University of the Arts London (UAL) has jumped to second place in the 2019 QS World University Rankings for Art and Design (QS World University Rankings by Subject ® 2019).
This position, up from sixth in 2018, places UAL as the highest of any undergraduate university for art and design in the world, with the postgraduate-focused Royal College of Art taking the top spot. Not only is this a huge achievement for UAL and its six Colleges – which includes Central Saint Martins – but it cements London as the world's creative crucible.
Speaking to the Evening Standard, Grayson Perry, UAL Chancellor, said:
"It’s great to see UAL shoot up the rankings to claim the number two spot in the world for Art and Design. It’s a testament to the incredible talent of UAL that has shaped the visionaries, renegades and pioneers that fuel the word’s need for creativity. It’s a brilliant result.”
Nigel Carrington, UAL Vice-chancellor, commented that the University's global reputation is in part due to the flexibility of movement of EU students. While Ben Sowter, Director of Research at QS, agreed that cross-border collaboration was key:
"This year’s results serve as a reminder of the enduring value provided by close collaboration with researchers, universities, and industry across the world.”