Six colleges make up University of the Arts London: Central Saint Martins in King's Cross, London College of Fashion in Stratford, London College of Communication at Elephant and Castle, and Camberwell, Chelsea and Wimbledon. Together they form Europe's largest specialist university for art, design, fashion, communication and performance. Teaching is studio-based, and your portfolio counts for more than grades. Central Saint Martins alumni include Alexander McQueen and Stella McCartney.
London, United Kingdom
Official website: arts.ac.uk
Six, including Central Saint Martins
Art, design, fashion, communication and performance
2004; its colleges date from the 1800s
Campuses across London
£29,000 – £36,000
International students, undergraduate and taught master's
£17,000 – £23,000
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 arts.ac.uk before you apply.
BA (Hons) Fashion
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, portfolio
BA (Hons) Graphic Communication Design
Bachelors DegreeDuration
36 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, portfolio
MA Graphic Media Design
Masters DegreeDuration
15 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, portfolio
MA Fine Art
Masters DegreeDuration
15 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, portfolio
Foundation Diploma in Art and Design
FoundationDuration
12 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 5.5, portfolio
Central Saint Martins in the Granary Building at King's Cross.
Studio teaching where your portfolio matters more than exam grades.
Six colleges, each with its own identity and part of London.
Graduates work as designers, artists, stylists, animators and creative directors.
Many start their own studios or labels in London.
Eligible graduates can stay on the UK Graduate visa to look for work.
Undergrad
Main intake
Postgrad
Main intake
Undergrad
Selected courses
Postgrad
Selected courses
Each college sits in a different neighbourhood: canal-side King's Cross, the Olympic Park in Stratford, the markets of Elephant and Castle, and Chelsea's Millbank site beside Tate Britain.
London is expensive, and rent will be your biggest cost. An 18+ Student Oyster photocard cuts the price of travelcards and season tickets by 30 percent.
CAS from University of the Arts London
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
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS, with the equal consideration deadline in late January, though many UAL courses take international applications until they fill. Master's applications go direct, and popular courses close early. Portfolio reviews add time, so apply in the autumn.
Most courses start in September. A few postgraduate courses start in January.
You'll apply for a Student visa. University of the Arts London 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.
Fashion, graphic design, fine art, communication and the Foundation Diploma are popular. Entry depends heavily on your portfolio, plus IELTS 6.0 for bachelor's courses or 6.5 for most master's. Some courses interview shortlisted applicants.
UAL offers a limited number of international scholarships and postgraduate awards, usually covering part of the fees. Competition is strong, so check UAL's scholarships search early.
