History
UCA believes that creativity makes global communities more vibrant and more innovative. Which is why, for 160 years, our university has been a passionate advocate for creative education and research.
The programmes are acclaimed for their top teaching quality, and highly respected by creative sector employers. We also house the UK’s first Business School for the Creative Industries.
Education
UCA offer a variety of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, as well as an integrated international foundation year.
UCA academics have a range of experience and industry connections in the creative sector, which informs their teaching and keeps the course syllabus up to date, so you get the most out of your studies. Courses are practice-based and explore theoretical and cultural context, as well as researching and refining practice.
Students work with practising artists and industry professionals and many courses encourage and support work experience in your chosen creative industry and even offer the opportunity to study abroad for a year. With all of this at your fingertips, UCA has everything you need.
Research
The Research Exercise Framework (REF 2014) placed UCA in the top ten research communities in Art & Design with 93% of the research here as being internationally recognised for quality and 64% of research being world-leading.
The research schools at UCA include:
- Architecture
- Crafts & Design
- Fine Art, Photography & Visual Communication
- Business for the Creative Industries
- Fashion & Textiles
- Film, Media & Performing Arts
Career
The courses are internationally recognised for their quality and effectiveness in helping students take their craft and skills to an exceptional level.
Your studies and time with us will allow you to burst into the professional atmosphere– to join the UCA alumni spanning across all creative industries.
The 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).
Student services
The specialist staff can provide you with information, advice, and guidance on various aspects of your personal and academic life, including student finance and/or welfare issues, both in person and online, via the Gateway in each campus library.
Students can also access a free, confidential counselling service. The university has a dedicated support team for students with disabilities, as well as a learning and teaching service for those who require additional assistance with their studies.
UCA also offers specialist advice on immigration and visas, as well as English language support, to make it easier for students from all over the world to apply to us and study in the creative arts in the UK.Housing services
Halls of residence are available on each of our four campuses; some are on campus, while others are just a short walk away. All residence halls are self-catered, with a shared kitchen and a mix of en-suite and shared bathrooms. In addition, internet access and basic contents insurance are included within accommodation fees.
University accommodation is guaranteed for all new international students who apply before the main allocation of rooms which is carried out in mid-June.
Private accommodation is also an option, and there is plenty of it in and around each campus area. If students wish to rent privately, our housing staff will gladly provide them with relevant contacts and information.
Library services
With over 280,000 print and e-books and exhibition catalogues, 500m of archival material and a wide range of broadcast materials, our libraries hold a wealth of information that will enhance your studies and offer extensive specialist services for our research community. The largest library, located on the Farnham campus, includes comfortable study pods and socialising space for group study.
ICT services
We have a combination of Macs and PCs available for open access use by students at the
University.
Other IT facilities that are available are:
• Dedicated IT support
• A4 and A3 Printing and Photocopying facilities
• Up to A3 scanning facilities
• WiFi (Eduroam) access
• Access to Adobe Creative Suite, Office, and other software
Medical services
As a student, UCA is committed to make sure you are sufficiently supported and protected, from ensuring that you use our specialist facilities safely to providing a wellbeing and counselling service.
Students can register with a doctor (GP) locally, and UCA has local guides for each campus that include a list of hospitals and GPs if you need medical attention.
Campus life
The campuses are located across the Southeast of England in Surrey and Kent, all within easy reach of London by public transport, allowing students to take advantage of everything that the city has to offer.
Each campus has a diverse range of shops, supermarkets, restaurants, and nightlife, ensuring that you have easy access to everything you need. If you need to refuel between study sessions or want a coffee with friends, you can do so in our on-site canteens.
Student bars can be found on the Farnham and Canterbury campuses. All campuses have exhibition spaces displaying work by students and external artists.
CCTV Surveillance is available at all campuses and halls of residence to ensure safety and security.
Sports facilities
Students can use the university's extensive indoor and outdoor sports facilities, which include dance/fitness studios, artificial pitches, and tennis courts.
In addition to providing fitness facilities to students, the sports clubs at the university student union participate in a variety of championships and sporting events.
Student clubs
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; there is something for everyone. Participating is a great way to meet people with similar interests, and students are encouraged and supported to join existing clubs and societies or to start new ones.
Clubs and societies usually run Monday to Friday after 5pm, and throughout the year, amazing performances such as the Musical Theatre Society's end-of-year stage production and the dance Charity Showcase can be expected. Students can join societies during Freshers Week or through the UCA Students’ Union (UCASU) website.