UK creative arts and design courses

As an international student in the UK, you’ll be welcomed for your individual outlook in the arts and creative fields. With thousands of museums and galleries to visit - and potentially exhibit in - your career could really benefit from studying in the UK.

UK artists, designers and performers are renowned for their originality and innovation. Study creative arts in the UK and you'll be following in the footsteps of world-renowned fashion designers, artists and actors. The likes of Stella McCartney, Damien Hirst and Dame Helen Mirren all trained in the UK.

The UK draws its creative strength from the diverse ideas and cultures of its communities, but also from history and tradition. Some of Vivienne Westwood’s contemporary fashion draws from her research into the styles of the 17 and 18th centuries, for example.

You can find information about creative arts career opportunities on the Prospects website. 

Why study UK creative arts and design? 

• In the UK, you can study the whole spectrum of visual and creative arts: This includes painting, writing, music, fashion, dance, drama, design and film production.
• You'll be joining students from all over the world who come to the UK to study at institutions with global reputations and famous alumni.
•  The creative industries of advertising, publishing, film, television and software are a growth area of the UK national economy.
•  You’ll have access to the experience and knowledge of professional practitioners working in the creative industries.
• Communal and sustainable projects are at the forefront of UK art. Antony Gormley’s One and Another installation at Trafalgar Square put people at the centre of London’s most public art space.
• UK education in the creative economies is exciting because it draws ideas and influences from other disciplines such as science, technology and communications.

UK art and design courses to study

You can begin your UK study with a BTEC First Diploma (England, Wales & Northern Ireland only) in design. You can also study SVQ/NVQs alongside English language or English Plus courses.

For most UK degree courses in art and design, you will need to do a one-year foundation course. HNDs and foundation degrees in the UK are available in many specialisations, such as ceramics and sculpture.

Study in Scotland, and your art and design degree course will last for four years and lead to the award of a BA (rather than the usual MA). The first year acts as the equivalent of a foundation diploma.

UK music, dance and performance courses

If you’re interested in music or dance you can take a BTEC First Diploma (England, Wales & Northern Ireland only) in performing arts. You can then choose from a range of national UK diplomas, including performing or composing.

You can study for HNDs in subjects like Dance and Music Performance, with extensive options at foundation degree level. UK music degrees are offered in everything from Music Technology to History of Music. There are seven UK specialist music schools, known collectively as Conservatoires UK.

BTEC (England, Wales & Northern Ireland only) offers First Diplomas and National Diplomas in the UK in a range of subjects. These include Performing Arts (dance and acting) and Moving Image Production. HNDs and foundation degrees are available in Theatre and Design Practice, and Creative Digital Broadcast Technology.

Postgraduate creative arts courses in the UK

UK postgraduate study into subjects like design, curation, fine art, dance, drama and music is by taught master's or research degrees (PhD/MPhil). Search for your ideal creative arts and design course in the course finder. (internal link)

Useful Links:

Prospects - www.prospects.ac.uk
Conservatoires UK - www.cukas.ac.uk