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The University for the Creative Arts is an institution dedicated to creating the next wave of leaders across creative industries. Students will be able to explore the creative side of a huge variety of subjects including not only the arts but also business and technology, with subjects from acting to virtual reality.
Postgraduate study at UCA is all about inspiring and challenging students to fulfil their creative potential. Students are encouraged to push the boundaries within their chosen field and follow their own creative path.
There is a mix of taught and research courses available to choose from. Students who opt for taught courses will experience a blended approach to learning, including a lot of hands-on practical experience. Research students will have access to excellent facilities to complete their thesis.
The academic staff at UCA come from a range of artistic backgrounds, offering students a valuable opportunity to benefit from their extensive experience in the creative industries. This diverse academic environment enhances the learning experience for students, providing them with a well rounded career in the creative sector.
UCA has four campuses in the south east of England, split between Surrey and Kent. The campuses are all in good locations within easy reach of amenities and transport links, with London close by too.
Postgraduate
Students at UCA have the option of high quality taught and research courses, with pathways into a successful career upon completion. The Research Exercise Framework (REF 2014) placed UCA in the top ten research communities in art & design.
Students work at a higher level with practising artists and industry professionals, pushing boundaries and discovering new things. As well as this, some students use postgraduate study as a successful way to change their career path from their prior undergraduate course.
UCA lecturers are closely connected to their respective creative industries which informs their teaching, keeping the course syllabus relevant and up to date with the newest skills of the industry. Courses are practice based with added context and theory, and self-directed study and research is critical.
UCA offers taught postgraduate courses (master’s, postgraduate certificates, MBA), research supervision and mentoring for PhD students in areas ranging from Animation to Fashion, with a large variety in between.
Most postgraduate courses at UCA require a relevant honours degree (or equivalent) and a portfolio showcasing creative ability. Students may be able to apply with a background in the chosen field, using their experience in their work in lieu of an undergraduate degree – students are advised to contact the university for more specific information.
Research degrees require a research proposal for consideration before any official application can be made. For guidelines on what this proposal should include, students can speak to the institution.
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UCA is the second largest education provider for the creative industries in the whole of Europe, and houses the first creative industries business school in the UK. For over 160 years, UCA has specialised in creative education and offers postgraduate courses within the three main sectors – creative arts, creative business and creative technology.
This focus ensures that the university offers an outstanding level of education. By specialising in the creative arts, it is able to attract key academic talent and lead the way with research in these fields.
Students who choose UCA for their postgraduate qualification will therefore be learning in an environment completely tailored to creative industries, learning from those who have already had a successful career. Students will use this knowledge as the stepping stone to their own future as a key creative expert.
UCA postgraduate courses are internationally recognised for their quality and effectiveness in helping students take their craft and skills to an exceptional level.
Students are challenged in their practice to experiment with new methods and ways of thinking, and use the latest cutting-edge equipment from their chosen specialist industry to help them think deeper and explore thoroughly, before producing their final projects. These projects help them burst into the professional atmosphere – to join UCA alumni spanning across all creative industries.
Some courses, such as MFA Photography, have a very hands-on approach, with students working on project briefs and alongside professionals throughout, together with work placements.
All students at UCA automatically become a member of the Students’ Union, which represents the student body, organises events and activities, and provides support to students. The Students’ Union is represented at all four campuses and is unique in having 2 co-presidents.
Postgraduate students will benefit from the events organised, and from representation – any students who need assistance with their postgraduate course beyond what the tutors can offer is able to get independent advice and support from the SU.
Clubs and societies
There are many clubs and societies for students to choose from, covering a range of interests from belly dancing to yoga, and animation to martial arts. Taking part is a great way for students to meet people with similar interests, and students are encouraged and supported to help existing clubs and societies, or even set up new ones if they can’t find one that suits them already.
Postgraduate students are also welcome to join these clubs and societies to meet others studying both undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications.
City life
City life varies depending on each campus location. All are within easy reach of London by public transport so students can take advantage of everything on offer for creative types in one of the best cities in the world.
The Canterbury campus is close to the bustling historic city centre that has a large selection of shops, restaurants and nightlife. It’s about 90 minutes from London and also close to continental ferry ports and the Eurotunnel. Creative students will be well served by the Turner Contemporary Gallery and major art events such as the Folkestone Triennial.
The modern UCA Epsom campus is a short walk from the friendly town, which itself has been named one of the most desirable places to live in the UK because of its friendly feel. And it’s only half an hour from London’s rich culture, nightlife and work placement opportunities.
The largest UCA campus is at Farnham, a market town with a rich creative past – especially in crafts. The campus is a short walk from shops, restaurants and pubs, together with vibrant arts facilities such as The Maltings. Surrounded by beautiful countryside, the nearby Bourne Woods have been used to film several major blockbuster movies. London is just an hour’s train ride away.
Halls of residence are available at each of the three campuses and are a great option, especially for overseas students. Some are on-campus, while others are a short walk from campus. All halls of residence are self-catered with access to a shared kitchen and have a mix on en-suite and shared bathrooms. They also have internet access and basic contents insurance included within accommodation fees.
Private accommodation is also an option and is plentiful in and around each of the campus areas. The university’s accommodation teams will be happy to assist students with relevant contacts and information, should they wish to rent privately.
Facilities
Being a specialist creative university, UCA provides access to innovative, high-tech and quality resources. These include animation suites, photography studios, kilns, looms and so much more. There are skilled technicians dedicated to each area of study who are available to support and guide students with their work.
Students will be able to use professional-grade facilities that will ensure their transition into their chosen career is seamless. They will also benefit from contemporary, comfortable learning spaces.
The Gateway Team is available to help students access support while at university, both in person and online. Each campus has a team of staff on site who can provide advice with any student finance and/or welfare issues.
A free, confidential counselling service is also available for students. The university has a specialist support team for students with disabilities, and there is a learning and teaching service to help those who need extra support with their studies and to get the most out of their course.
The University for the Creative Arts has a number of scholarships and fee discounts available to assist students with the cost of their studies, enabling students to worry less about financial pressures and focus more on their success.
These scholarships and fee discounts vary depending on students’ course level and if they are a home or international student. Students are able to check the university’s website for current scholarships and fee discounts, including any necessary criteria or deadlines related to the application process.
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The university’s academics have a wealth of experience and industry connections to give students a unique learning experience which will not only help them get the best out of their studies, but help set them on the right career path as well.
Courses are taught in a variety of ways and explore theoretical and cultural context, as well as researching, identifying, and refining practice. Students will benefit from a diverse and engaging program of study, learning from experts in their chosen field.
Research
Students can opt for a research qualification at UCA if they prefer. Students will be given the resources and guidance needed to explore their thesis, giving them the best platform to succeed.
The research schools at UCA include:
Architecture
Crafts & Design
Fine Art, Photography & Visual Communication
Business for the Creative Industries
Fashion & Textiles
Film, Media & Performing Arts
The Research Exercise Framework (REF 2014) recognised 93 per cent of the research at UCA as being internationally recognised for quality, with 64 per cent of research being world-leading.
Distance learning
UCA understands that for some students, relocating or travelling to study may not be possible, either due to location or because of other personal commitments. Most courses at UCA do require students to attend in person, but there is the option of studying the MA Global Fashion Cultures course that is available for online learning using UCA’s integrated teaching and learning platforms.
Students will be able to study for this qualification online and then make arrangements to complete any necessary assessments.
Sound interesting?
Get in touch, if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications.