University of the Arts London (UAL)
Became a university in: 2003
Student population: 23,625 (2022/23)
Location: Six campuses located across greater London
Subject areas: A huge range of courses across design and related creative industries, including design, fashion, film, architecture, business, communication, creative computing, culture, fine art, journalism, performance, photography and textiles.
Admissions: UCAS points 120-136, portfolio assessment. Many courses state that most students enter via a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design.
📸 Snapshot
UAL is one of the more complicated universities in the UK, made up, as it is, from six historically separate colleges, and a further four specialist institutes. It was formed through a merger of the separate colleges back in the 80’s and was granted university status in 2003.
The colleges include: Camberwell College of Arts, Central Saint Martins, Chelsea College of Arts, London College of Communication, London College of Fashion and Wimbledon College of Arts. Each of these date back to the late 1800s, so are established and reputable.
The campuses are spread right across London, from London College of Fashion located in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford in the east, right across to Wimbledon College of Arts all the way across in …well… Wimbledon!
The jewel in the crown, in terms of location, is probably Central St Martins, which has occupied a converted warehouse site in Kings Cross since 2011. It’s an area I’ve spent plenty of time in, as a major centre for technology, start-ups, creativity and urban regeneration. It’s a very cool place to study!
You can study pretty much anything to do with arts, culture and creativity at UAL. The range really is staggering, and probably unrivalled anywhere on the planet. Some subjects will be available at just one of the colleges, while others may be available on multiple sites. You’ll need to really do your homework to find the subject and location combination that works best for you!
Their admissions process isn’t the most transparent. Their website will give UCAS points requirements, which you can achieve through A-levels, BTEC, the UAL Extended Diploma, Access diplomas or a Foundation Diploma in Art & Design. Plus a portfolio will generally be required.
However, many courses also say that “A very high proportion of successful applicants complete a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design”. Exactly how high that proportion is, is anyone’s guess, but I think you can probably take it that it is highly unusual to enter UAL straight from school.
So, before applying, I’d strongly suggest finding your top course and location, and attending the Open Day and subject talk. You’ll get the chance to hear first hand from those who will be making the decisions and you can then plan accordingly!
In summary
UAL could be for you if…
You want to study anything in creative arts and culture.
You like the London locations.
You are happy to take an art and design foundation diploma in order to build up a strong portfolio for admission.
And if you like UAL, you might also like…
Goldsmiths, University of London
Kingston University
Ravensbourne University London
University for the Creative Arts (UCA)
