Getting into art universities in UK as an international student can be very difficult especially with the rigorous process involved. There are factors you might have to consider like the admission requirements, in-person audition availability, tuition fees (if there is no financial aid available), cost of living, travel cost, amongst others.

This article tells you all that you need to know about art universities to get into UK. Read on to know more on hardest universities to get into uk 2020, hardest schools to get into uk, easiest universities to get into uk, uk university ranking, ucas, easiest universities to get into for international students, hardest university to get into in the world. Get more in related articles on Collegelearners.

hardest universities to get into uk

1. University of Oxford (21.8%)
2. University of Cambridge (28.5%)
3. London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) (35.2%)
4. St George’s, University of London (39.0%)
5. University of the Arts London (41.9%)
6. University of St Andrews (42.3%)
7. Imperial College London (43.0%)
8. The University of Edinburgh (43.8%)

Hardest Universities to Get Into UK 2020

1. Cambridge.
2. Oxford. …
3. University of St Andrews. …
4. Imperial College London. …
5. University of Strathclyde. …
6. University of Glasgow. Overall rank: 18th. …
7. Durham University. Overall rank:6th. …
8. University College London (UCL) 
9. Leeds Arts University 
10. University of Dundee
11. University of Strathclyde 
12. Arts University Bournemouth 
13. University College London (UCL) 
14. City, University of London 
15. Glasgow Caledonian University 
16. Edinburgh Napier University 
17. King’s College London 
18. University of Glasgow
19. University of the West of Scotland
20. Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh 

The term Art refers to a broad array of study fields, not just fine arts. This means that with a degree in Art you have a countless job opportunities to seek after the completion of your course.

In a global context, the UK has some of the best art universities attracting each year many international students. But some of the British art universities are definitely a league of their own regarding their quality of education.

best art universities in london

London has numerous Universities, colleges and schools that can help to give you a great start in an art profession. And what could help your creativity more than living and studying in such a vibrant and varied capital city? Artists such as Henry Moore studied in London, so you know that there are some good choices here. But with about forty universities and higher education institutions, it can be hard to choose which University would be best for your subject. There are some specialist colleges that specialise in art and design, or more general universities that have good art courses. To help you choose, we’ve put together a list of the best art universities in London.

But first, let’s have a look at some questions you might have about art courses.

What qualifications are needed to study art?

The qualifications you will need to study art will depend on the art school you choose and the course you would like to study. According to The Uni Guide you will generally need a diploma in foundation art and design, a BTEC National Diploma in art and design, or an A-Level in Art or a design related subject. It is also a good idea to have a portfolio of the work you have completed in these subjects.

Other A-Levels that can help with your application include design technology, photography subjects and history of art. If you are planning to specialise in your art course in London, you may also need a specific qualification, so be sure to check before applying.

What career prospects are there with an art degree?

An art degree may not necessarily be a vocational subject, but it can still prepare you for the world of work. Any degree will help you to develop transferable skills, and art is no different. However, if you were wanting to specialise in an art profession, an art degree can help open the doors for professions such as:

• Professional Artist
• Photographer
• Graphic Designer
• Curator

The best art universities in London

The best art university in London depends on your own personal preferences and what course you want to do. However, there are some that definitely stand out when it comes to art courses and degrees. So, in no particular order, here are fourteen of the best art universities in London:

Royal College of Art

Established in 1837 the Royal College of Art (RCA) gained university status in 1967. The university is an influential postgraduate of art and design and is the only entirely postgraduate art and design university in the UK.

With 18 courses to choose from, split over 4 schools, you can take your art degree to the next level and specialise further. The RCA is known for its historic campus in Kensington, the Darwin Building here is a grade II listed building and dates from the 1960s. Other campuses are found in Battersea and White City.

In 2020, the QS ranked the RCA as the top art and design university in the QS World University Rankings, in which the Royal College of Art received an overall score of 98.9.

City & Guilds of London Art School

The City and Guilds of London Art School is a small, specialist art college. This art school in London was founded in 1854 and was first known as Lambeth School of Art. The City and Guilds of London Art School was also actively involved in helping to rebuild the architecture and monuments in London after World War II.

Courses here are intense, with students expected to dedicate five days a week to onsite study. There are nine courses (some BA and some MA) to choose from at this small school, as well as short courses. The course offering includes the Historic Carving Postgraduate Diploma is the only remaining course in the country that offers such a high level of training in this subject.

Students at this art school have their own working space and access to various tools and materials across the various schools. With the highest tutor to student ration in London, if you choose to study here an expert will be on hand to help you every step of the way.

Goldsmiths University

Goldsmiths University is part of the University of London, and specialises in the arts, design, humanities and social sciences. In 1891, this university was established as Goldsmiths’ Technical and Recreative Institute and became a Constituent College of University of London in 1904.

When it comes to studying art and design at Goldsmiths, there are five undergraduate courses to choose from, as well as postgraduate and short courses.

The teaching space for the Department of Art and studio is in the seven-storey Ben Pimlott Building. This building with its distinctive “scribble in the sky” has become a signature of modern Goldsmiths.

Wimbledon College of Arts

Wimbledon College of Arts is a specialist in film, theatre and television, and offers courses such as Theatre Design and Costume for Theatre. This college was established in 1890 and is a constituent college of the University of the Arts London.

Thanks to its suburban location, this art college in London offers more studio space than more central universities.

Wimbledon College of Arts is known for being a collaborative school. Course projects include team work to produce theatre, performance and other live events, reflecting the world of work within this industry. With industry connections in the National and Lyric, students can also gain valuable work experience whilst studying at this London art uni.

Chelsea College of Arts

First founded in 1895 as the South-Western polytechnic, it wasn’t until 2013 that this college became Chelsea College of Arts (with a few name changes before that). A constituent college of University of the Arts London, this college offers courses up to PhD level in the arts.

Celebrated sculpture Henry Moore once studied at Chelsea College of Arts, among other artists. This college once taught trade professions but now focuses on art subjects and boasts three on-site exhibition spaces.

This college offers undergraduate courses in subjects such as Fine Art, Graphic Design, and Textile Design.

University of the Arts

The parent University of the two colleges above, UAL has six constituent colleges in total. The University of the Arts was established in 1986, as the London Institute and gained University status in 2003. In 2004 it changed name to the University of the Arts (UAL).

With 67 undergraduate courses available in Art and Design, there’s plenty of specialist and broader subjects to choose from.

UAL ranks second in the world for Art and Design according to the QS World University Raking. Courses range from fine art to fashion across the six constitute colleges.

Inchbald School of Design

Established in 1960 by Jacqueline Ann Duncan (Jacqueline Inchbald at the time). The school was first located in the family home and offered a ten-week course on interior design.

Now you can study courses that include Diplomas, Undergraduate and Postgraduate courses. The school is a leading provider of interior design and garden design courses in the UK.

Central Saint Martins School of Arts and Design

Another of the art universities in London that is a constituent college of the UAL, Central Saint Martins is found in Kings Cross. Established in 1854, the college went through a few name changes before becoming Central Saint Martins (CSM) in 1989.

Undergraduate courses at the art uni in London range from fashion history to fine art degrees. Fashion courses at Central Saint Martins are especially renowned as they allow students to specialise in many subjects, such as knitwear. There are also short courses and post-graduate courses available.

This art college boasts a range of well-known alumni, including the Turner-Prize winning artist Laure Prouvost.

Slade School of Fine Art

Consistently ranked as one of the top art and design schools in the UK, Slade School of Fine Art is another constituent college of University College London (UCL). The school was established in 1871, though it can trace its roots back to 1868.

The Slade was ground-breaking when it opened, as it aimed to elevate art education to the same level as other humanities subjects. It also offered equal access to both men and women. Slade School is still known for its modern approach to art education and is centered around history and theories. This allows students to approach art in an experimental and research-oriented way.

The art school offers two undergraduate courses, as week as two Masters and a PhD. The Slade also boasts its own art collection. The collection began in 1987 and displays works from students and staff.

Royal Academy Schools

Established in 1768 and part of the Royal Academy, this unique university is independent and privately funded.

As such, places are given only to carefully selected students. Only 17 are chosen each year to study at this school. The course offered is a three-year post-graduate course where students can expect a high tutor-to-student ratio which offers them in-depth discussion and access to specialist workshops. Previous students include William Blake and JMW Turner.

The Royal Academy Schools offer large studios for students to work in. Tuition and studio space are free for students.

Camberwell College of Arts

Camberwell College of Arts is a constituent college of the University of the Arts. This college was established in 1898 and is closely linked to the South London Gallery, which it shares one of its sites with.

This art college offers undergraduate courses that include specialist subjects such as Fine Art: Painting and Fine Art: Photography. There are also post-graduate courses and PhD courses available.

London College of Communication

Not much to look at from the outside, being in a tower block on Elephants and Castle’s roundabout, inside the college has a lot more to give. Housing the extensive Stanley Kubrick Archive, the college is known for nurturing creativity.

This college is also a constituent college of UAL and specialises in media-related subjects. It was established in 1990 and is organised into three schools: the design school, screen school and media school.

At the London College of Communication, there are a range of specialist undergraduate courses available, such as animation and virtual reality, as well as post-graduate courses. The school has bespoke partnerships with organisations which gives students the opportunity to work on live briefs and undertake placements.

Kingston University

Although this university is not a specialist art uni, it boasts highly recommended studios and workshops for its art students. Kingston University offers ten undergraduate courses, within the art and design field. The fashion degree at Kingston is one of the best in the Business of Fashion ranking.

This London art university was founded in 1899 and gained university status in 1992. It is a public research university with various campuses.

Kingston also runs the Stanley Picker Gallery and Dorich House Museum, which gives students the opportunity to gain practical experience within the art world.

Ravensbourne University London

One of the UK’s newest universities, Ravensbourne was established in 1959 and only gained university status in 2018.

The courses are split into two main clusters, the Design School and the Screen School. There are nine undergraduate art and design courses available at Ravensbourne, plus post graduate courses. The university prides itself in offering practical, vocational courses that range from animation to fashion.

With a growing demand for creative talents and working in close partnerships, students are treated as professional creatives. This attitude and quality of courses leads to a high post-graduation employment rate.

Found in North Greenwich, the building is a noticeable sight. With over 28,000 shining tiles, inside students will find a range of workspaces, technology hubs and even a broadcast facility.

Top Ten Art Universities in The UK:

• Royal College of Art
• University College London
• University of the Arts London
• Goldsmiths, London
• The Glasgow School of Art
• Loughborough University
• University of Oxford
• University of Brighton
• Edinburgh College of Arts (ECA)
• Lancaster University

Royal College of Art

The Royal College of Art is embodied by the School of Architecture, School of Arts & Humanities, School of Communication, school of design. In each of them, a number of art courses are offered the likes of Painting, Photography, Sculpture, Fashion wearings and so on. The University strives to give its students a proper theoretical and technical education to work independently in different job environments and different challenges. From this point of view is a clear-cut fact that the Royal College is one of the most eminent universities on art-related subjects.

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University College London

The UCL Slade School of Art welcomes talented artist who wants to improve their skills and knowledge in the field of painting, sculpture and fine art media (including film, photography, etc). Besides a convenient study environment, you’ll have your personal tutor who will be assessing and guiding your education during the whole course. These tutors have a diverse background in art subjects. Thanks to its central location in the London you’ll have an easy access to different art settings around like art museums, galleries, theatres and so on. In order to give you the best and the most up-to-date approaches in the art the module of studying may change often.

University of the Arts London

The University of Arts London carries a reputation of being a world-leading university in art, design and communication. Its wide range of courses is carried in its six art schools: Camberwell College of Arts, Central Saint Martins, Chelsea College of Arts, London of College Communication, London College of Fashion, Wimbledon College of Arts. The University’s reputation is not only limited to offering excellent and diverse courses but directly influencing the British culture. The research work conducted in its nine research centers is displayed in different workshops, conference, festivals, exhibits, etc. These undergraduate Fine Art programs are available at UAL

• BA (Hons) Drawing
• BA (Hons) Fine Art
• BA (Hons) Photography
• BA (Hons) Sculpture
• BA (Hons) Painting
• BA (Hons) Fashion Photography

Whereas at the postgraduate level, the preceding degree courses are on offer at UAL:

• MA Fine Art
• MA Painting
• MFA Fine Art
• MA Art and Science
• MA Visual Arts: Book Arts
• MA Drawing
• MA Fashion Photography

Goldsmiths, London

The Department of Art at the University of Goldsmiths in London is a gathering point for many skilled artists from all around the world. In addition to this diverse student community, the University offers a fantastic environment to fully enjoy your life as a student. Moreover, the work of its professors is regularly displayed in globally renowned exhibitions.  At the undergraduate level the department offers these courses:

• Fine Art (BA)
• Fine Art & History of Art (BA)

For overseas students planning to enter the university, an extensive course offered called “Year 0” course.

At the postgraduate level, the department offers you MFA Degrees in Fine Art, Curating and Art Writing.

The Glasgow School of Art

The Glasgow School of Art is valued as one of the best Art schools in the whole globe. Offering various courses in different art disciplines, and a quality of teaching and research that guarantees to succeed is what basically makes this school an outstanding institution. Its full set of these courses includes Sculptural and Environmental Art, Fashion Design, Fine Art Photography, Textile Design, Painting & Printmaking and so forth. The University highly values the role of research activities on your professional improvement and it has set a number of research degree and centers where you can turn your artistic visions into reality.

Loughborough University

If you’re planning to study in an Art subject in the UK then definitely Loughborough must be in your mind. Its School of Arts, English and Drama is one of the best in the whole country. Currently, it offers undergraduate and postgraduate (taught and research) courses. Aside from having enough options in terms of study programs, the university is committed to offering its student a modern study environment. For this purpose, the university has lately invested an amount of £3 million to its six creative hubs, available for every student.

University of Oxford

No matter what list of UK universities is, the University of Oxford has no chance of missing it. The second oldest university in the UK, the Oxford University is also proud of having one of the most prominent Art schools among all British universities. The Ruskin School of Art at the University of Oxford tends to be an uncommon faculty of the art regarding its unique curriculum and teaching style. At its BFA course, you’ll be working collaboratively with your peers in art studios. Your first academic year at this school is intended to surface your abilities and skills so the tutor will be able to direct your studies in the preceding years.

University of Brighton

Placed at the center of the city of Brighton, the School of Art at the University of Brighton is distinguished by its wide spectrum of art study programs at undergraduate and postgraduate level. Additionally, there are a number of research degree programs for those who want to take their knowledge of art in entirely new level.

Undergraduate courses:

• 3D Design and Craft BA(Hons)
• 3D Design and Craft MDes
• Fashion Communication with Business Studies BA(Hons)
• Fashion with Business Studies BA(Hons)
• Fine Art Painting BA(Hons)
• Fine Art Sculpture BA(Hons)
• Fine Art: Critical Practice BA(Hons)
• Fine Art: Printmaking BA(Hons)
• Graphic Design BA(Hons)
• Illustration BA(Hons)
• Textiles with Business Studies BA(Hons)
• Textiles with Business Studies MDes

Postgraduate courses

• Arts and Design by Independent Project MA
• Craft MA (PGDip)
• Fine Art MA
• Inclusive Arts Practice MA (PGCert PGDip)
• Sequential Design/Illustration MA
• Textiles MA

Edinburgh College of Arts (ECA)

Edinburgh University, as one of the highest ranked universities in the UK and beyond, has a number of faculties under its umbrella. In particular, some of its faculties are some of the most desired ones from students around the world. Surely, the Edinburgh College of Arts  (ECA) is one of them. At this school, you’ll engage with a community of active artists. The art courses are a combination of art studio works, personal tutoring, lectures, seminars and discussions. There will be external courses and events where many famous artists from all around the globe will take part and will teach and inspire you. Currently, the art study programs offered here are the followings:

• Fine Art – MA (Hons)
• Intermedia – BA (Hons)
• Painting – BA (Hons)
• Photography – BA (Hons)
• Sculpture – BA (Hons)

Lancaster University

The Lancaster Institute for the Contemporary Arts at the University of Lancaster offers courses limited at these study fields: Art, Theater, Design, Film. An art study program at this school covers all art disciplines of painting, drawing, digital art and sculpture which can be studied separately or in an interdisciplinary program. The module of studying is a mixture of studio & professional practice and theory. Its professors and academics are active artists whose work is nationally and internationally recognized so you’ll definitely learn from the best.