University for the Creative Arts
Surrey, United Kingdom
University for the Creative Arts
Farnham, Surrey, United Kingdom
Founded
1856
Institution Type
Public Specialist University
Total Students
6,000+
QS Art & Design
#101–150 (2026)
Discover the University for the Creative Arts (UCA)
Discover the University for the Creative Arts (UCA)
The University for the Creative Arts (UCA) is a specialist public university in the United Kingdom dedicated to higher education in the creative arts, crafts, design, and related fields such as business and technology. With roots tracing back to 19th-century art schools, UCA offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and research programmes across disciplines including architecture, fashion, fine art, film, graphic design, illustration, media, performing arts, and photography.
UCA was formally established in 2005 through the merger of the Kent Institute of Art & Design and the Surrey Institute of Art & Design, both of which had been formed by combining historic local art schools. The institution was granted full university status by the Privy Council in 2008 and adopted its current name. In 2016, it further expanded by merging with the Open College of the Arts to strengthen its distance learning offerings.
Today, UCA operates campuses in Canterbury, Epsom, and Farnham, along with a teaching base at The Maidstone Studios and a joint venture with Xiamen University in China called the Institute of Creativity and Innovation. UCA is the second highest-ranked specialist creative university in the UK according to The Guardian for 2025, and is recognised as the UK's top specialist art and design university for world-leading research outputs in the most recent Research Excellence Framework.
Key Milestones
- 1856: Guildford School of Art founded, the earliest predecessor institution of UCA
- 2005: Kent Institute of Art & Design and Surrey Institute of Art & Design merge to form University College for the Creative Arts
- 2008: Granted full university status by the Privy Council and renamed University for the Creative Arts
- 2020: Institute of Creativity and Innovation opens in partnership with Xiamen University in China
Academic Structure and Schools
Academic Structure and Schools
UCA is organised into specialised academic schools, each focused on distinct creative disciplines. The university offers courses at pre-degree, undergraduate, taught postgraduate, and doctoral levels, providing students with industry-focused education supported by state-of-the-art facilities and expert faculty drawn from the creative sector.
School of Film, Media & Performing Arts
Based primarily at the Farnham campus, this school delivers programmes in filmmaking, media production, acting, and performing arts, with multiple film soundstages and industry-standard lighting facilities.
- BA (Hons) Film Production
- BA (Hons) Acting & Performance
- MA Filmmaking
School of Fashion & Textiles
Offering programmes in fashion design, textile design, and fashion business, this school nurtures innovation and creativity in the fashion industry with hands-on studio-based learning.
- BA (Hons) Fashion Design
- BA (Hons) Textile Design
- MA Fashion Design
Canterbury School of Architecture & Design
Located at the Canterbury campus, this school focuses on architecture, interior design, automotive design, and product design, preparing students for careers in the built environment and industrial design sectors.
- BA (Hons) Architecture
- BA (Hons) Interior Architecture & Design
- BA (Hons) Product Design
Business School for the Creative Industries
Based at UCA Epsom, this is the UK's first business school specifically designed for the creative industries, offering programmes that combine creative thinking with business acumen and marketing strategy.
- BA (Hons) Business Management for the Creative Industries
- MBA
- BA (Hons) Creative Marketing
School of Fine Art, Crafts & Photography
This school provides programmes in fine art, photography, ceramics, glass, metalwork, and other craft disciplines, with access to specialist workshops and the renowned Crafts Study Centre.
- BA (Hons) Fine Art
- BA (Hons) Photography
- MA Fine Art
School of Games & Creative Technology
Offering cutting-edge programmes in games design, creative computing, and visual effects, this school features dedicated IT studios with specialist hardware and software, VR and game testing areas, and incubator spaces.
- BA (Hons) Games Arts
- BSc (Hons) Games Technology
- BA (Hons) Creative Computing
Admission Requirements for International Students
Admission Requirements for International Students
Undergraduate Admissions
- Application RouteApply via UCAS or directly through UCA's online portal
- IELTS RequirementMinimum 6.0 overall (or equivalent TOEFL/PTE score)
- PortfolioStrong creative portfolio required for most programmes
- Academic QualificationsA-Levels, International Baccalaureate, or equivalent qualifications
- Application FeeNo fee via UCA portal; GBP 28.50 via UCAS
Postgraduate Admissions
- Application RouteApply directly through UCA's online application portal
- IELTS RequirementMinimum 6.0–6.5 overall depending on programme
- PortfolioCreative portfolio and/or written proposal required
- Academic QualificationsBachelor's degree or equivalent with minimum 60% or above
- ReferencesAt least one academic or professional reference letter
Deadline for undergraduate applications to be considered equally via UCAS
Final date for undergraduate applications through UCAS for September entry
Postgraduate applications are accepted on a rolling basis; early application recommended
Application deadline for select programmes offering a February/January start date
Tuition Fees and Scholarships
Tuition Fees and Scholarships
UCA offers competitive tuition fees for both UK and international students. The university provides a range of scholarships and fee discounts to help ease the financial burden of studying. All fees listed are approximate annual figures and may change; please check the UCA website for the most current fee schedules.
| Fee Category | UK (Home) Students | International Students |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate Tuition (per year) | GBP 9,250 | GBP 17,500 |
| Postgraduate Taught (per year) | GBP 9,000 – 11,000 | GBP 17,500 – 18,500 |
| Accommodation (per year) | GBP 5,500 – 7,650 | GBP 5,500 – 7,650 |
| Estimated Living Costs (per year) | GBP 9,000 – 12,000 | GBP 9,000 – 12,000 |
| Total | GBP 23,750 – 39,900 | GBP 32,000 – 45,650 |
UCA Merit Scholarship
A merit-based award for international students demonstrating outstanding academic and creative achievement in their application and portfolio.
- Award Value: Contact UCA for current amounts
- Eligibility: International students on full-time programmes
- Application: Assessed based on application materials
UCA Creative Europe Scholarship
Available to EU students, this scholarship reduces international tuition fees to the equivalent UK home fee rate for the duration of the course.
- Award Value: Fee reduction to UK home rate
- Eligibility: EU students meeting eligibility criteria
- Application: Automatically awarded if criteria are met
Campus and Facilities
Campus and Facilities
UCA operates across three main campuses in Canterbury, Epsom, and Farnham, each with its own creative focus and specialist facilities. Farnham is the largest campus and serves as the university's headquarters, while all campuses feature purpose-built studios, workshops, digital labs, galleries, and libraries designed to support creative practice.
The largest UCA campus featuring film soundstages, animation studios, FAB LAB digital fabrication facilities, and on-campus halls of residence for 600 students
Home to architecture, interior design, fine art, and visual communications courses, situated near Canterbury's vibrant international art scene
A modern hub for the UK's first Business School for the Creative Industries, plus fashion and textiles programmes, within easy reach of London
Housing & Dining
Student Accommodation
UCA guarantees accommodation for full-time students. The Farnham campus has two large halls of residence — University Walk and Student Village — housing around 600 students, while private accommodation options are available near all campuses.
- On-campus halls at Farnham (University Walk and Student Village)
- Guaranteed accommodation for full-time first-year students
- Private accommodation support available for all campuses
Dining & Social Spaces
Each campus offers cafes, common rooms, and social spaces for students to relax and collaborate. The campuses are located in town centres with easy access to local restaurants, shops, and cultural venues.
- Campus cafes and refectories at each location
- Students' Union social venues and event spaces
- Close proximity to town centre dining options
Student Life at UCA
Student Life at UCA
Student life at UCA is centred around creativity, collaboration, and community. The Students' Union (UCASU) runs events, clubs, and societies throughout the year, from Freshers' Week to cultural celebrations. With a close-knit community across all campuses, students benefit from a supportive and inspiring environment.
Location: Farnham, Surrey & Beyond
Location: Farnham, Surrey & Beyond
Living in Farnham, Surrey
Farnham is a historic market town in Surrey, recently awarded World Craft Town status, making it a national hub for makers and creative professionals. Located on the edge of the Surrey Hills, it offers a serene yet vibrant setting with excellent transport links to London, approximately one hour away by train.
Proximity to London
Farnham is around one hour from central London by train, giving students easy access to the capital's galleries, museums, creative industries, and cultural attractions
World Craft Town
Farnham holds World Craft Town status, with a thriving community of artisans, the Farnham Maltings arts venue, and regular craft markets and exhibitions
Canterbury Campus Location
The Canterbury campus is situated in a UNESCO World Heritage city with a vibrant international art scene, close to Turner Contemporary Gallery and the Folkestone Triennial
Epsom Campus Location
Epsom offers a tranquil setting within easy reach of London, with local theatres, shops, and a creative atmosphere ideal for business and fashion students
Career Outcomes and Alumni Network
Career Outcomes and Alumni Network
Where UCA Graduates Work
Practical Information for International Students
Practical Information for International Students
For International Students
UCA has a dedicated International Student Support Team providing comprehensive assistance with visas, orientation, settling in, and ongoing academic and pastoral support throughout your studies.
UCA offers 5-week and 10-week pre-sessional English programmes for international students who need to improve their English language skills before starting their main course of study.
UCA provides personalised career support including one-to-one advice sessions, industry events, portfolio reviews, and connections to creative sector employers to help you plan your career after graduation.
Key Contacts
- +90 5435286292
- +44 7868736984
- corporate@uni4edu.com
- info@uni4edu.com
University for the Creative Arts: Rankings
University for the Creative Arts: Rankings
UCA consistently ranks among the top specialist creative arts universities in the UK and is internationally recognised for its Art and Design programmes. The university is the UK's top specialist art and design university for world-leading research outputs in the Research Excellence Framework.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Art & Design | QS World Rankings by Subject | #101–150 (2026) |
| Creative Arts & Design | Complete University Guide | Top 10 UK Specialist |
| Social Inclusion | The Times / Sunday Times | #12 in the UK (2025) |
| Research Excellence (Art & Design) | Research Excellence Framework (REF) | #1 UK Specialist |
Features
Specialist creative arts institution; strong employability; good student‑to‑staff ratio; multiple campuses in SE England.
Accommodation
Off-Campus Accommodations Students wishing to live off-campus need to research availability on their own, and should arrive well before the start of term to do so.
Work While Studying
See guidelines on working while studying here.
Co-op/Internship Participation
Even if you do NOT meet our minimum English requirement (IELTS or TOEFL), you still can get conditionally accepted in the program of your choice with the condition of completing our English program prior to starting your chosen program.
Featured Programmes
Average Time To Receive Acceptance Letter
September - June
Location
Falkner Road\nFarnham\nSurrey\nGU9 7DS\nUK
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