UCA was founded in 2005 through the merger of the Kent Institute of Art and Design and the Surrey Institute of Art & Design. Both of these institutions had a long history of providing high-quality creative education, and UCA has continued this tradition. The university is known for its innovative teaching methods, its close industry links, and its commitment to providing students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the creative industries.
Courses, Fees, Eligibility
Course | Tuition Fees (GBP) | Eligibility |
---|---|---|
BA (Hons) Crafts | £9,000-£10,530 | A-levels in Art and Design and English, or equivalent, and a portfolio of creative work. |
BA (Hons) Fashion | £12,350-£13,540 | A-levels in Art and Design and Textiles, or equivalent, and a portfolio of creative work. |
BA (Hons) Graphic Design | £12,350-£13,540 | A-levels in Art and Design and English, or equivalent, and a portfolio of creative work. |
BA (Hons) Illustration | £12,350-£13,540 | A-levels in Art and Design and English, or equivalent, and a portfolio of creative work. |
BA (Hons) Fine Art | £9,000-£10,530 | A-levels in Art and Design and English, or equivalent, and a portfolio of creative work. |
BA (Hons) Photography | £12,350-£13,540 | A-levels in Art and Design and English, or equivalent, and a portfolio of creative work. |
BA (Hons) Film | £12,350-£13,540 | A-levels in Art and Design and English, or equivalent, and a portfolio of creative work. |
BA (Hons) Media | £12,350-£13,540 | A-levels in Art and Design and English, or equivalent, and a portfolio of creative work. |
BA (Hons) Performing Arts | £12,350-£13,540 | A-levels in Theatre Studies and English, or equivalent, and a portfolio of creative work. |
BA (Hons) Creative Business | £13,540 | A-levels in Business Studies and English, or equivalent, and a portfolio of creative work. |
University Ranking
- The University for the Creative Arts (UCA) is consistently ranked among the top creative arts universities in the UK. In the 2023 Times University Guide, UCA is ranked 63rd, and in the 2023 Guardian University Guide, it is ranked 49th.
- UCA is also ranked highly in a number of subject-specific rankings. For example, in the 2023 QS World University Rankings by Subject, UCA is ranked 151-200 in Art & Design, and 151-200 in Architecture / Built Environment.
Here is a summary of UCA’s recent rankings:
- Times University Guide 2023: 63rd
- Guardian University Guide 2023: 49th
- QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023: 151-200 in Art & Design, 151-200 in Architecture / Built Environment
Important Dates
- Enrolment and Induction: 18-22 September 2023
- Term 1: 25 September 2023 – 26 January 2024
- Christmas Vacation: 18 December 2023 – 5 January 2024
- Term 2: 29 January – 24 May 2024
- Easter Vacation: 25 March – 5 April 2024
Admission Process
- Choose your course and campus. Visit the UCA website to browse the different courses and campuses available. Once you have chosen a course, you can check the entry requirements to make sure you are eligible to apply.
- Submit your application. You can apply to UCA through the UCAS website. Your application will need to include your personal details, academic qualifications, and a personal statement. You may also need to submit a portfolio of your work, depending on the course you are applying to.
- Attend an interview. Once you have submitted your application, you may be invited to an interview. This is an opportunity for you to learn more about the course and to show UCA staff why you would be a good fit for the university.
- Receive an offer. If your application is successful, you will receive an offer from UCA. This offer may be conditional or unconditional. A conditional offer means that you must meet certain conditions, such as achieving certain grades in your A-levels, before you can accept the offer.
- Accept your offer. Once you have received an offer, you can accept it through the UCAS website. Once you have accepted your offer, you will be a confirmed UCA student!
Cut Offs
Course | Cut-off |
---|---|
Architecture | A-Level grades of AAB or above, or equivalent |
Crafts | A-Level grades of BBB or above, or equivalent |
Fashion | A-Level grades of BBB or above, or equivalent |
Graphic Design | A-Level grades of BBB or above, or equivalent |
Illustration | A-Level grades of BBB or above, or equivalent |
Fine Art | A-Level grades of BBB or above, or equivalent |
Photography | A-Level grades of BBB or above, or equivalent |
Film | A-Level grades of BBB or above, or equivalent |
Media | A-Level grades of BBB or above, or equivalent |
Performing Arts | A-Level grades of BBB or above, or equivalent |
Creative Business | A-Level grades of BBB or above, or equivalent |
Placement
- Placements are a key part of the UCA experience, and students have the opportunity to undertake placements at a variety of different companies and organizations in the creative industries. Placements can be taken up during the summer break, or as part of a Professional Practice Year (PPY).
- PPYs are a one-year placement that students can undertake after their second year of study. PPYs are a formal part of the course, and students are assessed on their performance. PPYs offer students the opportunity to gain real-world experience in their chosen field, and to develop their professional skills.
- In addition to placements at large companies, UCA students also have the opportunity to undertake placements at smaller, more specialized companies. This gives students the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals and to gain a unique insight into their chosen industry.
- UCA’s placement team provides students with support throughout the placement process, from finding a suitable placement to preparing for the interview. The team also offers support to students during their placement, and is available to answer any questions or concerns that they may have.
Here are some of the benefits of undertaking a placement at UCA:
- Gain valuable real-world experience in your chosen field
- Develop your professional skills
- Build your network of contacts
- Improve your chances of graduate employment
- Make your CV stand out from the crowd
Scholarships
- UCA Excellence Scholarships (£2,000 per year for the 2nd and 3rd years of an undergraduate course) – Awarded to international students who achieve a 2.2 or above in the previous year of study.
- UK Excellence Scholarships (£1,500 fee reduction for the first year of study) – Awarded to one student on each full-time Further Education, Undergraduate and Postgraduate (taught) course and four students on a Postgraduate (research) course.
- UCA Creative Talent Scholarships (£1,000 per year for the duration of an undergraduate course) – Awarded to students who demonstrate exceptional creative potential.
- UCA Access Scholarships (£1,000 per year for the duration of an undergraduate course) – Awarded to students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
- UCA International Scholarships (£2,000 per year for the duration of an undergraduate course) – Awarded to international students who demonstrate academic excellence and financial need.
Notable Alumni
- Stella McCartney, fashion designer
- Steve McQueen, film director
- Damien Hirst, artist
- David Bailey, photographer
- Nick Knight, photographer
- Sir Anthony Gormley, sculptor
- Zaha Hadid, architect
- Sir Ridley Scott, film director
- Sir David Attenborough, broadcaster and naturalist
- Sir Jonathan Ive, designer and former Chief Design Officer at Apple
- Sir Nicholas Serota, former Director of the Tate Galleries
- Sir Simon Rattle, conductor
FAQs?
The entry requirements for UCA courses vary depending on the course and the level of study. However, most undergraduate courses require students to have a minimum of three A-levels or equivalent qualifications. Postgraduate courses typically require students to have a good undergraduate degree in a related subject.
You can apply to UCA online through the UCAS website. The application process is straightforward, but it is important to check the deadlines for your chosen courses.
UCA offers a variety of on-campus accommodation options, including halls of residence, self-catered flats, and houses. The university also has a number of off-campus accommodation providers who offer student-friendly accommodation.