University of the Arts London

Overview

University of the Arts London (UAL) is an internationally renowned institution with a fantastic reputation for its courses in fashion in particular, along with the fields of art, design, communication, screen, media, performing arts.

The university has a diverse student body of over 21,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students, with representation for over 130 countries. The institution has a rich history of over 100 years of quality teaching across its various faculties:

• Camberwell College of Arts
• Central Saint Martins
• Chelsea College of Arts
• London College of Communication
• London College of Fashion
• Wimbledon College of Arts
• UAL Creative Computing Institute.

The university is situated in London, which as a creative and cultural capital makes it the perfect home for this vibrant institution. Studying in the UK capital opens the door to many creative networking opportunities, while the university has long established connections with world-famous events and festivals including London Fashion Week, film festivals, major art exhibitions and more.

There are more than 100 undergraduate courses available in a wide variety of subject areas including art, design, screen, communication, fashion, media and performing arts. Students benefit from the best industry links in the country, and graduates regularly go on to forge international careers and win major awards, from British Fashion Designer of the Year to the prestigious Turner Prize.

UAL has an impressive network of professional alumni, and past students include such names as Jimmy Choo, Mike Leigh, Ian McKay, Ralph Fiennes, Quentin Blake and Alexander McQueen.

Offering over 100 courses at pre-degree and undergraduate level, students are able to study at one of UAL’s 6 specialist colleges or the Creative Computing Institute. The university offers courses in a total of 20 different art and design subjects. Students are spoiled for choice with a huge range of courses available, from fashion to film, fine art to music, ceramics, journalism and much more. Many courses at UAL are among the best in the world, and most have strong links to influential industries where graduates may find work after finishing their course.

Teaching methods are as forward thinking and as creative as the university itself. Lecturers and tutors are highly experienced and have accomplished much within their respective fields. Students will also benefit from an exciting yearly timetable of guest lecturers from some of the biggest names in the creative arts, helping to offer a more rounded and varied education.

Entry requirements for courses at UAL vary depending on the subject and level of study. While many courses do involve a minimum number of UCAS points, the subjective nature of the creative arts means that each applicant’s portfolio of work and personal statement is weighted heavily when making a decision about admission.

There are many pathways to enrolment and the university encourages anyone with the desire to study in London to submit an application, even if they are not sure that they will meet the stated UCAS point minimum. Students with an impressive portfolio or who can demonstrate a passion for the arts may still be accepted.

Even students who do not have relevant academic qualifications are still considered, through accreditation of prior experiential learning. This could see students enrolling based on past academic or professional experience, references, their personal statement or a combination of the above.

A wide range of qualification types are accepted for consideration when applying, from foundation diplomas to BTEC extended diplomas, the Access to Higher Education Diploma, or various international equivalent qualifications including the International Baccalaureate Diploma.

For more information on course requirements students can visit the undergraduate course pages, where they’ll find any specific information related to their chosen subject.

Accommodation

UAL has 14 halls of residence located across the city of London. All are within commutable distance from each college – some even by foot:

• Archwood House (standard rooms, ensuite rooms and studios ranging between £211 – £342.50 a week)
• Brooke Hall (studios ranging between £247.50 – £270 a week)
• Cordwainers Court (£185.50 – £190 a week)
• Emily Bowes Court (ensuite rooms £214.38 a week)
• Furzedown Student Village and Cedars Hall (£192.50 – £213 a week)
• Gardens House (standard rooms, ensuite rooms and studios ranging between £224.50 – £344 a week)
• Glassyard Building (£263 – £273 a week)
• Highline Building (ensuite rooms and studios ranging between £266.50 – £325 a week)
• Portland House (£165 – £387 a week)
• Sketch House (ensuite rooms and studios ranging between £265.50 – £345.50 a week)
• Stratford One (ensuite rooms £260 a week)
• The Costume Store (ensuite rooms and studios ranging between £218.50 – £357 a week)
• Wick Park (ensuite rooms ranging between £208 – £296 a week)
• Wigram House (£303 – £467 a week)

Each property has additional facilities, which typically include a common room, WiFi, wheelchair access, on-site laundry, and a roof courtyard.

UAL’s popular Student Welfare Programme also arranges budget-friendly social activities, such as movie nights, knitting clubs and cooking competitions.

Facilities

Each college has specialised working environments to ensure that students have all the equipment and resources they need to succeed during their studies.

UAL has invested in state-of-the-art design workshops and studio spaces, photography suites, print room, 3D modelling facilities and fashion departments. They are all professional standard so students will find the transition from university life into their career a seamless one, preparing them to step right into the world of work.

No matter which college students choose, they will have access to all libraries across the university with extensive design archives and study spaces that are perfect for individual and group work. All six colleges also have art supply shops on-site for those essentials, and a canteen serving delicious and healthy food to ensure students don’t need to leave college during intensive study days.

Starting at university and moving to a new city is an exciting and life-changing time, but it can also be a challenging one. UAL's Student Advice Service offers a number of services to help new students settle in, and provides support and guidance throughout the duration of the course.

Services include free and confidential counselling, health advice and academic support, and a university team of student advisors who can help with queries on money, immigration and visas. Dyslexia screening is offered, as well as support for disabled students.

Whatever a student needs support with, the service can either provide the necessary help or point them in the right direction to get the specific support they need to be able to continue their studies uninterrupted and fulfil their potential.

The advice centre operates every Monday to Friday, from 10am to 4pm. Students can easily make an appointment to have a chat in person or get in touch online.

University of the Arts London is an industry-leading institution in many of the creative fields – it is an incredible institution for all artistic subjects, with excellent facilities and leading experts providing cutting-edge theoretical and practical education.

The University of the Arts London is 2^nd in the world for art and design, according to the 2022 QS World University Rankings. It’s also the largest specialist university for art and design in the whole of Europe. As a result, UAL represents the premier choice for any student looking to get the best in art and design education.

Its central London location makes it one of the most internationally relevant universities in the arts, and its reputation for fashion design in particular is immeasurable.

UAL has produced an outstanding network of alumni who have gone on to influence the creative industries in historic ways, and the university continues to influence the future of global industries with its cutting-edge culture and research initiatives. By choosing to study at UAL, students are setting themselves up to become the next creative leaders in their field and join the university’s prestigious alumni network.

Students' union

The Students' Union is a student-led organisation, independent from the university, and focuses on supporting and representing students.

Arts SU’s officers and reps are elected every year by students themselves. Alongside representation, the SU offers independent advice, part-time job opportunities and community through its cafés and bar.

MiAL (Made in Arts London) is a professional development programme set up by the Students' Union to help promote and sell students’ artwork.

Clubs and Societies

UAL organises a lively mixture of clubs and special interest societies for any of its students to participate in. It is a great way to meet new people and try new things, so students can build friendships which often last far longer than their time at university. It also helps students to get the healthy balance between time spent working and relaxing.

Societies and clubs are run around the main timetables, allowing students can find the time to unwind without compromising their studies.

City life

London is quite simply one of the most creative capital cities in the world. There are endless things to explore in a city which is constantly changing and reinventing itself. Students will discover a rich landscape of world-famous art galleries and collections, theatres and performance venues, as well as a heady mix of historic and contemporary cultures coming together to create a unique landscape of music, languages, and cuisines.

The university runs regular events and workshops and has established firm connections with many external arts organisations, giving students plenty of opportunities to find inspiration and extra work experience.

The city is easy to navigate thanks to its extensive public transport system, helping students to safely navigate their way between accommodation and their college as well as getting around the many recreational activities and attractions that the UK capital has to offer.

Studying at UAL opens many doors to London’s many networks in the creative arts industry and beyond. The university has firmly established its place on the academic and professional scene, developing a far-reaching list of contacts that students can take advantage of during their time studying.

Innovations in art and design often originate in the communities of young artists at top institutions, and UAL is a prime example of this. The university has its own public showroom where student work can be promoted to the professional world, and where careers can be launched with the resources of the university as a support.

UAL’s Careers and Employability Service also runs several initiatives including regular free events and career workshops, a mentoring scheme and dedicated employment board. UAL SEED, a funding initiative, is available for new ventures and students can apply for awards of up to £5,000 to help them embark on their professional journey.

Scholarships/ Bursaries

UAL is committed to ensuring the financial security of all its enrolled students. There is a comprehensive selection of scholarships, bursaries and awards available to support students from difficult economic backgrounds, as well as providing opportunities for talented and hard-working students to subsidise the cost of study.

These scholarships and financial awards are often competitive, so students are advised to take care during their application to put their best case forward. Students who are not successful when applying for scholarships can still seek financial guidance from the university’s support services.

Full information is available on the university website, and prospective students are encouraged to check online for eligibility and any important dates and deadlines. Applications are submitted online.

Fees

The tuition fees for UK students on an undergraduate course are £9,250 per year. For international students, this rises to £25,970 per year. These prices are accurate for the 2023-24 academic year but may rise in future in line with inflation. Students can visit the undergraduate page on the university’s website for the latest information on fees.

UK students will be able to apply for a loan to cover their tuition fees, repayable only when the student reaches a minimum annual salary upon graduation. Other means-tested loans are also available to cover general living costs while at university. Financial support is also sometimes available for international students, but this can vary.

Any students struggling to pay their fees can speak to UAL’s student services for advice and guidance on budgeting and potential support options to help with funding.