If you’re looking to get your creative education off to the right start, getting into one of the top art universities in London can make all the difference. Luckily, with the right information at your fingertips, you can get started on your search with confidence and ease. This guide will give you all the info you need about these universities and their London art courses, including details about what makes them so great and why they’re some of the best art schools in the capital.
1. University of the Arts London (UAL)
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Established as a single institution to enable students from across seven institutions to study a wide range of arts subjects, the University of the Arts London is now one of Europe’s leading institutions for higher arts education. In fact, UAL was ranked as one of Europe’s top art universities by QS World University Rankings 2018. Their excellent department for architecture and design has been ranked as being among those institutions with world-class status. With cutting-edge facilities and state-of-the-art equipment, UAL is perfect for students who want to study at an institution that truly invests in its students. If you would like to pursue your studies at UAL. Check out The Stay Club’s premium student accommodation in London locations – perfect for UAL students.
2. University College London (UCL)
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University College London has a long and rich history of producing world-class talent, including many well-known artists. You can find two art courses at UCL; The BA (Hons) Art History degree is great for students who are interested in studying contemporary art history. Alternatively, you can try your hand at painting or drawing with their BA (Hons) Art Practice course. Whether you’re looking to expand your knowledge of Modernism or pick up a few tips on how to create your own artwork, UCL is home to some of the best London arts courses. Looking to improve your art skills at UCL? Consider The Stay Club’s UCL accommodation.
3. Goldsmiths, University of London
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Founded as a college in 1891, Goldsmiths has gained an international reputation for excellence and innovation. Goldsmiths is arguably most known for creating the Young British Artists (YBAs). Its state-of-the-art studios and digital labs allow you to create and experiment across a range of art forms and disciplines. Whether you want to study sculpture or animation, graphic design or fine art – you can focus on your passion at Goldsmiths. This art university’s notable alumni include Damien Hirst, Sarah Lucas and Sam Taylor-Johnson. Are you aiming to become Goldsmith’s next big talent, but have not sorted out any accommodation? The Stay Club’s got you covered with a selection of London sites to choose from.
4. The Royal College of Art
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The Royal College of Art’s historic campus is located at Kensington Gore, a stone’s throw away from Hyde Park. However, it also has large sites in trendy Battersea and White City (neighbouring the famous textile Shepherd’s Bush Market). If you’re looking for an art university with all of the advantages of living in one of Europe’s most cosmopolitan cities, then look no further than RCA. This prestigious postgraduate university offers courses in 18 primary subject areas across four different schools. Students will be inspired by their surroundings and by some of history’s most revered artists, who included students like David Hockney and Tracey Emin. If you’re interested in getting an education at the RCA but do not know where to live, look no further. Check out The Stay Club’s West London accommodation.
Sotheby’s Institute of Art
Sotheby’s Institute of Art has been active in educating students in the business of art for over 50 years. The institute offers a range of programmes, including Postgraduate certificates and Master’s degrees, as well as summer courses, online courses and executive education.
Why Study Art in London?
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You will have the opportunity to study art in London, which is often regarded as the world’s cultural centre. London has a lot to offer anybody studying in the city, especially those specialising in the arts, from art and museums to cinema.
Make your stay as a student here unique by immersing yourself in the bright energy and variety of this amazing city. There is no place quite like London. The capital is home to around 170 museums – something for everyone’s tastes. The city’s museums, such as The Victoria and Albert Museum and The Tate Modern, house thousands of years of culture and history, and many of them are free to visit.
How to Find the Right Art University for You
There are a number of factors that determine which art university is right for you. Does it have a highly regarded program? What’s its location like? And, most importantly, does it fit your budget? Let’s go over each consideration to help you narrow down your list.
Syllabus and Lectures
When it comes to arts courses, it is important to figure out how practical a degree is before embarking on it. Are you looking to study the history of art? Or are you aiming to be the next Grayson Perry? Once you have established what type of course you want, then you can consider different programme structures between institutions. Do you want to be sitting through a 3-hour lecture on expressionism at 6 pm on a Friday?
Check the Facilities
Does your chosen university provide all the goods? As a history of an art student in London, you will probably want an extensive art library. However, if you are focusing on brushing up on your painting technique, you may be more concerned with the amount of on-campus studio space. But do not solely focus on academics. Consider what other facilities are on offer. You may also want to consider joining a sports team while pursuing your studies. Make the most of your university experience as possible.
Where is the Campus Located?
Not all art schools are located on the main campus. So bear that in mind when choosing an art school based on location. In addition, consider where you would like to be based within London. The capital is a wonderfully diverse city with a variety of neighbourhoods.
Closing Thoughts
London is the perfect place for budding artists. There is a range of amazing universities to choose from all over the capital. Although choosing a degree programme can often feel rather overwhelming we hope our tips will help you make an informed decision. When you are decided, there is no need to stress about accommodation. The Stay Club has a wide range of student accommodation options perfect for art students in London. If you have any concerns or need any assistance, contact us. Our team will be more than happy to help.
