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QS World Rankings 2025 reaffirms UAL’s status as leader in creative education

Written byPress Office
Published date 12 March 2025

**Becca Geden, MA Fashion Photography, London College of Fashion, UAL**

For the seventh year running, University of the Arts London is the highest ranked provider of undergraduate art and design degrees in the world, further cementing its reputation as a creative powerhouse.

UAL is ranked 2nd in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025 for art and design. The Royal College of Art, an institute dedicated to postgraduate studies, retains first position. These two London-based institutions have topped the art and design rankings for seven consecutive years, reinforcing the city as the undeniable creative engine of the world. A sixth of all London jobs are in the creative economy and the city’s creative industries generate £10m every hour. These industries bring economic value, drive soft power and fuel our collective cultures.

UAL comprises six prestigious Colleges and four Institutes; it currently educates over 20,000 students and boasts a global alumni network of over 270,000. UAL is committed to broadening access to creative education for students at all stages of their journey. In September 2024, we launched our School of Pre-Degree Studies, securing and strengthening our pioneering Foundation course for future young creatives to develop their talents. While UAL Online, launched in the same year, brings fully online postgraduate degrees that are flexible and inclusive to learners across the globe. At our Colleges, we opened our new sustainable campus for London College of Fashion at East Bank while construction progresses on a new London College of Communication campus at Elephant and Castle, set to open in 2027.

Creative industries are not just a cornerstone of the UK economy; they are an engine for global innovation and cultural leadership. For the 7th consecutive year, the UK proudly leads the world in art and design education, with institutions like UAL nurturing the next generation of creative talent. These industries, which contribute 6% to GDP, are growing at a pace that outstrips the broader economy, and their impact goes far beyond financial metrics. Our students and graduates are pioneering solutions to the world’s most urgent challenges, using creativity to drive positive change across all sectors. By continuing to invest in creative education, we are not only shaping the future health of the economy but also creating lasting societal benefits that resonate worldwide.

— Professor Karen Stanton Vice-Chancellor, University of the Arts London