Study Creative Arts in the UK
The UK has a rich history as a cultural and artistic hub and is one of the best places in the world to study creative arts. From literature, fashion and music to art, film and television, the UK has made notable contributions in all of these industries for many years.
Read on to find out more about where you can study creative arts in the UK and the benefits of studying art in this region.
Creative arts courses in the UK
Art and design
A degree in art and design can lead to work in art, animation, fashion design, photography and more. When you study art and design in the UK, you will be able to express your creativity in your chosen field and learn new skills and techniques to improve your work.
Creative writing
Creative writers can work as screenwriters, editors or published authors. When you study creative writing in the UK, you will learn how to structure your writing and write for different audiences. You will also learn skills in critical thinking, reading and writing across a variety of styles and genres.
Film
By pursuing a film degree, you’ll explore all things cinema, including its artistic, cultural and economic effects on the world around us. You’ll consume all types of film, discuss meaning, and learn about the various roles within the industry. With a degree in film, you could become a director, producer, screenwriter or actor.
Graphic design
Graphic designers create visual concepts for marketing, advertising and branding and are a core part of many businesses and advertising agencies. Studying graphic design in the UK will allow you to develop your creative skills and technical skills in this area.
Music
A music career can take you anywhere! You could be a singer, musician, composer, producer or sound engineer. Music degrees in the UK focus on theory and practice and allow you to focus on the aspects of music you love. This could be a specific musical instrument, music history, composition, recording or performance.
Performing arts
A performing arts degree can lead to a career as an actor, choreographer, theatre director, stage designer and more. One of the benefits of studying performing arts in the UK is the opportunity to see professional, world-class performances while you are there.
Top universities to study creative arts in the UK
Edinburgh College of Art (Scotland)
The Edinburgh College of Art is a leading international art college within The University of Edinburgh. The College has almost 3,000 students studying across five schools.
The Glasgow School of Art (Scotland)
The Glasgow School of Art is one of the leading arts schools in the UK. Located in Scotland, the School ranked 12th in QS WUR Ranking by Subject 2023 and is home to students from almost 80 countries.
Royal College of Art (England)
The Royal College of Art is ranked the #1 university in the world for Art & Design, according to the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023. Located in the bustling city of London, this institution specialises exclusively in post-graduate education.
University of the Arts London (England)
The University of the Arts London welcomes students from more than 130 countries and has six colleges specialising in different areas of the arts.
Of course, these are just a few of the outstanding institutions at which you can study art in the UK. Other popular providers among international students include the Belfast School of Art (Ulster University), Cardiff School of Art & Design (Cardiff Metropolitan University), Royal Academy of Music and the Royal College of Music.
Benefits of studying creative arts in the UK
One of the benefits of studying art in the UK is that there are lots of opportunities for students and graduates.
The UK’s creative industry is worth over $100 billion and is home to many creative arts festivals, galleries, performances and institutions, including The West End, Edinburgh Festival Fringe, The National Gallery and Royal Albert Hall.
Another benefit of studying art in this region is that creative arts degrees from the UK are recognised and respected worldwide. In total, there are more than 1,500 art and design degrees in the UK from 178 universities, which means that there are so many study choices and options for students.
While studying arts in the UK, you can also gain experience in your field through internships or casual work. On a student visa, you can work up to 20 hours per week if you’re studying full-time. There are also many pathways to continue living and working in the UK after you graduate, including graduate schemes.
Take the first step with PTE Academic
To kick-start your arts career with an arts degree from the UK, you’ll need to prove your English language skills - and PTE Academic can help you do exactly that.
Learn more about who accepts PTE, which scores are required for UK visas and the top reasons to study in the UK as an international student.
Author: Aaron Bell
