University of the Creative Arts

University of the Creative Arts

The University for the Creative Arts (UCA) is a specialist art and design university in the south of England.

It was formed in 2005 as University College for the Creative Arts at Canterbury, Epsom, Farnham, Maidstone and Rochester when the Kent Institute of Art and Design was merged into the Surrey Institute of Art & Design, which already had degree-awarding status; both constituent schools had been formed by merging the local art schools, in Kent and Surrey respectively. It was granted university status in 2008, and the name changed to the present one. In 2016, it merged with the Open College of the Arts.

UCA is the third largest provider of design, and creative and performing arts higher education in the UK, with around 5,845 students. It offers courses in a very wide range of architecture, art, crafts, design, fashion, media and performing arts subjects.

UCA's campuses are located in Canterbury, Epsom, Farnham, Maidstone and Rochester. The campuses are all home to state-of-the-art facilities, including studios, workshops, galleries and libraries.

UCA's student life is vibrant and diverse. There are over 100 student societies and clubs, as well as a range of cultural events and activities.

UCA is a highly respected university, both nationally and internationally. It is ranked in the top 100 universities in the world for art and design by the QS World University Rankings.