University of the Arts London

HISTORY

The University has its origins in seven previously independent art, design, fashion and media collages, which were brought together for administrative purposes to form the London Institute in 1986. They were: Saint Martin`s, School of art, Chelsea School of Art, the London College of Printing, the Central School of Art and Design, Camberwell School of Arts and Crafts, the College for Distributive Trades and the London College of Fashion. The colleges were originally established from the mid 19th century to the early 20th century.

COURSES

At London College of Communication they offer courses in a range of media and design disciplines. For a detailed list of courses see the website.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Much of the university’s recruitment is through one-year foundation courses or portfolio work. A level and GCSE requirements vary – the entry requirements are course specific. Visit their website for details.

ACADEMIC STRENGTHS

The university has earned a global reputation for outstanding work, launching the careers of many creative and cultural leaders, including more than half of all Turner Prize nominees, over half of the designers named British Designer of the Year, more than a third of the 40 artists named in the Catlin Guide’s most promising graduate artists and 12 winners of the Jerwood Photography Awards. UAL is the largest postgraduate arts and design community in Europe, with 2,745 postgraduate and research students. The University is the leading provider of short courses on creative subjects with around 20,000 students across the academic year, from 159 countries, aged 10–82. UAL is home to world-class collections including the Jocelyn Herbert archive and the Kubrick archive.

TEACHING STANDARDS

The Quality Assurance Agency’s (QAA) review of the university in January 2013 found that the university meets expectations in the four key areas examined – academic standards, the quality of student learning opportunities, information about learning opportunities and the enhancement of student learning opportunities.

CAREERS GUIDANCE

Student Enterprise and Employability (SEE) is the university’s dedicated careers and enterprise service. It support students and graduates embark on their professional futures in the creative industries.

SEE helps UAL students and graduates find jobs, set up a business, and sell their work. They run events throughout the Colleges on all aspects of the career journey. They also nurture creative practice and enterprise through funding, mentoring and resources. Their aim is to help students and graduates gain the skills they need to succeed and innovate in the creative and cultural sectors.