University For The Creative Arts Review: Rankings, Fees And, More
The University For The Creative Arts is a UK higher institution of learning focused on creative industries, with campuses across the UK. Join us as we explore the different courses offered at this specialist arts university.
Summary of University
- Type of campus: Campus university
- Student population: 9,430
- Tuition Fees: £17,500 per year
- 2025 UK Ranking: 85th (The Complete University Guide)
- 2025 Global Ranking: 101-150 (QS World University Rankings)
Table of Contents
University For The Creative Arts Overview
Based in South England, the University For Creative Arts (UCA) is a specialist arts and design university. Its students are spread out across three campuses located in Canterbury, Epsom and Farnham. The university partners with institutions around the world such as in Berlin, Hong Kong, Cyprus and South Korea, expanding its global presence. As the third highest ranked university for design, creative and performing arts in the UK, students are spoiled for choices—they can choose from an extensive range of courses such as architecture, arts, crafts, design, fashion, media, and performing arts. In the most recent Research Excellence Framework, UCA was awarded the UK’s top specialist art and design university for world-leading research outputs.
University For The Creative Arts Courses and Programmes
The University For The Creative Arts is known for its art, design and creative courses. Here are some popular courses to lookout for:
1) BA Fashion Design
Located at the Epsom campus, students will get to turn their creative ideas into reality and express themselves through fashion in the BA Fashion Design degree course. Students will get hands-on experience in a broad range of skills, ranging from research and concept development to implementation, branding and showcase. For the final year project, students will create a collection with options for 3D or digital outputs, or a mix of the two. A key standout feature of this course is the second-year work placement, where students get to work with key players in the fashion industry and have the chance to showcase their designs at glamorous events such as the London Fashion Week. Exciting? We dare say so.
2) Photography BA
If fashion is not your thing, aspiring photographers can take their skills to the next level and turn it into a professional practice through UCA Farnham’s Photography BA course. Students will be guided through a team of experts who will teach them essential photography skills and concepts through the course, and collaborate with other faculties such as Fine arts to broaden horizons and inspire one another.
Students will get plenty of professional and hands-on exposure through competitions, project showcases at the National Portrait Gallery, work placements and more. UCA also leverages industry-standard technology and tools for post-production, ensuring students have ample experience with these tools before going out to the work place.
3) BA (Hons) Architecture
Ranked 15th by The Guardian in 2023, the Architecture BA degree course in Canterbury campus is a popular choice among budding architects. The campus is located in a prime location in the picturesque cathedral city of Canterbury and is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and specialised studios. With the support of a talent team of staff, students will learn about architectural concepts such as space, regulation, and society, and how design decisions can impact on the individual, on sustainability, and on climate—preparing them for their careers and beyond.
University For The Creative Arts Entry Requirements
Academic Requirements: Applicants must normally have completed a high school education or its equivalent. The particular academic requirements necessary may differ depending on the country and programme.
A-levels, Highers, or Equivalent Qualifications: Depending on the course, the university may demand particular A-levels, Scottish Highers, International Baccalaureate (IB) marks, or an equivalent certificate for many undergraduate programmes.
English Language Proficiency: If English is not your first language, you will usually be needed to demonstrate it by taking a recognised English language test such as IELTS, TOEFL, or Pearson PTE Academic.
Requirements for Individual Courses: Some courses may have extra subject-specific entry requirements or prerequisites. Science or engineering programmes, for example, may demand certain A-levels or similar qualifications in relevant fields.
Personal Statements and References: Applicants may be required to submit a personal statement outlining their motivations and eligibility for the course of study. They may also be asked to submit references.
University For The Creative Arts Entry Deadline
Apply through UCAS by the 29th of January 2025 (equal consideration deadline). Some degrees will continue to accept applications after this date. For 2024 September entry, the UCAS clearing is currently open and accepting students.
University For The Creative Arts Ranking
In the UK, the University For The Creative Arts is ranked 85th according to The Complete University Guide 2025. According to the QS World University Rankings 2025, the university is ranked between 101-150.
University For The Creative Arts Fees
Tuition fees at the University For The Creative Arts vary depending on a number of criteria, including the level of study (undergraduate or postgraduate), the precise degree you select, your nationality or residency status, and whether you study full-time or part-time. The typical fee for most courses is £17,500 per year for international students.
University For The Creative Arts Accommodation
Here you can find a summary of the lodging options available at the respective UCA campuses:
CANTERBURY CAMPUS
1) Ian Dury House
- Location: On-campus
- Accommodation Type: Shared accommodation with single bedrooms
- Room Features: Bed, wardrobe, desk, chair, customizable with personal soft furnishings
- Amenities Included: Internet access, utilities (heating, lighting, and water)
- Fees: £153 per week
- Additional Option:
- Riverside Student Quarter: Located 20 minutes’ walk from campus, offering vibrant accommodation in a similar setup.
EPSOM CAMPUS
1) Bradford House
- Location: Close to campus, 10 minutes’ walk
- Accommodation Type: Flats with up to eight en-suite bedrooms
- Room Features: Shared kitchen and communal space
- Capacity: Up to 99 students
2) Wilberforce Court
- Location: Next to campus
- Accommodation Type: Flats with four to seven bedrooms each
- Room Features: Shared bathroom/shower and kitchen facilities
- Capacity: Up to 70 students
3) Crossways House
- Location: Close to campus, 10 minutes’ walk
- Accommodation Type: Flats with up to eight en-suite bedrooms
- Room Features: Shared kitchen and communal space
- Capacity: Up to 99 students
4) Worple Road
- Location: On-campus
- Accommodation Type: Flats with five to eight en-suite bedrooms
- Room Features: One flat accessible for students with disabilities
- Capacity: Up to 58 students
FARNHAM CAMPUS
1) Student Village and University Walk
- Location: On-campus
- Accommodation Type: Single bedrooms
- Room Features: Bed, wardrobe, desk, chair, customizable with personal soft furnishings
- Capacity: Extensive, with more than 250 students in University Walk
- Buildings: Five buildings each identifiable by colored feature windows (Austen House – purple, Watts House – red, Swift House – yellow, Cobbett House – orange, Godfrey House – green)
- Room Features: Single en-suite bedrooms, shared kitchen, and dining area
- Accessibility: Six fully accessible bedrooms
2) Union Yard (New for 2024)
- Location: Aldershot, nearby town
- Opening: September 2024
- Features: New accommodation option for students
- Each campus provides a variety of living options to suit different needs and preferences, ensuring students have a comfortable and conducive environment for their studies and personal growth.
University For The Creative Arts Reviews
Rachel Bramley ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
UCA Farnham is one of the best-equipped arts Campuses in the UK, personally I study Digital Film and Screen Arts meaning I have access to film studios, photography studios and any equipment I could need all at industry standard. Overall it’s a very safe campus and has a great community feel to it meaning a friendly face is never far away. The student population is very small for a University but that does come with the upside of everyone knowing everyone and more importantly be able to collaborate with others on a variety of projects. I haven’t been here long but I’m really enjoying my time here so far and I can’t wait to get involved in some of the bigger projects and opportunities the University has to offer.
Amanda Perrin ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Gianna Grassi ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is my final year at UCA. I’m Italian and I came here to study Fine Art.
It is really a good course, I don’t think I would have had the same opportunities, facilities (OMG that library!) and university life in Italy.
The environment is really friendly and dynamic. The tutors like to challenge you, but in a good way and they are always supportive.
University For The Creative Arts Facilities
Here you can find the different facilities available at each campus:
1) CANTERBURY CAMPUS
- Machine Workshop: Large, accessible workshop with hand tools and machinery, including CNC routing and milling machines.
- Digital Fabrication Lab: Equipped with laser cutters and 3D printers.
- Print Bureau: Offers a range of finishing and paper options, providing self-service and bespoke printing to professional standards.
- Sculpture Studios: Facilities for resins, kilns, moulding, casting, welding, and plasma cutting.
- Painting Studio: Learn to construct frames and stretchers, and use traditional painting techniques and materials.
- Printmaking Studios: For screen-printing, litho, offset, lino cutting, and etching.
- Digital Media Suites: Three suites with the latest Macs and PCs running up-to-date software.
- Darkrooms: Colour and black and white darkrooms for film development, cyanotype, and industry-standard film processors.
- Photographic Studio: Bookable space for photoshoots and portfolio documentation.
- Animation Suite: Installed with specialist software, high-end drawing tablets, and scanners.
2) EPSOM CAMPUS
- Teaching and Learning Environments: Flexible spaces with video conferencing and interactive AV resources.
- IT Environments: Configured for arts, technology, and business.
- Auditorium: 250-seater with conference standard facilities.
- Fashion Studios: Extensive facilities with sewing equipment.
- Digital Print Studio: Large and small format printing, bookbinding, guillotine, perfect binding, vinyl cutting, and dry mounting.
- Screen-Print Studio: Traditional printing facilities.
- Traditional Print Facilities: Intaglio, relief, and hot metal letterpress equipment.
- Sound Studio: Equipped sound booth.
- Woodwork and Plaster Studios: Comprehensive facilities for various projects.
- Photographic Studios: Five fully equipped studios.
- Laser Cutter and 3D Printing Facilities: For various digital fabrication needs.
3) FARNHAM CAMPUS
- Film Soundstages: Multiple stages with industry-standard lighting.
- Animation Studios: Mac workstations, lightboxes, cintiques, line testers, and hi-speed batch scanners.
- Animation Rostrum Rooms: Set up for stop-frame animation capture on DragonFrame.
- Games Art IT Studios: Specialist hardware and software, VR and Game testing areas, and incubator space.
- Darkrooms: Colour and black and white facilities.
- Photography Studios: Equipped with an infinity table.
- FAB LAB: Digital Fabrication service with laser cutters and 3D printing facilities.
- Digital Print Bureau: Professional print and finishing service with various materials, paper types, sizes, finishes, and binding options.
- Film & Media Centre: Live performance room, control room for sound mixing, dubbing theatre, rehearsal studios, film soundstage with Arri lighting rigs, and a 250-seat Lecture and film screening theatre with 4K digital projection and online streaming capabilities.
- Fine Art Studios: Painting and sculpture studios.
- Workshop Equipment: For working with ceramic, glass, wood, metal, plastics, jewellery, and a foundry for casting bronze and aluminium.
- Jewellery Workshop: Newly established, containing 36 jewellers’ cut out workstations and a video recording demonstration bench.
- Textile Facilities: Digital and traditional looms for woven textiles and dye facilities.
- Performance and Rehearsal Spaces: Dedicated areas for performing arts.
- Printmaking Workshop: Equipment for intaglio, relief, screen printing, and letterpress.
- Digital Television Studio: Three-camera setup, networked to the broadcast newsroom with industry-leading autocue software.
These facilities across the UCA campuses support a wide range of creative arts disciplines, providing students with the tools and spaces needed to develop their skills and produce high-quality work.
University For The Creative Arts Student Activities and Clubs
The UCA Students’ Union (UCASU) plays a crucial role in enhancing the overall student experience. It serves as the central hub for student engagement, representation, and support across all UCA campuses. UCASU aims to ensure that students have a vibrant and fulfilling university life beyond their academic pursuits.
Student Representation: UCASU advocates for student interests, ensuring their voices are heard in university decision-making processes. It represents students on various committees and works to address any concerns or issues they may have.
Support Services: The union provides a range of support services, including advice on academic matters, mental health, and welfare. They offer guidance and resources to help students navigate their university journey.
Events and Social Activities: UCASU organises a variety of social events throughout the year, fostering a sense of community and belonging among students. These events include Freshers’ Week activities, themed parties, cultural celebrations, and more. On-campus venues are often used for these events, providing a convenient and vibrant social scene.
Clubs and Societies: UCASU supports a diverse array of clubs and societies that cater to a wide range of interests. Whether students are into sports, arts, dance, culture, or hobbies, there’s something for everyone.
University For The Creative Arts Notable Alumni
- Chris Shepherd, BAFTA nominated television/film writer and director
- Nymphia Wind, performer, stylist, fashion designer, and seamstress, the winner of season sixteen of RuPaul’s Drag Race
- Frederick Lloyd, film director and composer, worked on trailers for Zack Snyder’s Justice League and The Hunger Games: Catching Fire
University For The Creative Arts Contact
- Website: https://www.uca.ac.uk
- Phone: +44 (0)1227 817 302
- Address: New Dover Rd, Canterbury CT1 3AN, United Kingdom (The university also has campuses at Epsom and Farnham)
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