From Canada to London: What you need to know

Are you considering applying to university in the UK and don’t know what to expect? This article is for you! I’m Bree, a Camberwell College of Arts MA Fine Art graduate from Canada and this is everything I wish I knew before studying in London.

1. Different Terminology

Your “program” is now your “course”.

Your “instructors” are now your “tutors”.

Your “residence” is your “Hall”.

Your “Don” is your “Halls Rep”.

The terminology is different when studying in the UK. It’s easy enough to adapt once you’re there, but it’s nice to familiarize yourself with some key phrases before your move! In Canadian universities, we refer to our individual class subjects as “courses” however in the UK your “program” is referred to as your “course”. So, for example: my course was the MA Fine Art and my subject was Painting.

2. You get to focus on 1 subject- yes, 1!

Now that you understand the lingo, your course will primarily focus on your chosen subject. You study this subject throughout your entire degree, allowing you to dive deep into your specific interest. Unlike undergraduate Canadian programs, where you take generalized subjects in your first 1-2 years and then transition into specialized classes in the final years of your studies, you will be in your specialization from day 1 at UAL. Your classes are pre-selected for you and your schedule will already be made up! There is no need for course registration or risk of not being able to take the classes you really want.

3. Independent study

The nature of specializing in 1 subject for your degree means that you will have more opportunities for independent study. Whether you’re in a studio-based course or fashion marketing, you will develop the time management skills necessary to thrive in creative industries.

As an artist, this is something I really valued and sought out in my UK university experience. I could align my studio practice with my internal creative clock and make my best work for my graduate exhibition.

4. You will be with your course mates for the whole ride!

Something I loved about UAL’s structure was the smaller course sizes. I got closer with my course mates, since we naturally spent so much time with each other. This relieved any concerns I had about making friends in a new city where I didn’t know anybody, because I had so many “built-in” friends, who shared common creative interests with me.

5. All your classes will be on your College’s campus!

Depending on your course interests you will be in 1 of the 6 Colleges or Institutes at UAL. All your classes and respective studio schedules will take place at your designated College.

As a UAL student, you do also have access to all of the College buildings with your student card, so that you can attend events, special lectures, exhibitions or communicate with different branches of student services.