Ranking 2nd in the world for Art and Design, we are a community of makers, thinkers, pioneers and storytellers redesigning the future. UAL is dedicated to supporting students through our teaching practices, outstanding resources and our graduates with employment opportunities.
There are a few significant differences between post-secondary education in Canada and the UK, degree levels and unique learning environments of our renowned colleges. The information below explains what you may hope to gain at each of our study levels and explores our facilities, industry connections and alumni.
6 colleges, 1 university
University of the Arts London (UAL) is comprised of:
- Camberwell College of Arts
- Central Saint Martins
- Chelsea College of Arts
- Creative Computing Institute
- London College of Communication
- London College of Fashion
- Wimbledon College of Arts
Learn more about our Colleges.
Levels of Study
Pre-degree and Foundation
In the UK, students who do not have a background in their subject of interest may be required to apply for a foundation or pre-degree course. This first year of study helps you build confidence as a creative thinker and broadens your approach to research and experimentation. These courses are the usual entry point for applicants from Canadian high schools, or for students who have completed some college or university study in other subject areas.
Some of our foundation or pre-degree level courses are specifically designed for international students. Canadian students will require a High School Diploma for their applications. A portfolio for courses that are studio-based is also a requirement.
After successful completion of the foundation or pre-degree year, you can apply to a 3-year specialised Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree at UAL. Like North America’s post-secondary structure, a BA will generally take 3 years to complete in the UK.
Learn more about our pre-degree courses.
Undergraduate
Undergraduate (UG) courses are 3 years of full-time study. They are highly specialised and do not offer majors or minors. UG students will refine their skills and expand their knowledge in a specific field of study to prepare for a career in art and design.
Acceptance into our courses (known as programs in Canada), require a High School Diploma, a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design, or a relevant Pre-degree qualification, as well as a portfolio of work, if the course requires one. The transition from foundation to undergraduate isn’t as daunting as it seems, and you’ll be supported by our staff and other students who have gone through the process.
Postgraduate
Postgraduate (PG) study at UAL includes a range of master’s level courses: MA, MSc, MBA, MPhil and MRes. Applicants to postgraduate courses are required to have an undergraduate degree in a related subject or additional previous experiential learning (APEL). If you chose to continue your studies directly from a Canadian undergraduate, you may require a Graduate Diploma. These courses have been designed to prepare you for MA level study in the UK.
MA courses in the UK are highly specialised, so we expect applicants to have work examples and experience relevant to this level of study.
Some applications may require supplementary documentation such as a personal statement, a study proposal, an essay or a curriculum vitae (resumé). A reference letter is only required for our MBA courses.
PhD
Apply to UAL's theoretical and practice-based research programmes leading to a PhD or MPhil. There are currently over 300 research students at UAL benefiting from extensive researcher development support and full access to all our UAL College resources. Discover a PhD or MPhil awarded in any art and design subject area at UAL with inspiring research supervision.
Find out more information about studying a PhD.
Our facilities
The facilities and workspace studios at each of our Colleges are designed to inspire and encourage creativity. We offer everything from traditional tools to state-of-the-art technology with expert guidance from our specialist technicians. Our libraries, learning zones, galleries, special collections and archives are available to all UAL students.
Learn more about our facilities.
Industry connections
We're proud to partner with studios, brands and companies within creative industries to offer exciting opportunities for our students. Discover some of the brands our students have worked with during their time at UAL: Canada Goose, Salomon, and LVMH.
We encourage students to participate in live industry briefs and internships to broaden their understanding and experience of the creative sector. Our student careers team is available to help with resume advice, interview preparation and work placements.
Learn more about our industry connections.
Alumni
There are more than 200,000 UAL graduates, including over 1,000 Canadians working across the globe in creative industries.
Explore the work of UAL's graduates in one curated space on UAL Showcase. Discover the newest names in art, design, fashion, communication, media and performing arts. Discover unique giftware, fashion and artwork by UAL alumni at our curated not just a shop.
Learn more about our UAL Alumni Association.