University for the Creative Arts

The University for the Creative Arts, a specialist creative university in south-east England, was formed in 2005 when the Surrey Institute of Art & Design merged with the Kent Institute of Art & Design; university status followed in 2008. Its lineage runs back to nineteenth-century art schools, among them the Medway College of Design, so its history in creative education spans over 160 years. UCA ranks among the largest UK providers of higher education in art, design and the performing arts.

Campuses are located in Canterbury, Epsom and Farnham, and The Maidstone Studios in Kent host its television production teaching. The subject range includes fine art, photography, illustration, graphic design, crafts, architecture, fashion, film, media, creative business and the performing arts, at levels running from integrated foundation years through to postgraduate and research degrees. Learning in the studio lies at the heart of the curriculum. Beyond the UK, it operates an institute in Xiamen, China, and acts as validating body for courses at partner institutions. Alumni include the fashion designer Karen Millen, the artist Tracey Emin and the jewellery designer Stephen Webster.

Information for International Students

Throughout the application process, UCA's International Admissions Team offers guidance, and applicants from South Asia have a dedicated contact. Undergraduate degrees need an overall IELTS score of 6.0, with no component below 5.5, while 5.5 overall is accepted for degrees that include an integrated foundation year. Conditional offer holders whose English needs further work can enrol on a UCA pre-sessional course, taught online or on campus, with specialist strands in English for Business and English for Art and Design. Students can spend a preparatory year in the studio through the Integrated Foundation Year before starting a degree, and an Integrated Pre-Masters readies those aiming for postgraduate entry. Help with English continues during the degree.

As a Student sponsor, UCA has an established record of compliance, and its guidance on immigration covers visa applications, working while studying and the Graduate visa. Students book halls of residence in Canterbury, Epsom, Farnham and Maidstone through the University's accommodation portal. Eligible international entrants automatically receive scholarships that reward academic merit and full advance payment of fees, and the International Summer School gives a brief introduction to studying creative subjects in the UK.