University for the Creative Arts

About University for the Creative Arts

University for the Creative Arts (UCA) is the top specialist art and design institution in the UK. For over 160 years, the university has been in the forefront of advocating for creative education and research, in line with its belief that creativity makes communities more human. UCA was recognised for world-leading research outputs in the most recent Research Excellence Framework. It was also the second highest-ranked specialist creative university in the whole of the UK for 2025, according to The Guardian.

UCA offers courses in a wide range of subject areas that make up the creative spectrum, such as architecture, fashion, fine art, graphic design, photography, film, the performing arts, creative business and more. The university’s programmes are renowned for their teaching quality and highly valued by employers in the creative sector.

UCA’s campuses across Surrey and Kent are designed to provide students with an inclusive and dynamic environment.​ The vibrant setting will inspire students to forge partnerships, work with purpose and build real solutions to global problems.

At UCA, life outside the classroom is all about creating and sharing unforgettable experiences. UCA has plenty of clubs and societies that students can be a part of where they can make lifelong friendships and discover new interests. Whether experimenting with their craft or preparing for a career in the creative sector, UCA is where students’ creative future can start to take shape.

Graduate outcomes

UCA believes that creativity lies at the heart of industry and innovation. Students are encouraged to express themselves and let their individuality shine in order to drive change both locally and globally. As such, students gain not only a theoretical background of their subject area, but also an abundance of opportunities and equipment to facilitate real-world practical experience.

The university’s extensive network of global partnerships serves to further assist students through collaborative initiatives and professional validation of degrees at all levels. As part of their study programmes, students work alongside industry leaders and known artists to obtain meaningful insights into modern business.

Many degree programmes offer opportunities for a professional practice year or year abroad, enabling students to obtain professional skills and broaden their network of industry contacts as a fundamental part of their degree programme. If students do not opt for one of these programmes, there is usually still the opportunity to embark on shorter work placements.

Careers service

UCA aims to create knowledgeable, experienced and employable graduates from all of its courses. The dedicated careers service is on hand to ensure students receive all the assistance and guidance they need to kickstart a meaningful career in their specialist area.

Students can book one-to-one appointments with a specially trained careers adviser for bespoke, detailed career advice. Advisers work closely with course leaders to deliver industry-specific placements, workshops, events, seminars and more.

Students can also access a range of online careers resources, including job boards.

What’s new

League rankings

In recent years, the University for the Creative Arts has ranked highly amongst similar schools both nationally and internationally:

• Second in the UK among specialist creative arts universities (The Guardian University Guide, 2025)
• Twelfth in the UK for social inclusion (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide, 2025)
• Number one specialist art and design university in the UK for world-leading research (Research Excellence Framework, 2021)

Study programmes

UCA is continually adapting and updating its portfolio of study programmes, ensuring it offers the most up-to-date curricula and highly relevant, modern course options. The university is proud to be pushing forward a new movement to champion the alternative arts, offering innovative and exciting degrees to supplement this.

Of particular note is the brand-new BA (Hons) Body Art, which includes an optional professional placement year. This degree launched in 2025 and offers a thorough and exciting deep dive into the world of body art, including tattooing, body enhancement, digital transformation and more.