Few places in the UK teach artist blacksmithing at degree level, and Hereford College of Arts is one of them. It's a small specialist art school in a cathedral city near the Welsh border. Alongside metalwork, it teaches fine art, illustration, photography, graphic design and contemporary crafts. Class sizes are small and studios are open for long hours.
Hereford, Herefordshire, United Kingdom
Official website: hca.ac.uk
Specialist arts college
Hereford, near the Welsh border
Artist blacksmithing and contemporary crafts
£14,000 – £17,000
International students, undergraduate programmes
£10,000 – £13,000
Rent, food and local transport
Approximate figures for 2026-27, please verify. Fees change every year and vary by course, so check the latest amount on hca.ac.uk before you apply.
BA (Hons) Artist Blacksmithing
Bachelors DegreeDuration
36 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 80
BA (Hons) Fine Art
Bachelors DegreeDuration
36 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 80
BA (Hons) Illustration
Bachelors DegreeDuration
36 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 80
BA (Hons) Photography
Bachelors DegreeDuration
36 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 80
One of very few artist blacksmithing degrees in the UK.
Small classes with studio space for every student.
Contemporary crafts including jewellery and ceramics.
Graduates set up studios, sell work and take commissions.
Illustrators and designers freelance or join agencies.
Some continue to MA study at larger art schools.
Undergrad
Main intake
Postgrad
Main intake
The college has two sites in Hereford, both within walking distance of the centre and the River Wye.
Hereford is a quiet market city surrounded by farmland and cider orchards. Rent is low, but nightlife is limited, and Birmingham and Cardiff are over an hour away.
CAS from Hereford College of Arts
Proof of funds for fees and living costs
English test at B2 level or above
TB test certificate, if required
Immigration Health Surcharge payment
Valid passport with blank pages
Undergraduates apply through UCAS, usually by late January. Hereford often accepts applications after that if places remain. International applicants should confirm visa sponsorship before applying.
Courses start in September.
You'll apply for a Student visa. Hereford College of Arts gives you a CAS number once your offer is unconditional and the deposit is paid. You can then apply online up to six months before the course starts, with bank evidence and the Immigration Health Surcharge.
Artist blacksmithing, fine art, illustration and photography are popular. Entry is mainly by portfolio and interview, with IELTS 6.0 or equivalent for international students.
The college has limited bursaries, mostly for UK students. Ask admissions whether any awards apply to international applicants.
