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Step into Art and Design 

If you are creative and want to explore ideas, design and visual storytelling, this subject area offers an inspiring place to start. We offer courses in art and design from Level 1 through to Level 4 and higher education pathways, so you can start at the point that is right for you and build your future in creative industries.

Learn by doing

Your learning is practical and focused on developing your own creative style. You will explore areas such as fine art, graphics, fashion and photography, building a portfolio through projects, exhibitions and live briefs while connecting your work to real creative careers.

Our facilities and your support

You will learn in specialist facilities including printmaking studios, 3D workshops, Mac suites with Adobe, fashion studios and photography studios. Experienced staff will support your development and help you refine your ideas.

Where this could take you

The creative industries support 2.4 million jobs in the UK. Students progress into university or careers in art and design, including graphic design, fashion, photography and illustration.

Student Success Stories

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Celebrating Success 2026: UAL Student of the Year – Sarah Connolly

Access to HE in Art and Design, Fine Art BA (Hons)

The course was brilliant and also challenging, but I’ve enjoyed every moment. I chose to go back to college because I knew I had potential. I started on Access to HE in Art and Design. I’ve overcome challenges and really appreciated the supportive environment.

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Phil Steed

Phil Steed

Graphic Design BA (Hons)

Seeing the quality and variety of work showcased at the final exhibition convinced me that this was a course that encouraged creativity and experimentation rather than restricting it.

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Jay Hayden

BA (Hons) Photography

Having access to industry-standard equipment changed everything for me. Working in a studio environment was completely new at first, but over time I built my confidence and became comfortable working professionally. That experience has also helped me secure studio-based work outside of university.

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Gus Nweke web

Gus Nweke

Fine Art BA (Hons)

My time at UCSE helped me grow in confidence and believe in my abilities. It gave me the focus and direction I needed to set and achieve my goals.

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Gemma Rose web

Gemma Rose

BA (Hons) Graphic Design

One of the things I enjoyed most was the freedom to explore different ideas and experiment with materials. I spent a lot of time in creative spaces such as the screen-printing room, trying out new techniques and pushing my work further.

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Elise colins

Ellise Collins

BA (Hons) Graphic Design

The best part of further and higher education for me was the opportunity to fully explore my craft. I spent hours researching, experimenting and collaborating with others, pushing my ideas further than I thought possible. It also gave me the chance to try different techniques and discover what I truly enjoyed.

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Claire Burgoyne

BA (Hons) Fine Art

During my time at SECG and UCSE I developed confidence in public speaking and learned how to use digital tools and applications that were previously unfamiliar to me. The course also strengthened my writing, presentation, and communication skills, particularly when discussing my own artistic practice.

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Will Thatcher 01

Will Thatcher

Access to Higher Education Art and BA (Hons) Graphic Design and Illustration

I began with an Access to Higher Education Art and Design course, which gave me the opportunity to explore different creative disciplines. That year helped me confirm that graphic design was the right choice for me and gave me the confidence to continue onto the degree.

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Vladyslava Zabielina 03

Vladyslava Zabielina

Graphic Design & Illustration BA (Hons)

While studying at university, Vladyslava discovered a strong interest in visual communication and graphic design. This led to the development of a project that gained recognition from the International Society of Typographic Designers (ISTD), an achievement that further strengthened her confidence and ambition.

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Sylak Ravenspine

Sylak Ravenspine

BA (Hons) Graphic Design and Illustration

The facilities at the University Centre were excellent, from print rooms and photography studios to workshops and labs. Having access to these spaces allowed me to experiment with different techniques and approaches, giving me the tools I needed to complete ambitious projects.

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Spohie Wade

Sophie Wade

BA (Hons) Graphic Design and Illustration

Studying locally really appealed to me, as it allowed me to commute each day and stay close to home. When I first showed an interest in the course, I met with the course leader, who reassured me that I could succeed even without a creative background. Having that belief and encouragement from the very beginning gave me the confidence to take that step.

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Hannah Wilkins

Fine Art BA (Hons)

She describes herself as once being a shy individual, but her time at university encouraged her to take risks, step outside her comfort zone and engage more actively with opportunities.

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Ferne Worsley 01

Ferne Worsley

Access to Art and Design and BA (Hons) Fine Art

One of the most important moments for me during the degree was realising that I could build a new career, even in my mid-40s. That understanding was life changing. It gave me the confidence to take my work seriously and think about what I could achieve.

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Daisy Whittaker

Daisy Whittaker

3D Design & Interior Design

The course helped me grow in confidence, especially through collaborative sessions where we shared ideas and discussed our projects. Presenting our work regularly meant I became more comfortable explaining my designs, which is something I now do every day in my career.

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Chloe Wade

Chloe Wade

Level 3 Interactive Digital Media

My confidence has grown significantly during her studies. I was recognised for my hard work and achievements, including winning awards such as ‘Who Wants to Be an Entrepreneur’ and Student of the Year in Business and Logistics. These experiences have helped reinforce my belief in my abilities and motivated me to keep progressing.

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