuneration report published in March ). Long-term goals should meanwhile focus on incorporating exhibition payments into copyright law and providing financial stability for disabled artists, says the manifesto.

Under a section entitled “recognising the international power of UK visual arts”, the manifesto calls for freedom of movement for artists and other creative workers within the European Union. Rejoining the EU’s Creative Europe programme, which awarded €89.5m to UK-based creative organisations between 2014 and 2018, is another objective.

Finally, more investment is needed for visual arts spaces to thrive, says the manifesto. Retaining and expanding the Museum Gallery Exhibition Tax Relief to include performance and live art, digital online exhibitions, sales of work, educational activity is key, says the joint plan. Affordable studios should also be on the agenda, it says, along with exploring the potential of a Tourist Levy to fund culture. “Any income generated through it [should] be ring-fenced for investment in arts organisations and cultural projects, both of which drive tourism,” states the manifesto.

The main political parties outlined their plans for the UK cultural sector earlier this month in their respective manifestos.

But some commentators have criticised the culture policies put forward by the two main parties. Writing in The Telegraph , the arts columnist Ben Lawrence says: “In the Conservative document [manifesto], we don’t get to the creative sector until page 69, in the penultimate section, and they lead with a nebulous promise about a dedicated apprenticeship scheme… Labour fare slightly better, given that they’re committed to children studying creative subjects until they are 16, and plan a National Music Education Network, which will offer information on courses for parents and children. But their manifesto is light on detail.”

In the Evening Standard , the columnist Anne McElvoy wrote : “Despite having covered the campaign trail over the last month, I had not heard any senior figure give any detail or signal enthusiasm for the place of the arts and culture in the great national reboot.”

Study at UCA

Why choose uca.

If you're looking for a fully creative university experience, you've come to the right place: we're one of the UK's top creative universities, entirely dedicated to creative courses.

But we're more than that, too. On each of our campuses, you'll find a close-knit community of staff and students who are learning together, collaborating, sharing ideas and pushing boundaries to solve real problems. Together, we create work that changes lives and shifts perspectives.

If that sounds like what you're looking for in a university, then keep reading – this just might be the place for you.

Two minute stories

Discover UCA for yourself:

• Book an Open Day
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• Submit an enquiry

Hayley graduated with a BA (Hons) Film Production from UCA Farnham in 2016 followed by an MA in Filmmaking in 2017.

Alongside her studies she completed a range of work experience, working as a runner and videographer.

After working on a range of high profile projects including ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ and ‘The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance’, she was signed to a US directing / writing management team in LA

Studying for a masters at UCA was one of the smartest decisions I ever made as it taught me not just how to be a crew member, but how to become an all-round filmmaker. My MA film ‘Denouement’ is one of the reasons I’ve just been signed to my new role in LA.

• Read Hayley's story

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Bri, a third-year UCA Illustration student, has transformed two huge wall spaces at the Maidstone branch of Zizzi, using a colour palette inspired by the local area.

It’s the second time this year that UCA students have put their talents to the test, after Ruth Blacklock and Izzy Barrett transformed Zizzi in Farnham.

Bri was later commissioned to design and paint a mural on the UCA Farnham campus...

• Q&A with Bri on Instagram
• Read Bri's Zizzi story

Entrepreneur Kongphat, who is studying BA (Hons) Architecture at UCA Canterbury, attended COP28 to represent his tech start-up Phytavaren Technology as its inventor and chief technology officer.

He has created an Interlocking Semi-Calcite Brick, which won the 2023 This is Cool Challenge, run by Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL).

Its clever design, including an interlocking feature, also means the assembly process is easier, quicker and uses less plaster in its construction.

My goal is to bridge the gap between innovative design and sustainable technology, potentially leading or contributing to projects that redefine the way we approach construction and environmental sustainability

• Read Kongphat's story

Craig Luck Craig graduated from UCA in 2010 with a BA (Hons) in Film Production.

When he wrote the initial story while a studying at UCA, intending for it to be a short film

“I wrote FINCH with no-one in mind, certainly not Tom Hanks... There's a good reason why everyone loves Tom Hanks, and it's because he's genuine and extremely talented at what he does. His decision to say ‘Yes’ to us changed my life more than he'll ever know.”

It was a strange, full-circle moment when the film launched on Apple TV+

Craig worked in an Apple Store after graduating, while also trying to get the short film version of FINCH (then known as BIOS) made.

Seeing this small project grow into what it is today is surreal. I find it increasingly difficult to say ‘a dream come true’ because the reality is, it was beyond a dream at the time!

With FINCH now streaming, Craig is working on new projects, including a film called Interloper, which is still in development.

• Read Craig's story

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