University of Arts

History

The institution was established in 1986 as the London Institute from seven separate art, design, fashion, and media institutions that were merged for administrative reasons.

Their names were as follows: Saint Martin’s, Chelsea, the London College of Printing, Central, Camberwell, and the College for Distributive Trades, and the London College of Fashion. In the first half of the nineteenth and first half of the twentieth centuries, the colleges were founded.

In 1988, the London Institute was consolidated into a single legal body under the Education Reform Act. The first court of governors was established the following year, in 1989. John McKenzie was appointed as the first rector.

In 1993, the Privy Council bestowed degree-granting authority on the institute. Following McKenzie’s retirement in 1996, Sir William Stubbs was appointed rector. In 1998, the institute was bestowed with a coat of arms.

The first chancellor, Lord Stevenson of Coddenham, was installed in 2000, and in 1999, Will Wyatt was appointed chairman of governors.

Ranking and Achievements

• 42nd the in the UK (Times University Guide 2024)
• 15th in the UK (Guardian University Guide 2024)
• 2nd in the world for Art and Design according to the 2022 QS World University Rankings
• 101-120 in QS WUR Ranking By Subject 2023

The percentage of UAL research that was deemed world-leading (4*) or internationally outstanding (3*) increased by 2% from 2014 to 85% in the REF 2021. When it comes to research in the fields of art and design (A&D), UAL ranks first among practice-based institutions and among the best performing specialist HEIs.

Courses

Tuition fees

For an undergraduate degree in 2023/24- £25,970

For 2023/24 postgraduate international tuition fees: 

• Higher rate- £29,330 (45 weeks) and £37,280 (60 weeks) half of which must be paid in Year 1
• Standard rate £25,970 (45 weeks) and £33,360 (60 weeks) half of which must be paid in Year 1
• Lower rate- £22,780 (45 weeks) and £29,330 (60 weeks) half of which must be paid in Year 1
• Fully online- £20,780 (45 weeks) and £26,690 (60 weeks) half of which must be paid in Year 1

Scholarships

• UAL International Postgraduate £7,000 Scholarships

The UAL Colleges and Institutes offer a variety of master’s degrees, including full-time, part-time, and online options, and this scholarship will cover up to £7,000 of the cost of tuition. There is a competition for 300 postgraduate scholarships of £7,000 each year at UAL International.

• UAL International Postgraduate £50,000 Scholarship and accommodation award

The recipient of this scholarship will not only get full or partial payment for their tuition and living expenses but they will also be provided with housing in one of UAL’s residence halls. Four postgraduate scholarships totalling £50,000 are up for grabs at UAL International.

Facilities and Services

Students from other countries can get a head start on their studies at the University of the Arts London by enrolling in English language courses before classes even begin. If students want to get better at reading and writing, they can do it while they get their degree.

The purpose of each of these courses is to help first-year students adjust to university life in the UK and to their studies there, while the purpose of the in-sessional courses is to be there for students whenever they need it.

Student Statistics

• Female- 75%
• Male-24%
• Other-0%
• UK Students-47%
• EU Students-14%
• International-39%
• Full-time-97%
• Part-time-3%
• First year-43%
• Other years-57%
• Postgraduate-23%
• Undergraduate-77%

Student Life

London attracts thousands of students every year from all over the world since it was named the best student city in the world in 2022 by QS. It is an ideal location for our students to grow as artists and entrepreneurs because of its wealth of cutting-edge businesses, vibrant cultural scene, and top-notch educational institutions.

More than 170 museums, 200 theatres, and innumerable independent art galleries and cultural venues call this city home. London stands out above other major cities due to the number of parks and green spaces it possesses.

There is no shortage of places to get away from it all and enjoy nature in London, from the vast Hyde Park and St. James’s Park in the west to the northern wilderness of Hampstead Heath.

Student Support

Learn more about London life, get useful information about relocating to the UK, and get a special deal on airport collections—all before you set foot on British soil.

If you need help meeting the language requirements of your course, we offer Pre-sessional English and other resources.

Accommodation

There are twelve residence halls located all throughout London that house more than three thousand students at the University of the Arts London. Priority housing is granted to international undergraduates residing in resident halls for the first academic year.

Anyone looking for a place to call home in London’s private housing market can benefit from attending a house-hunting session. The University of the Arts London’s accommodation services staff is available to answer questions and offer guidance all during your time here.

Location

Established in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the University Arts London is a conglomeration of six prestigious colleges dedicated to the arts, design, fashion, and media. All over London, you’ll find colleges that both embrace and enrich the local culture.

Students can easily access all of London’s educational institutions and finest attractions via the city’s extensive public transport system, which includes the tube, train, and bus networks.

FAQ’s