The UK is one of the most popular destinations in the world to study art and design, leading the way in creativity, innovation and research. That is why thousands of international students choose some of the best art schools in England every year.
UK universities offer various art-related degrees, including fine arts, graphic design, fashion design, illustration, animation, interior design and photography. If you’re researching the best art courses in the UK, it helps to know that they typically focus on fostering creativity, critical thinking, and self-expression. You’ll have the chance to explore various media, techniques, and styles to develop your artistic skills and vision.
Art courses typically balance practical studio work with academic studies, and by studying in the UK, you’ll have easy access to world-renowned museums and galleries, such as the Tate Modern, the British Museum, and the National Gallery. These institutions can provide valuable inspiration and resources for your studies.
Top 10 Universities for Art Courses in the UK
Below are the top art universities in England and Scotland for art and design, according to the Complete University Guide’s Art and Design league table.
The University of Oxford is well known for its award-winning student experience and high student satisfaction, providing opportunities for personal development and having the time of your life. Every single one of Oxford’s programmes offers the opportunity for a work placement year, and careers and employability are embedded into teaching.
- Suggested Course: Master of Fine Art (MFA)
- Entry Requirements: A first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours in fine art or a related subject.
Loughborough University Arts School provides a vibrant student experience encompassing various art forms such as pottery, painting, music, and drama. Their calendar features live performances, workshops, artist talks, and exhibitions. Whether as enthusiasts or creators, students are encouraged to explore their artistic interests.
The school supports innovative ideas through student arts grants. Additionally, they oversee Radar, a distinctive contemporary art programme fostering collaborations between artists and university research.
- Suggested Course: Fine Art BA (Hons)
- Entry Requirements: A typical offer for applicants without a Foundation course is ABB from 3 A-Levels. IB offer 34 (6,5,5 HL).
Fine Art at the University of Glasgow is delivered by the Glasgow School of Art (GSA), an autonomous institution whose degrees are awarded by the University of Glasgow. GSA has a long history of producing influential artists and designers, with a studio-based, practice-led education that draws talented students from around the world to its Garnethill campus in the heart of Glasgow’s vibrant creative community.
- Suggested Course: BA (Hons) Fine Art
- Entry Requirements: A-levels ABB including GCSE English at grade A/7 or above (minimum BBC with GCSE English at A/7). Scottish Highers ABBB standard (minimum BBCC). International Baccalaureate: minimum 30 points overall.
The Slade School of Fine Art at UCL is known as one of the world’s best art departments. Founded in 1871, it draws students to painting, sculpture, and a range of fine art media within one of London’s most prestigious research universities, with access to major galleries, museums, and cultural institutions nearby.
- Suggested Course: Fine Art BFA
- Entry Requirements: A-level grades ABB, plus GCSE English Language and Mathematics at grade C or 4. A portfolio of work is required, and at least two A-level subjects should be taken from UCL’s list of preferred subjects.
Newcastle University offers a distinctive four-year Fine Art programme emphasising developing professional, practical, and theoretical skills in tandem with creating a personal body of work. Graduates are well-prepared for careers in the field or further postgraduate study. The course provides studio space for experimentation and fosters a deep understanding of art history and contemporary art through coursework.
Students can choose from over 20 specialised workshops, such as ceramics and photography, to refine their skills. The curriculum also includes live projects, placements, exhibitions, and a final-year degree show, allowing students to showcase their work to a wide audience.
- Suggested Course: Fine Art BA Honours
- Entry Requirements: A-level AAB-BBB grades with portfolio assessment. IB: 30-34 points, including three Higher Level grade 5 subjects.
Studying BA Fine Art at Leeds, you’ll explore and challenge your idea of art by engaging with a broad array of artistic practices and theoretical ideas, approaching fine art as a collection of forms, concepts, and creative methods for addressing some of the most pressing questions society faces today.
- Suggested Course: BA Fine Art
- Entry Requirements: Art Foundation Diploma at Merit or higher with A-level Grade A (any subject other than Critical Thinking or General Studies), or UAL Extended Diploma at Distinction. IELTS 6.0 overall, with no less than 5.5 in any component.
BA Fine Art at Southampton helps you develop an outstanding individual fine art practice in a contemporary, cutting-edge discipline built on centuries of tradition. You’ll experiment across all media and choose the areas you’d like to specialise in, such as painting, printmaking, sculpture, performance, or digital and lens-based work.
- Suggested Course: BA (Hons) Fine Art
- Entry Requirements: A-levels BBB (or BB from two A-levels plus B from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate), excluding General Studies and Critical Thinking. International Baccalaureate: 30 points overall, with 16 points at Higher Level. GCSE English Language and Mathematics at minimum grade 4/C.
Fine Art at the University of Edinburgh is taught through Edinburgh College of Art (ECA). Beyond your compulsory courses, you can take further credits from across ECA or the wider University, and there’s the option to spend a semester abroad through Edinburgh’s student exchange programme, building your understanding of the practical, technical, contextual, and real-world applications of your work.
- Suggested Course: BA (Hons) Fine Art
- Entry Requirements: A-levels ABB (no specific subjects required), with GCSE English at grade C or 4. Scottish Highers: ABBB by the end of S5, or AABB/ABBBB by the end of S6. International Baccalaureate: 34 points, with 655 at Higher Level.
Lancaster University offers a BA (Hons) Fine Art with structured and flexible study options. The curriculum includes various modules, subject to occasional changes due to factors like student feedback, timetabling, and professional requirements. This degree not only enhances practical studio skills but also fosters critical thinking, encouraging students to explore the ever-evolving world of contemporary art and its innovative perspectives on the world.
- Suggested Course: BA (Hons) Fine Art
- Entry Requirements: A-level grades of ABB, with A-level Art and Design or another humanities subject. IB: 32 overall points, including 16 points from the top 3 Higher Level subjects.
Kingston School of Art is a top global art school known for its excellence and research in various fields. It’s close to central London, with a campus featuring the Stanley Picker Gallery, and collaborates with London’s ICA, BFI, LUX, and Chisenhale Gallery.
The MFA in Fine Art blends studio and theory, helping students develop their artistic skills and relate their work to the changing social and cultural world, with personal guidance through tutorials, seminars, and practical workshops.
- Suggested Course: Fine Art MFA
- Entry Requirements: A 2:2 or above honours degree in fine art or an equivalent British or overseas qualification.
Cost of Studying Art in the UK
International tuition fees for art and design degrees in the UK vary significantly by institution, course level, and specialisation.
As a general guide, undergraduate Fine Art and Art & Design degrees typically range from around £15,000 to £30,000 per year, while postgraduate programmes, particularly at specialist or globally renowned institutions, can range from £16,000 up to £35,000 or more per year. Beyond tuition, students should also budget for art materials, studio fees, and portfolio-related costs, which can add a meaningful amount to your overall budget depending on your discipline.
Study Art in the UK
Are you interested in studying art in the UK? If so, arrange a free consultation with StudyIn today to get started. Don’t forget the Art and Design Service also offers portfolio preparation advice from a practising art academic.
FAQs
What are the best art courses in the UK?
Some of the best art courses in the UK are offered at institutions such as the University of Oxford, Loughborough University, the Glasgow School of Art (University of Glasgow), and UCL’s Slade School of Fine Art, covering disciplines from fine art to design and creative practice.
What are the top art universities in England?
Leading art universities in England include the University of Oxford, Loughborough University, UCL, Newcastle University, Leeds, and Southampton, each offering distinct strengths across fine art and design.
Is it good to have an art career?
Having an art career can be fulfilling if you’re passionate about it. It allows you to express yourself creatively. However, it can also be challenging as it may not always be financially stable. It’s important to follow your passion and consider how to make a living from your art.
What are the admission requirements for art?
Admission requirements for art programmes vary by school, but they usually involve submitting a portfolio of your artwork and meeting academic prerequisites like high school grades. Some schools may also require an interview or an essay explaining your interest in art. It’s best to check the specific requirements of the school you’re interested in.
How many years does an art degree last?
An arts degree typically takes 3 to 4 years, depending on the country and the specific programme. For example, a bachelor’s degree in arts often takes four years in the United Kingdom, while in some other countries, it might be three years.
What level is a bachelor of arts degree?
A bachelor of arts (BA) degree is an undergraduate degree. It’s one of the common bachelor’s degrees and is usually focused on subjects in the humanities, social sciences, or the arts.
How do you get an art scholarship?
Begin by researching scholarships offered by schools, universities, and art organisations to get an art scholarship. Then, prepare a strong portfolio showcasing your best artwork. You’ll also need to meet the scholarship requirements, including maintaining good grades and demonstrating your dedication to art.
