History
- Founded in 1986
Education
University of the Arts London offers an extensive range of courses in art, design, fashion, communication, screen and performing arts. Graduates go on to work in and shape the creative industries worldwide.
Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including workshops with letterpress machinery, studio theatres and gallery space. Students can also make use of the University’s libraries and archives for research into hundreds of years of the greatest artists and designers.Research
The University’s research environment supports the research capacity and capability of staff at all stages of their career, with a structure that aims to develop the world-leading researchers of the future. UAL's research culture reflects our leadership in the arts, design and communication sector, particularly in practice-based research. The University ensures the highest standard of research by supporting staff with clear research policies, data management and expert advice. Research mentoring, training and access to sabbatical leave ensure that UAL research staff are able to develop their careers and deliver high quality research.
Career
Careers and Employability at UAL is committed to teaching, learning and assessment that enhances, nurtures and recognises our students’ employability, individuality and entrepreneurship.
Enterprise and employability is about more than getting a job, it is about enabling our students and graduates to find, make and take opportunities and to meet their aspirations in a changing world, whether as a successful creative professional, innovator, practitioner, employee and/or entrepreneur in the UK and globally.Short Courses
- Short Course 100 Drawing Projects
- Short Course 3D Draping on The Stand Summer School
- Short Course Abstraction
- Short Course Acting for Absolute Beginners
- Short Course Adobe Illustrator Beginners
- Short Course Adobe Photoshop Workshop
- Short Course Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign
- Short Course Adobe Premiere Pro Video Editing for Beginners
- Short Course Alternative Photographic Processes
- Short Course Anatomical Drawing for Beginners
- Short Course Anatomical Drawing for Intermediate
- Short Course Animation and Visual Effects Using Maya
- Short Course Architectural Drawing Level 1
- Short Course Architectural Visualisation with SketchUp and V-Ray
- Short Course Art Criticism
- Short Course Art Direction
- Short Course Art Direction for Fashion
- Short Course Art Direction for Film
- Short Course Art Theory - Introduction to Aesthetics
- Short Course Art Theory for Traditional Painting
- Short Course Art, Ethics and Social Change
- Short Course Audition Technique for Drama School
- Short Course AutoCAD for Interior Designers
- Short Course Autodesk 3ds Max Lighting and Rendering
- Short Course Bag Design
- Short Course Bag Design - Online
- Short Course Bag Design and Production
- Short Course Bag Making - Purses
- Short Course Beginners Drawing
- Short Course Beginners Photography - Film and Darkroom
- Short Course Black and White Photography - Darkroom
- Short Course Blockchain Art and NFTs
- Short Course Bodywear and Activewear Design
- Short Course Bra Pattern Cutting
- Short Course Branding and Identity Design
- Short Course Bridalwear
- Short Course Cameraless Photography
- Short Course Cartooning Fundamentals
- Short Course Ceramics for Beginners
- Short Course Chelsea Drawing and Painting Short Course
- Short Course Chelsea Open Studio
- Short Course Children's Book Illustration
- Short Course Collecting Contemporary Art
- Short Course Conceptual Fashion Styling
- Short Course Concrete Casting
- Short Course Contemporary Art Exhibition and Event Management
- Short Course Contemporary Art History
- Short Course Contemporary Collage
- Short Course Contemporary Drawing and Painting
- Short Course Contemporary Dress Design and Making
- Short Course Cool Hunting Fashion
- Short Course Costume Design for Performance
- Short Course Costume Making
- Short Course Couture Tailoring
- Short Course Creating New Concepts in Fashion
- Short Course Creating Textile Design Collections
- Short Course Creative Coding
- Short Course Creative Direction for Digital Media
- Short Course Creative Drawing
- Short Course Creative Life Drawing
- Short Course Critical Theory in Contemporary Art Practice
- Short Course Curating Contemporary Art
- Short Course Curating from Art to Design and Beyond
- Short Course Design Management
- Short Course Design Thinking
- Short Course Design for Art Direction
- Short Course Design for Sustainability
- Short Course Designing for Surface Decoration
- Short Course Developing Your Creativity
- Short Course Digital Design
- Short Course Digital Graphic Design
- Short Course Digital Illustration
- Short Course Digital Image and Adobe Creative Cloud
- Short Course Digital Marketing Strategy - Intensive
- Short Course Digital Photography
- Short Course Digital Photography Camera Skills
- Short Course Digital Print and Embroidery Design
- Short Course Digital Textile Design
- Short Course Documentary Photography
- Short Course Draping Womenswear Design
- Short Course Drawing and Painting for Textile Design
- Short Course Drawn Animation for Beginners
- Short Course Editorial Styling and Creative Direction
- Short Course Embroidery Level 1
- Short Course Entrepreneurship for Creatives
- Short Course Evening Painting Short Course
- Short Course Experience Design
- Short Course Experimental Fashion Design
- Short Course Experimental Fashion Drawing
- Short Course Experimental Film
- Short Course Experimental Glazing
- Short Course Experimental Printmaking
- Short Course Exploring Illustration
- Short Course Expressive Painting
- Short Course Fashion Accessories Design
- Short Course Fashion Buying and Merchandising - Buying Techniques
- Short Course Fashion Design - Intensive
- Short Course Fashion Design - Online
- Short Course Fashion Design LCF Summer School
- Short Course Fashion Design LCF for 16 to 18 Year Olds
- Short Course Fashion Drawing and Illustration
- Short Course Fashion Figure Drawing
- Short Course Fashion Film
- Short Course Fashion Folio
- Short Course Fashion History - The Evolution of Style
- Short Course Fashion Illustration
- Short Course Fashion London
- Short Course Fashion Media Styling - Commercial
- Short Course Fashion Photography
- Short Course Fashion Sketchbook
- Short Course Fashion Styling - Intensive
- Short Course Fashion and Metaverse
- Short Course Fashion and Textile Forecasting
- Short Course Figure Oil Painting
- Short Course Floral Painting for Design
- Short Course Footwear - Fashion Drawing and Illustration
- Short Course Footwear Design
- Short Course Footwear Design - Intensive
- Short Course Footwear Pattern Cutting
- Short Course Furniture Design for Beginners
- Short Course Graphic Design
- Certificate Graphic Design - Beginners
- Short Course Graphic Design - Experience Industry
- Short Course Graphic Design Essential Building Blocks
- Short Course Graphic Design and Computers Summer School
- Short Course Graphic Novels and Comic Book Art
- Short Course Graphics Summer School
- Short Course Hand Knitting for Beginners
- Short Course Hand-Sewing for Couture and Bespoke Fashion
- Short Course Home Sewing and Garment Making
- Short Course Home Sewing and Simple Garment Making
- Short Course How to Become an Independent Curator
- Short Course How to Become an Independent Curator
- Short Course How to Promote and Fund Your Work as an Artist
- Short Course Idea Generation Processes
- Short Course Ideas for Successful Photography
- Short Course Illustrating for Books
- Short Course Illustration - From Brief to Concept
- Short Course Improve Your Photography
- Short Course Infographics Design
- Short Course Information Design and Data Visualisation
- Short Course Innovative Fashion Design with Pattern Cutting
- Short Course Interior Styling
- Short Course Interpreting Art
- Short Course Introduction to Adobe InDesign
- Short Course Introduction to Approaches in History of Art
- Short Course Introduction to CSM Fashion Design
- Short Course Introduction to Clo3D and 3D Fashion Design
- Short Course Introduction to Colour, Material and Finish Design
- Short Course Introduction to Design with Systems
- Short Course Introduction to Inclusive Design
- Short Course Introduction to Independent Magazine Layout
- Short Course Introduction to Making Latex Clothes
- Short Course Introduction to Metalwork and Welding
- Short Course Introduction to Miniature Painting
- Short Course Introduction to Non-Western Art History
- Short Course Introduction to Packaging Design
- Short Course Introduction to Pattern Making
- Short Course Introduction to Product Design
- Short Course Introduction to Professional Makeup
- Short Course Introduction to Professional Sewing Skills
- Short Course Introduction to Rhino
- Short Course Introduction to Silversmithing
- Short Course Introduction to Social Design
- Short Course Introduction to Tailoring
- Short Course Introduction to Textiles
- Short Course Introduction to Visual Communication
- Short Course Introduction to Womenswear Pattern Cutting
- Short Course Jewellery Making with Plastic and Metal
- Short Course Jewellery and Wax Carving
- Short Course Jewellery with Wood
- Short Course Knitwear for Fashion - Intermediate
- Short Course Landscape Architecture - An Introduction
- Short Course Landscape Oil Painting
- Short Course Leather Sewing Skills
- Short Course Letterpress
- Short Course Life Drawing Masterclass - Head, Hands and Feet
- Short Course Life Drawing for Fashion Designers
- Short Course Lingerie and Swimwear Design
- Short Course Lingerie and Swimwear Design - Online
- Short Course London Street Style Fashion Subcultural Icons
- Short Course Made to Measure Womenswear
- Short Course Makeup Workshop
- Short Course Men's Personal Styling
- Short Course Menswear Design
- Short Course Menswear Pattern Cutting - Intensive
- Short Course Mixed Media Photography
- Short Course Mixed Media Printmaking
- Short Course Model Making for Furniture Design Workshop
- Short Course Modern Art History
- Short Course Modern Art Theory through Practice
- Short Course Multimedia Storytelling
- Short Course Painting the Next Step
- Short Course Painting with Acrylics
- Short Course Pattern Cutting for Made to Measure
- Short Course Pattern Cutting for Skirts
- Short Course Patternmaking Level 1
- Short Course Personal Fashion Styling
- Short Course Personal Styling
- Short Course Photographers' London
- Short Course Photography Portfolio Preparation
- Short Course Photography as Performance
- Short Course Photography with Art and Architecture
- Short Course Portfolio Preparation
- Short Course Portrait Drawing and Painting
- Short Course Portrait Painting
- Short Course Portrait Photography
- Short Course Practical Metalwork
- Short Course Print Communication Design
- Short Course Professional Sewing Techniques
- Short Course Reduction Printmaking Workshop
- Short Course Renovate and Decorate
- Short Course Running Your Own Fashion Label
- Short Course Screenwriting - Beginners
- Short Course Screenwriting - Intermediate
- Short Course Service Design
- Short Course Service Prototyping
- Short Course Set Design for Film and Television
- Short Course Set Design for Performance
- Short Course Shoe Making - Pumps or Heels
- Short Course Shoe Making - Sneakers
- Short Course Shoe Making - The Boot
- Short Course Shoe Making - The Sandal
- Short Course Silkscreen Printing
- Short Course Silkscreen and Hand Painting for Textiles
- Short Course Sketching London Markets
- Short Course Special Effects Makeup for Film and TV
- Short Course Starting Your Own Fashion Label
- Short Course Starting Your Own Footwear or Accessories Label
- Short Course Starting your own Fashion Label - Online
- Short Course Stone Setting in Silver Jewellery
- Short Course Storyboarding for Film, Video and Animation
- Short Course Streetwear and Sportswear Design
- Short Course Structured Bra Making
- Short Course Sustainable Fashion Design
- Short Course Sustainable Product Design
- Short Course Swimwear and Lingerie Workshop
- Short Course Technical Drawing for Fashion with Adobe Illustrator
- Short Course Technical Drawing for Product Design
- Short Course Textiles for Buyers and Designers
- Short Course The Complete Footwear Short Course
- Short Course The Complete Makeup Artist
- Short Course The Complete Sewing and Garment Making Short Course
- Short Course The Complete Stylist Short Course
- Short Course The Photography Short Course
- Short Course Thrown Ceramics
- Short Course Total Drawing Short Course
- Short Course Typography
- Short Course Understanding Contemporary Art
- Short Course Understanding Fabrics - Fibres and Fabrics
- Short Course Understanding Knitwear
- Short Course Understanding Leather
- Short Course Understanding Undertones and Complexion for Makeup
- Short Course User Experience (UX) Design
- Short Course Vintage Millinery Workshop
- Short Course Visual Identity
- Short Course Visual Merchandising - Interiors
- Short Course Visual Merchandising Pop Up Shop Design
- Short Course Visual Merchandising and Display
- Short Course Wayfinding and Signage Design
- Short Course Womenswear Design
- Short Course Womenswear Pattern Cutting - Intensive
- Short Course Zbrush for Designers
- Short Course 3D Draping on The Stand Summer School
- Short Course Art Direction for Fashion
- Short Course Bag Design
- Short Course Bag Design - Online
- Short Course Bag Design and Production
- Short Course Bag Making - Purses
- Short Course Bodywear and Activewear Design
- Short Course Bra Pattern Cutting
- Short Course Bridalwear
- Short Course Building a Fashion Collection
- Short Course Business of Styling
- Short Course Buying and Merchandising for Beauty Retail
- Short Course Buying and Merchandising for Online Retail
- Short Course Communicating Sustainability in Fashion
- Short Course Conceptual Fashion Styling
- Short Course Consumer Psychology for Fashion
- Short Course Contemporary Dress Design and Making
- Short Course Cool Hunting Fashion
- Short Course Costume Design for Performance
- Short Course Costume Making
- Short Course Couture Tailoring
- Short Course Creating New Concepts in Fashion
- Short Course Creating Textile Design Collections
- Short Course Digital Textile Design
- Short Course Draping Womenswear Design
- Short Course Embroidery Level 1
- Short Course Ethical and Sustainable Practice in Fashion
- Short Course Experimental Fashion Design
- Short Course Fashion Accessories Design
- Short Course Fashion Buying and Merchandising
- Short Course Fashion Buying and Merchandising - Buying Techniques
- Short Course Fashion Buying and Merchandising - Luxury Brands
- Short Course Fashion Design - Intensive
- Short Course Fashion Design - Online
- Short Course Fashion Design LCF Summer School
- Short Course Fashion Design LCF for 16 to 18 Year Olds
- Short Course Fashion Film
- Short Course Fashion Folio
- Short Course Fashion History - The Evolution of Style
- Short Course Fashion Journalism
- Short Course Fashion London
- Short Course Fashion Media Styling - Commercial
- Short Course Fashion Photography
- Short Course Fashion Sketchbook
- Short Course Fashion Styling - Intensive
- Short Course Fashion and Metaverse
- Short Course Fashion and Textile Forecasting
- Short Course Footwear Design
- Short Course Footwear Design - Intensive
- Short Course Footwear Pattern Cutting
- Short Course Getting Your Fashion Collection to Market
- Short Course Hand Knitting for Beginners
- Short Course Hand-Sewing for Couture and Bespoke Fashion
- Short Course Home Sewing and Garment Making
- Short Course Home Sewing and Simple Garment Making
- Short Course Innovative Fashion Design with Pattern Cutting
- Short Course Introduction to CSM Fashion Design
- Short Course Introduction to Fashion Journalism
- Short Course Introduction to Making Latex Clothes
- Short Course Introduction to Pattern Making
- Short Course Introduction to Professional Makeup
- Short Course Introduction to Professional Sewing Skills
- Short Course Introduction to Tailoring
- Short Course Introduction to Textiles
- Short Course Introduction to Womenswear Pattern Cutting
- Short Course Knitwear for Fashion - Intermediate
- Short Course Leather Sewing Skills
- Short Course Lingerie and Swimwear Design
- Short Course Lingerie and Swimwear Design - Online
- Short Course London Street Style Fashion Subcultural Icons
- Short Course Luxury Brand Management
- Short Course Made to Measure Womenswear
- Short Course Makeup Workshop
- Short Course Master Fashion Social Media
- Short Course Men's Personal Styling
- Short Course Menswear Design
- Short Course Menswear Pattern Cutting - Intensive
- Short Course Pattern Cutting for Made to Measure
- Short Course Pattern Cutting for Skirts
- Short Course Patternmaking Level 1
- Short Course Personal Fashion Styling
- Short Course Personal Styling
- Short Course Professional Sewing Techniques
- Short Course Running Your Own Fashion Label
- Short Course Shoe Making - Pumps or Heels
- Short Course Shoe Making - Sneakers
- Short Course Shoe Making - The Boot
- Short Course Shoe Making - The Sandal
- Short Course Social Media Strategy for Fashion
- Short Course Special Effects Makeup for Film and TV
- Short Course Starting Your Own Fashion Label
- Short Course Starting Your Own Footwear or Accessories Label
- Short Course Starting Your Own Lingerie or Swimwear Label
- Short Course Starting an Online Fashion Retail Business
- Short Course Starting your own Fashion Label - Online
- Short Course Store Layout and Visual Merchandising
- Short Course Structured Bra Making
- Short Course Sustainable Fashion Design
- Short Course Sustainable Fashion for Professionals and Brands
- Short Course Sustainable Pattern Cutting and Draping
- Short Course Sustainable Sourcing for Fashion
- Short Course Swimwear and Lingerie Workshop
- Short Course Textiles for Buyers and Designers
- Short Course The Complete Footwear Short Course
- Short Course The Complete Sewing and Garment Making Short Course
- Short Course The Complete Stylist Short Course
- Short Course Understanding Fabrics - Fibres and Fabrics
- Short Course Understanding Knitwear
- Short Course Understanding Leather
- Short Course Understanding Undertones and Complexion for Makeup
- Short Course Vintage Millinery Workshop
- Short Course Visual Merchandising
- Short Course Visual Merchandising - Interiors
- Short Course Visual Merchandising and Display
- Short Course Window Dressing and Styling
- Short Course Womenswear Design
- Short Course Womenswear Pattern Cutting - Intensive
- Short Course Arts Management
- Short Course Blockchain Art and NFTs
- Short Course Branding and Identity Design
- Short Course Business of Styling
- Short Course Buying and Merchandising for Beauty Retail
- Short Course Buying and Merchandising for Online Retail
- Short Course Confident Copywriting
- Short Course Creative Direction for Digital Media
- Short Course Creative Leadership
- Short Course Design Management
- Short Course Design Thinking
- Short Course Digital Marketing Strategy
- Short Course Digital Marketing Strategy - Intensive
- Short Course Digital Marketing Strategy - Intensive
- Short Course Entrepreneurship for Creatives
- Short Course Essential Guide to the Fashion Business
- Short Course Essential Guide to the Fashion Business - Online
- Short Course Fashion Business Practice
- Short Course Fashion Buying and Merchandising
- Short Course Fashion Buying and Merchandising - Buying Techniques
- Short Course Fashion Buying and Merchandising - Luxury Brands
- Short Course Fashion Communication Summer School
- Short Course Fashion Content Marketing
- Short Course Fashion Marketing - Intensive
- Short Course Fashion Marketing - Intensive (Online)
- Short Course Fashion Marketing - Online
- Short Course Fashion Marketing and PR
- Short Course Fashion PR and Marketing for 16 to 18 Year Olds
- Short Course Getting Your Fashion Collection to Market
- Short Course How to Promote and Fund Your Work as an Artist
- Short Course How to Start Your Own Fashion Business
- Short Course Innovation Management
- Short Course Instagram Marketing
- Short Course Introduction to Design with Systems
- Short Course Introduction to Packaging Design
- Short Course Luxury Fashion Marketing
- Short Course Master Fashion Social Media
- Short Course New Fashion Business Models
- Short Course Personal Branding
- Short Course Service Design
- Short Course Social Media Marketing
- Short Course Social Media Strategy for Fashion
- Short Course Starting Your Own Fashion Label
- Short Course Starting Your Own Lingerie or Swimwear Label
- Short Course Starting an Online Fashion Retail Business
- Short Course Store Layout and Visual Merchandising
- Short Course Strategic Branding Identity and Brand Experience
- Short Course The Art of Social Engagement
- Short Course Visual Identity
- Short Course Visual Merchandising
- Short Course Window Dressing and Styling
- Short Course Abstraction
- Short Course Acting for Absolute Beginners
- Short Course Art Theory - Introduction to Aesthetics
- Short Course Art, Ethics and Social Change
- Short Course Audition Technique for Drama School
- Short Course Confident Copywriting
- Short Course Creative Writing - Fact or Fiction - Beginners
- Short Course Creative Writing - Fact or Fiction - Intensive
- Short Course Creative Writing for Beginners
- Short Course Curating Contemporary Art
- Short Course Curating from Art to Design and Beyond
- Short Course Ethical and Sustainable Practice in Fashion
- Short Course Experimental Film
- Short Course Introduction to Nature and Environmental Writing
- Short Course Life Writing and Writing Life
- Short Course Screenwriting - Beginners
- Short Course Screenwriting - Intermediate
- Short Course Understanding Contemporary Art
- Short Course Animation and Illustration for 16 to 18 Year Olds
- Short Course Animation and Visual Effects Using Maya
- Short Course AutoCAD for Interior Designers
- Short Course Blockchain Art and NFTs
- Short Course Character Design for Animation
- Short Course Creative Coding
- Short Course Digital Design
- Short Course Drawn Animation for Beginners
- Short Course Experience Design
- Short Course Graphic Design and Computers Summer School
- Short Course Infographics Design
- Short Course Information Design and Data Visualisation
- Short Course Introduction to Inclusive Design
- Short Course Introduction to Product Design
- Short Course Storyboarding for Film, Video and Animation
- Short Course UX Design
- Short Course User Experience (UX) Design
- Short Course Web Design HTML and CSS
- Short Course Creative Direction for Digital Media
- Short Course Editorial Styling and Creative Direction
- Short Course Fashion Communication Summer School
- Short Course Fashion Journalism
- Short Course Fashion Marketing and PR
- Short Course Fashion Media Styling - Commercial
- Short Course Fashion PR and Marketing for 16 to 18 Year Olds
- Short Course Interpreting Art
- Short Course Introduction to Fashion Journalism
- Short Course Mixed Media Printmaking
- Short Course Press and PR for Artists
- Short Course Social Media Strategy for Fashion
- Short Course The Art of Social Engagement
- Short Course Communicating Sustainability in Fashion
- Short Course Design for Sustainability
- Short Course Ethical and Sustainable Practice in Fashion
- Short Course Introduction to Nature and Environmental Writing
- Short Course Sustainable Fashion Design
- Short Course Sustainable Fashion for Professionals and Brands
- Short Course Sustainable Pattern Cutting and Draping
- Short Course Sustainable Product Design
- Short Course Sustainable Sourcing for Fashion
- Short Course Art, Ethics and Social Change
- Short Course Consumer Psychology for Fashion
- Short Course Critical Theory in Contemporary Art Practice
- Short Course How to Promote and Fund Your Work as an Artist
- Short Course Introduction to Social Design
- Short Course Contemporary Art Exhibition and Event Management
- Short Course Streetwear and Sportswear Design
- Short Course Visual Merchandising Pop Up Shop Design
Student services
Student Services at University of the Arts London includes the Student Advice Service, the Counselling, Health Advice and Chaplaincy service and the Disability Service.
Student Services staff provide a professional, confidential, and free service to UAL students and also, where appropriate, to prospective students from the UK or abroad who are considering applying for courses at the University. Staff are based at each of the main College sites, and at the central office building in Holborn.
Housing services
Halls of residence are available to all students who have been offered a place on a course at UAL.
Students should pick their top five halls of residence when applying. We will try to place you in one of your top five halls, but we cannot guarantee this will be possible. Please make sure you send in your application early to avoid disappointment.
Library services
In our libraries you can access outstanding collections in art, design, fashion, communication and performing arts. You can also make full use of our study spaces, technology and academic support. There is a library in each of our Colleges with staff who are happy to help you make the most of our resources.
ICT services
The University IT Services provide IT systems and support to the UAL community, including help and support for:
- Computers and printing
- Discounts and software
- Email, calendar and personal storage
- ID cards
- MyUAL, the official app for students at University of the Arts London
- Password reset
- Terms of use
- Wifi and Eduroam
Medical services
The Health Advice Service provides advice and information to students at University of the Arts London on registering with a doctor (GP) in the UK and about any other aspect of health and well-being.
Advice is available for students who have questions or concerns about:
- lifestyle (including alcohol, drugs and smoking)
- healthy eating
- physical wellbeing
- infectious diseases
- sexual health
- mental health
Campus life
Life in halls of residence is a communal and enriching experience. Accommodation Services are always happy to help students find the most suitable and convenient place to live, in a fully student-focused environment, within easy reach of your College.
Student clubs
University of the Arts London Students’ Union (Arts SU) is an arts union for arts students. When you join UAL you automatically become part of the Students’ Union.
During your time at UAL, the Arts SU is the place to find other students, learn new skills, have fun and become who you plan to be.
The Union is there to help make your time at UAL better, whether you need advice about your course, you want to play sports or join societies, or you just want to meet other people at UAL.