University for the Creative Arts

The University for the Creative Arts (UCA) is a specialist institution for students of the creative industries and arts – one of the biggest of its kind in Europe. The university offers a variety of high-quality postgraduate programmes with a clear applied focus, supported by teaching from industry experts and bespoke facilities. 

The university based across the South of England, with four distinct campus sites to be found across Kent and Surrey. They are: 

• UCA Canterbury 
• UCA Epsom 
• UCA Farnham 
• UCA Rochester 
• Maidstone TV Studios 

Each campus at UCA has a range of bespoke studios, workspaces and teaching spaces that are designed with academic and creative specialisms in minds. Students can access everything from looms and kilns to animation studios and TV production suites. That’s not to mention laser cutting and 3D printing facilities and virtual reality labs, along with a huge range of social spaces and on-site services. 

Each of the university’s campuses are well-located near to local amenities, transport hubs and great places to live, contributing to satisfying student experience. Whether it’s the bustling city of Canterbury with hundreds of years of history, the well-connected Epsom with fast trains into central London, or the quaint country town of Farnham, students can find their perfect lifestyle. 

The University of Creative Arts values the potential of postgraduate study for powering new creative achievements and unlocking career opportunities for students of the arts. Through its wide range of specialist courses in the creative disciplines, from short courses to master’s degrees and doctoral research pathways, UCA opens up a world of potential for postgraduate students. 

Courses at UCA are delivered by teachers who are leaders in their fields; influential artists, industry professionals and notable academics together shape and inform a number of innovative programmes. 

Taught master’s students can pursue MA degrees, as well as MFA, MBA and even MSc qualifications, across areas including the creative arts, technology and business. It’s also possible to pursue an MPhil or PhD qualification and contribute to UCA’s strong research pedigree. 

Each course at UCA is built with its industry in mind, constantly updating and responding to new developments across professional fields and artistic communities. Postgraduate students at the university will benefit from an applied approach to learning and training, and will leave with a robust skillset that is valued by employers. 

To receive an offer of study at postgraduate level from the University of Creative Arts, students will need to meet the entry requirements of their chosen course. These requirements may encompass previous academic qualifications, professional experience, evaluation of a portfolio of previous work, or completion of an interview. 

For example, students applying for the MA in Graphic Design will need to have an undergraduate honours degree, or equivalent a subject related to graphic design. Evidence of relevant professional experience is also asked of students applying to this course, and may be considered in place of a qualification in some cases. 

Applicants for the MA in Digital Fashion will also need to demonstrate achievement of an undergraduate honours degree in a relevant subject, or evidence of sufficient professional experience to show an ability to study at postgraduate level. 

Students applying to the MSc in Global Marketing and Communications will need to show evidence of a degree at undergraduate level in a related subject, or sufficient professional experience. The university encourages applications from students who have both. 

Entry requirements for postgraduate courses at UCA may differ depending on the course and level of study being applied for, so students are encouraged to check the university website before applying. 

Postgraduate students at University of the Creative Arts have a lot of options open to them when it comes to enhancing their employability, picking up industry-appropriate skills and preparing for professional success after graduation. 

Courses at UCA are applied in nature, and often involve practical project and portfolio work. As a result, students leave the university with an impressive array of work to demonstrate to potential employers and highlight their transferable skills. Not only that, but UCA’s range of cutting-edge equipment and specialist staff means that students can bring their knowledge of the latest techniques and contemporary theory to professional opportunities – making them a valued find for employers across every industry. 

The university has a dedicated Careers and Professional Practice team on hand to support students throughout their studies. They specialise in providing careers advice for those looking to work in the creative industries, providing access to one-to-one advice appointments, a huge range of workshops, presentations and events, and online resources. Students can attend jobs fairs with dozens of potential employers, explore skills masterclasses or be inspired by a guest speaker from an industry leader. 

Accommodation

The University of Creative Arts has a variety of accommodation options to choose from, across all of its campuses in Kent and Surrey. The university’s halls of residences are a great option for students due to their convenient location, either on campus or nearby, and their simple price structure. Bills and other utilities are rolled up with rent costs into one simple payment, including Wi-Fi and contents insurance. 

Rooms in halls are typically self-catered, but students can choose from en-suite or shared bathroom options depending on their preferred lifestyle and budget. The university’s halls also come with 24-hour security services, from CCTV protection to night guards, to help students feel safe and secure during their time in halls. 

Some postgraduate students prefer to rent privately during their studies and make use of the excellent locations of each of UCA’s campuses. Wherever they are, UCA postgraduates are never far from the bright lights and fantastic professional opportunities of London, one of Europe’s biggest creative and tech hubs. Epsom, Canterbury, Farnham and Rochester are all well-connected, safe locations with plenty of private letting opportunities to choose from. 

The University of Creative Arts works to provide postgraduate students with a wide range of funding options to assist them during their time there. A number of scholarships and bursaries are available to reward past academic achievement, encourage academic potential and reduce barriers to study. Available funding options include: 

• The Nick Jack Scholarship is available to students who are studying the MA in Fine Art at the UCA Canterbury campus. This award is worth £5,000 and is allocated on the basis of financial need and academic achievement.  
• The UCA Alumni Discount, which offers students up to £4,000 of the costs of their postgraduate studies if they have already completed a degree at the university. 
• Postgraduate research students can explore a range of funding options made available through the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC). These may be project specific or available to all research students of a certain discipline, and may vary in value but typically include scholarships that cover tuition fees and in some cases stipends for living costs. 

The full range of scholarships and bursaries, along with their eligibility criteria and application deadlines, can be found through the university’s website. Available funding options may vary over time.