University for the Creative Arts (UCA)

Empowering Future Leaders Through Innovative Education

University for the Creative Arts (UCA) logo
University for the Creative Arts (UCA)
United Kingdom|Established: 1872|Campuses: 3 in United Kingdom

Why Choose University for the Creative Arts (UCA)?

World-Ranked Creative Education

UCA is ranked #51 globally in Art & Design (QS 2026) and is the 2nd highest-ranked specialist creative university in the UK. The institution leads in design, fashion, film, and fine art education, providing a prestigious platform for creative careers.

100% Creative Focus Across Four Campuses

Unlike traditional universities, every programme at UCA is creative. Each campus is specialized: Farnham features film soundstages with Arri lighting; Epsom houses unique Gerber CAM fashion suites; Canterbury offers RIBA-accredited architecture studios; and Rochester focuses on theatre and performance.

Industry-Connected Learning

With 300+ industry partnerships, UCA offers active career pathways into film studios, fashion houses, and design agencies. The alumni network includes Oscar-winning filmmakers, Turner Prize nominees, and world-renowned designers, validating the university's industry relevance.

Regional Location with London Access

Located in South-East England (Surrey/Kent), the campuses are just 30-40 miles from London. This offers students lower living costs, excellent transport links, and access to local creative hubs while being within easy reach of the capital's industry network.

Research-Active Institution

UCA hosts six research centres, including the Animation Research Centre and Crafts Study Centre. 77% of research is rated at high international standard (REF 2021), ensuring a strong focus on applied research with direct relevance to the creative industries.

Get Free Guidance from Experts

â–¼
â–¼
â–¼
â–¼

Rankings &
Achievements

#51 globally
QS World Rankings 2026
#89 overall UK
Guardian University Rankings 2025
#12 UK ranking
Times 2025 (Social Inclusion)

Campus Locations

UCA Farnham (Main Campus)

UCA Farnham (Main Campus)

  • Focus: Film, Media, Performing Arts, and Fine Art disciplines.
  • Facilities: Includes a 250-seat digital screening theatre (4K), film soundstage with professional Arri lighting, animation suites, and extensive textile/ceramics workshops.
  • Living: Student Village accommodation is a 1-minute walk away, ranging from £132-£198/week.
UCA Epsom

UCA Epsom

  • Focus: Fashion, Textiles, Graphics, and Photography.
  • Facilities: Features the UK's only educational Gerber CAM suite, 5 photography studios, and digital fabrication labs (laser cutters/3D printing).
  • Living: On-campus accommodation ranges from £170-£198/week; located a 10-minute walk from the town centre.
UCA Canterbury

UCA Canterbury

  • Focus: Architecture (RIBA Part 1), Fine Art, Spatial Design, and Visual Communications.
  • Facilities: Features the Herbert Raabe Gallery, specialist printmaking studios, and sculpture workshops with welding/plasma cutting.
  • Living: Ian Dury House offers 24/7 security and averages £158/week.
UCA Rochester

UCA Rochester

  • Focus: Fashion and Performance specialisation.
  • Facilities: Includes fashion studios, makeup/hair design salons, and theatre prop-making workshops.
  • Location: Unique setting with River Medway views, just a 5-minute walk to campus.

Not sure where to start? Our team of experts can provide free end-to-end assistance.

Course Highlights

Undergraduate Programmes

Program

Duration

Annual Fees (GBP) - UK

Annual Fees (GBP) - International

Intakes

Graduate Route

Special Features

BA Acting

3 years FT

£9,535

£15,700

Sept, Jan, May

2 years

Professional performance training

BA Animation

3 years FT

£9,535

£15,700

Sept, Jan, May

2 years

Animation Research Centre access

BA Architecture (RIBA Part 1)

3 years FT

£9,535

£15,700

Sept only

2 years

RIBA-accredited professional pathway

BA Fashion

3 years FT

£9,535

£15,700

Sept, Jan, May

2 years

Industry placements. Gerber CAM labs.

BA Fine Art

3 years FT

£9,535

£15,700

Sept, Jan, May

2 years

Contemporary studio practice

BA Graphic Design

3 years FT

£9,535

£15,700

Sept, Jan, May

2 years

Visual communication across disciplines

BA Illustration

3 years FT

£9,535

£15,700

Sept, Jan, May

2 years

Editorial and commercial focus

BA Photography

3 years FT

£9,535

£15,700

Sept, Jan, May

2 years

Commercial and fine art pathways

BA Ceramics & Glass

3 years FT

£9,535

£15,700

Sept, Jan, May

2 years

Specialist craft facilities

Foundation Year (International)

1 year + 3-year degree

£5,760 (Year 1) + £9,535

£16,000 (Year 1) + £15,700

Sept, Jan, May

2 years

Preparation pathway. 50% entry requirement.

Postgraduate Programmes

Program

Duration

Annual Fees (GBP) - UK

Annual Fees (GBP) - International

Entry

Graduate Route

Special Features

MA Filmmaking

1 year FT

£12,500

£19,050

Sept, Jan, May

2 years

Premium specialist rate. Professional soundstages.

MA Fashion

1 year FT

£10,800

£18,540

Sept, Jan, May

2 years

Industry-connected curriculum

MA Animation

1 year FT

£10,800

£18,540

Sept, Jan, May

2 years

Advanced practice in digital/traditional

MA Fine Art

1 year FT

£10,800

£18,540

Sept, Jan, May

2 years

Contemporary studio-based

MA Graphic Design

1 year FT

£10,800

£18,540

Sept, Jan, May

2 years

Strategic design communication

MA Architecture (MArch)

1 year FT

£9,250

£18,000

Sept only

2 years

Professional qualification

MA Photography

1 year FT

£10,800

£18,540

Sept, Jan, May

2 years

Commercial and fine art pathways

MA Luxury Business Management

1 year FT

£12,500

£19,050

Sept, Jan, May

2 years

Premium specialist rate

MA Fashion Business Management

1 year FT

£10,800

£18,540

Sept, Jan, May

2 years

Business + creative industries focus

Global Master Business Management

1 year FT

£12,500

£19,050

Sept, Jan, May

2 years

International business pathway

Pre-Masters Programme

13 or 30 weeks

£10,800

£18,020

Before Sept

N/A

Preparation for MA entry. Two duration options.

Research Degrees (MPhil/PhD)

2-4 years

£5,840/year

£18,020/year

Various

3 years (PhD)

Research-focused. 6 research centres.

Popular Study Areas

Art & Design

Art & Design

Fashion

Fashion

Architecture

Architecture

Graphic Design

Graphic Design

Film & Media

Film & Media

Animation

Animation

Photography

Photography

Interior Design / Spatial Design

Interior Design / Spatial Design

Performing Arts (Acting/Theatre)

Performing Arts (Acting/Theatre)

Business (Creative Industries focus)

Business (Creative Industries focus)

Entry Requirements

Undergraduate - UK Domestic Students:

  • Academic: A-Levels BBC-CCC typical. GCSE Grade 4 (C equivalent) minimum. BTEC DMM or equivalent. International Baccalaureate 28-32 points. T-Levels accepted.
  • English Language: GCSE English Grade 4 minimum.
  • Portfolio: Mandatory for all creative disciplines. 15-20 pieces demonstrating creative thinking, visual practice, and subject-specific strengths.

Undergraduate - International Students (India-Specific):

  • Academic: Indian HSC/Standard XII 70% minimum (CBSE, CISCE, recognised state boards). Foundation pathway requires 50% minimum.
  • English Language: IELTS Academic 6.0 (5.5 minimum each component). TOEFL iBT 80. PTE Academic 59. Indian HSC/Standard XII English 70%+ (from NARIC-recognised boards) accepted.
  • Portfolio: Same as UK domestic students (15-20 pieces).
  • Foundation Pathways: International Foundation in Creative Practices (50% HSC entry) or Integrated 4-year foundation available.

Postgraduate - UK Domestic Students:

  • Academic: Bachelor's degree minimum 2:2 (50%+). 2:1 (60%+) preferred for competitive programmes. Professional qualifications from practice considered with portfolio.
  • English Language: UK graduate. No additional test required if degree was UK or English-taught.
  • Work Experience: MBA requires 3+ years professional experience. Other master's optional.

Postgraduate - International Students (India-Specific):

  • Academic: Bachelor's degree (3-year minimum) 55% pass or higher. 4-5 year degrees (B.E, B.Tech, B.Pharm) 55-60% average.
  • English Language: IELTS Academic 6.5 overall (5.5 minimum each component) for MA/MSc. TOEFL iBT 90. PTE Academic 67+.
  • Work Experience: MBA: 3+ years professional experience mandatory (5-10 years typical).
  • Pre-Masters: 13-week intensive (IELTS 6.0) or 30-week extended (IELTS 5.5) available.

Not sure where to start? Our team of experts can provide free end-to-end assistance.

Scholarships at University for the Creative Arts (UCA)

UCA Merit Scholarship

£4,500 fee reduction

UCA Creative Development Scholarship

£3,000 fee reduction

UCA Continuing Performance Scholarship

£4,000/year

International Foundation to UG Progression

£1,500 off Year 1

International Accommodation Award (IAA)

Free on-campus housing

UCA International PhD Scholarship

£5,000 Year 1; £3,000 Years 2-3

Full Fee Payment Discount

£1,000 deduction

Not sure where to start? Our team of experts can provide free end-to-end assistance.

Study Abroad in 5 Simple Steps

Student Support Services

Academic Support

Subject-specific tutoring, studio support, one-to-one feedback sessions, and writing centres.

Careers Service

Industry-connected guidance, portfolio development support, and recruitment fairs.

International Student Support

Dedicated team for visa guidance and CAS support, pre-arrival information, and induction programmes.

Wellbeing & Mental Health

Free confidential counselling, stress management workshops, and 24/7 crisis helpline access.

Disability Services

Tailored support assessments, assistive technology provision, and exam access arrangements

Accommodation Services

On-campus hall management and private landlord liaison (includes Housing Hand partnership).

Not sure where to start? Our team of experts can provide free end-to-end assistance.

22,000+ Success Stories. You could be the next.

"From document submission to interview prep, PFEC was with me at every step. Highly recommend their visa services!"

Ravi Kumar
Google
Reviews

“PFEC Global made my student visa process stress-free. Their expert guidance helped me secure my visa without any hassle!”

Aditi Sharma
Google
Reviews

“My experience with PFEC Global was fantastic. The team, especially Jalpa Ma'am, provided exceptional support and guidance throughout the whole process. Her guidance on the documentation required was clear and concise, making the whole process smooth. I got my visa within 10 days.I highly recommended PFEC Global for their excellent service in handling visa application. Thank you PFEC Global ”

Hetvi Devaiya
Google
Reviews

About PFEC Global

Beginning in 2006, PFEC Global's expertise in student migration consultancy evolved from a single Melbourne office to a multinational presence, spanning Australia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and India. We proudly represent international educational institutions, turning students' dreams into reality.

0+
Students Assisted
0+
Institutions across 11 Countries
0+
Years of Experience
0
Offices Across The Globe