View source for University for the Creative Arts

{{Short description|Arts university in southern England}}
{{EngvarB|date=October 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2024}}
{{Infobox university
 | name                   = University for the Creative Arts
 | image_name             = File:University for the Creative Arts arms.svg
 | image_size             = 160px
| caption                = [[Coat of arms]]
 | motto                  = 
 | mottoeng               = 
 | established            = {{start date and age|1856}}<br />2005 (as the University College for the Creative Arts at Canterbury, Epsom, Farnham, Maidstone and Rochester)<ref name="UCAHistory">{{cite web|url=http://www.ucreative.ac.uk/index.cfm?articleid=15821|title=The University's History – UCA: University for the Creative Arts|access-date=1 October 2008|year=2008|publisher=University for the Creative Arts|archive-date=18 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150918050837/http://www.ucreative.ac.uk/index.cfm?articleid=15821|url-status=dead}}</ref>
 | type                   = [[public university|Public]]
 | chancellor             = [[Magdalene Odundo]]
 | vice_chancellor        = vacant<ref name="BBCJun2025" />
 | staff                  = 
 | students               = 9,430 (2021–22)
 | undergrad              = 7,685 (2021–22)
 | postgrad               = 1,745 (2021–22)
 | doctoral               = 
 | other                  = 1,129 [[Further Education|FE]] (2015–16)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://webdocs.ucreative.ac.uk/UCA%20Financial%20Statements%20Year%20Ended%2031%20July%202016-1481111400006.pdf|title=Financial Statements for the year ended 31 July 2016|access-date=2017-04-03|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170404044103/http://webdocs.ucreative.ac.uk/UCA%20Financial%20Statements%20Year%20Ended%2031%20July%202016-1481111400006.pdf|archive-date=4 April 2017}}</ref>
 | city                   = [[Canterbury]], [[Kent]]<br />[[Epsom]] and [[Farnham]], [[Surrey]]
 | country                = [[England]], [[UK]]
 | former_names           = 
 | colours                = 
 | affiliations           = [[GuildHE]]
 | website                = {{URL|uca.ac.uk}}
 | logo                   = University_for_the_Creative_Arts_%28UCA%29_logo.png
 | logo_size              = 130px
 | footnotes              = 
}}

The '''University for the Creative Arts''' is a specialist art and design university in [[Southern 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 [[British undergraduate degree classification|degree-awarding]] status;{{r|qaa2}} 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.{{r|qaa}}

==History==

The origin of the University for the Creative Arts lies in the establishment of various small art schools in the English counties of [[Kent]] and [[Surrey]] in the nineteenth century. In Kent the first of these was [[Maidstone College of Art]], founded in 1867, and in Surrey the [[Guildford School of Art]], founded in 1856. During the second half of the twentieth century many of these small art schools merged, eventually forming Kent Institute of Art & Design in 1987, and Surrey Institute of Art & Design in 1995. These two organisations joined forces in 2005 to become the ''University College for the Creative Arts at Canterbury, Epsom, Farnham, Maidstone and Rochester''.  In May 2008, the University College for the Creative Arts was granted full university status by the [[Privy Council]], and adopted its current name, the University for the Creative Arts, officially in September 2008.<ref>See David Haste, ''The Art Schools of Kent'' (London: Werther Press, 2013)</ref> In 2016, it merged with the [[Open College of the Arts]].{{r|qaa}}

===Timeline===
* 1856 – [[Guildford School of Art]] is founded as Guildford Working Men's Institution<ref>{{cite web|url=http://archives.ucreative.ac.uk/CalmView/Record.aspx?src=CalmView.Catalog&id=GCOL&pos=1–|title=Guildford School of Art Archive|website=Archives.ucreative.ac.uk|access-date=2 October 2017|archive-date=25 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210725122121/http://archives.ucreative.ac.uk/CalmView/Record.aspx?src=CalmView.Catalog&id=GCOL&pos=1%E2%80%93|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* 1866 – Farnham School of Art is founded<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.altonherald.com/article.cfm?id=520&headline=Uni%20town%20status%20to%20lead%20to%20college%20expansion&sectionIs=news&searchyear=2008|title=Uni town status to lead to college expansion|website=Altonherald.com|access-date=2 October 2017|archive-date=1 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170401061043/http://www.altonherald.com/article.cfm?id=520&headline=Uni%20town%20status%20to%20lead%20to%20college%20expansion&sectionIs=news&searchyear=2008|url-status=live}}</ref> 
* 1867 – Maidstone College of Art is founded as Maidstone School of Art<ref>{{cite web|url=http://socialarchive.iath.virginia.edu/ark:/99166/w62s8qnm|title=Maidstone College|website=Socialarchive.iath.virginia.edu|access-date=2 October 2017|archive-date=1 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170401055131/http://socialarchive.iath.virginia.edu/ark:/99166/w62s8qnm|url-status=live}}</ref>
* 1868 – Canterbury College of Art is founded as the Sidney Cooper School of Art<ref>{{cite web|url=https://ucaarchives.wordpress.com/tag/canterbury-college/|title=Canterbury College – UCA Archives|website=Ucaarchives.wordpress.com|access-date=2 October 2017|archive-date=3 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171003031021/https://ucaarchives.wordpress.com/tag/canterbury-college/|url-status=live}}</ref>
* 1886 – Medway College of Design is founded as Rochester School of Art<ref>{{cite web|url=https://ucaarchives.wordpress.com/tag/art-schools/|title=Art Schools – UCA Archives|website=Ucaarchives.wordpress.com|access-date=2 October 2017|archive-date=3 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171003030918/https://ucaarchives.wordpress.com/tag/art-schools/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ibec.or.id/contact-us/?portfolio=university-for-the-creative-arts|title=IBEC – INDONESIA BRITAIN EDUCATION CENTRE » Contact Us|website=Ibec.or.id|access-date=2 October 2017|archive-date=3 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171003124546/https://www.ibec.or.id/contact-us/?portfolio=university-for-the-creative-arts|url-status=live}}</ref>
* 1896 – Epsom School of Art & Design is founded as Epsom Technical Institute & School of Art<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.epsomandewellhistoryexplorer.org.uk/TechnicalInstitute.html|title=Epsom and Ewell Technical Institute and School of Art Archive Catalogue|website=Epsomandwellhistoryexplorer.org.uk|access-date=2 October 2017|archive-date=3 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171003075203/http://www.epsomandewellhistoryexplorer.org.uk/TechnicalInstitute.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
* 1969 – Farnham School of Art and Guildford School of Art merge to form West Surrey College of Art & Design<ref name="WSCAD">{{cite web|url=http://www.nsead.org/publications/ijadearticle.aspx?id=162|title=NSEAD – International Journal of Art & Design Education|website=Nsead.org|access-date=2 October 2017|archive-date=3 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171003030135/http://www.nsead.org/publications/ijadearticle.aspx?id=162|url-status=live}}</ref>
* 1979 – West Surrey College of Art & Design moves to a single building in Farnham closing Guildford campus<ref name="WSCAD"/>
* 1987 – Canterbury College of Art, Maidstone College of Art and Medway College of Design merge to form [[Kent Institute of Art & Design]]<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2004/jun/01/news|title=What it's like to work at...|first=Alice|last=Wignall|date=1 June 2004|newspaper=The Guardian|access-date=2 October 2017|archive-date=19 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170519070940/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2004/jun/01/news|url-status=live}}</ref>
* 1995 – Epsom School of Art & Design and West Surrey College of Art & Design merge to form Surrey Institute of Art & Design<ref>{{cite web|url=http://socialarchive.iath.virginia.edu/ark:/99166/w6zb4b12|title=West Surrey College of Art and Design|website=Socialarchive.iath.virginia.edu|access-date=2 October 2017|archive-date=1 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170401060137/http://socialarchive.iath.virginia.edu/ark:/99166/w6zb4b12|url-status=live}}</ref>
* 1999 – Surrey Institute of Art & Design receives University College Title from the [[Privy Council of the United Kingdom|Privy Council]] and is renamed [[Surrey Institute of Art & Design, University College]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.timeshighereducation.com/news/seven-crowned-with-university-college-title/145600.article|title=Seven crowned with university college title|date=26 March 1999|website=Timeshighereducation.com|access-date=2 October 2017|archive-date=3 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171003031002/https://www.timeshighereducation.com/news/seven-crowned-with-university-college-title/145600.article|url-status=live}}</ref> 
* 2005 – Kent Institute of Art & Design and Surrey Institute of Art & Design, University College merge to form University College for the Creative Arts at Canterbury, Epsom, Farnham, Maidstone & Rochester<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/education/2005/may/10/highereducation.newuniversities19922012|title=Art colleges to merge in push for university status|first=Donald|last=MacLeod|date=10 May 2005|newspaper=The Guardian|access-date=2 October 2017|archive-date=19 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170519070152/https://www.theguardian.com/education/2005/may/10/highereducation.newuniversities19922012|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/education/2008/may/01/universityguide.highereducation28|title=University College for the Creative Arts|date=30 April 2008|newspaper=The Guardian|access-date=2 October 2017|archive-date=19 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170519070655/https://www.theguardian.com/education/2008/may/01/universityguide.highereducation28|url-status=live}}</ref>
* 2008 – University College for the Creative Arts at Canterbury, Epsom, Farnham, Maidstone & Rochester receives University Title from the Privy Council and is renamed University for the Creative Arts (UCA)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bordonherald.com/article.cfm?id=520&headline=Uni%20town%20status%20to%20lead%20to%20college%20expansion&sectionIs=news&searchyear=2008|title=Uni town status to lead to college expansion|website=Bordonherald.com|access-date=2 October 2017|archive-date=1 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170401143710/http://www.bordonherald.com/article.cfm?id=520&headline=Uni%20town%20status%20to%20lead%20to%20college%20expansion&sectionIs=news&searchyear=2008|url-status=live}}</ref>
* 2012 – Maidstone campus sold to MidKent College with final teaching scheduled for 2014.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Cole|first1=Angela|title=End of an artistic era as University for the Creative Arts in Maidstone prepares to pack up brushes for last time|url=https://www.kentonline.co.uk/kent/news/end-of-an-artistic-era-as-univer-a58724/|access-date=26 March 2024|publisher=Kent Online|date=18 November 2012}}</ref>
* 2020 – [[Xiamen University]] and UCA open The Institute of Creativity and Innovation in China<ref>{{Cite web|title=UCA launches Institute for Creativity + Innovation {{!}} University for the Creative Arts|url=https://www.uca.ac.uk/news/2020/uca-launches-institute-for-creativity-innovation/|access-date=2023-04-12|publisher=University for the Creative Arts – UCA|language=en}}</ref>
* 2023 – Rochester Campus closed<ref>{{cite news|last1=Wightman-Stone|first1=Danielle|title=University for the Creative Arts to close Rochester campus|url=https://fashionunited.uk/news/business/university-for-the-creative-arts-to-close-rochester-campus/2021070156349|access-date=26 March 2024|publisher=Fashion United|date=1 July 2021}}</ref>

==Campuses==
[[File:University of the Creative Arts, Epsom Campus (July 2021).jpg|thumb|University for the Creative Arts, Epsom campus]]
UCA has campuses in [[Canterbury]], [[Epsom]] and [[Farnham]], plus a teaching base at [[The Maidstone Studios]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.uca.ac.uk/news/uca-top-arts-uni-for-nss/|title=UCA – Top specialist arts uni for student satisfaction|website=UCA|access-date=2016-10-16|archive-date=19 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161019034711/http://www.uca.ac.uk/news/uca-top-arts-uni-for-nss/|url-status=live}}</ref> and a project and exhibition space in [[Folkestone]] Creative Quarter.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.creativequarterfolkestone.org.uk/directory/business/uca/|title=University for the Creative Arts|date=1 July 2013|website=Creativequarterfolkestone.org.uk|access-date=2 October 2017|archive-date=3 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171003075123/http://www.creativequarterfolkestone.org.uk/directory/business/uca/|url-status=live}}</ref>

It previously had a campus in [[Maidstone]] (closed in 2014) and another in [[Rochester, Kent|Rochester]] (closed in 2023).<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.kentonline.co.uk/kent/news/end-of-an-artistic-era-as-univer-a58724/|title=End of an artistic era as University for the Creative Arts in Maidstone prepares to pack up brushes for last time|newspaper=Kent Online|language=en-GB|access-date=2016-10-16|archive-date=28 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200728101130/https://www.kentonline.co.uk/kent/news/end-of-an-artistic-era-as-univer-a58724/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=A new chapter for UCA {{!}} University for the Creative Arts|url=https://www.uca.ac.uk/news/2021/a-new-chapter-for-uca/|access-date=2023-08-11|publisher=University for the Creative Arts – UCA|language=en}}</ref>

The university also validates provision at, or co-delivers courses with, a number of other educational institutions and arts organisations in the UK: [[Farnham Maltings]], [[London College of Contemporary Arts]], [[London College of Creative Media]], London School of Design & Marketing, and [[London Studio Centre]].<ref name="UCA_partnerships">{{Cite web|title=Partnerships {{!}} University for the Creative Arts|url=https://www.uca.ac.uk/about-us/partnerships/|access-date=2023-04-12|publisher=University for the Creative Arts – UCA|language=en}}</ref>

UCA works in partnership with several institutions globally, validating courses for: [[Berlin School of Business and Innovation|Berlin School Business & Innovation]] (Germany), Cyprus Academy of Arts (Cyprus), Hong Kong Management Associations (Hong Kong), [[The Millennium Universal College]] (Pakistan), and UK Creative Art and Design Centre (South Korea).<ref name="UCA_partnerships" />

In 2019, UCA and Xiamen University partnered to establish the Institute of Creativity and Innovation, with the Institute opening its doors in September 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|title=About ICI-INSTITUTE OF CREATIVITY AND INNOVATION XIAMEN UNIVERSITY|url=https://ici.xmu.edu.cn/en/about/About_ICI.htm|access-date=2023-04-12|website=ici.xmu.edu.cn}}</ref>

=== UCA Canterbury ===
UCA Canterbury is home to architecture, interior design, automotive design, industrial and product design, fine art and visual communications courses. Students have on-campus halls of residence in Ian Dury House and off-campus accommodation in the Riverside Student Quarter.<ref>{{Cite web|title=UCA Canterbury {{!}} University for the Creative Arts|url=https://www.uca.ac.uk/campuses/canterbury/|access-date=2023-04-12|publisher=University for the Creative Arts – UCA|language=en}}</ref>

The UCA Doctoral College for creative PhD study is located close to UCA Canterbury at Rochester House.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Doctoral College {{!}} University for the Creative Arts|url=https://www.uca.ac.uk/research/doctoral-college/|access-date=2023-04-12|publisher=University for the Creative Arts – UCA|language=en}}</ref>

=== UCA Epsom ===
Creative business, fashion and textiles courses are run from the UCA Epsom campus. Four different accommodation blocks  – Bradford House, Wilberforce Court, Crossways House and Worple Road – are located either next to campus or a ten-minute walk away.<ref>{{Cite web|title=UCA Epsom {{!}} University for the Creative Arts|url=https://www.uca.ac.uk/campuses/epsom/|access-date=2023-04-12|publisher=University for the Creative Arts – UCA|language=en}}</ref>

=== UCA Farnham ===
Farnham is the largest of UCA's campuses. Film, media, visual effects, performing arts, music, fine art, photography, animation, crafts, graphic design, illustration, creative technology, and games courses are taught there. It has two large on-campus halls of residence housing 600 students, called University Walk and Student Village.<ref>{{Cite web|title=UCA Farnham {{!}} University for the Creative Arts|url=https://www.uca.ac.uk/campuses/farnham/|access-date=2023-04-12|publisher=University for the Creative Arts – UCA|language=en}}</ref>

In June 2022, UCA Farnham became the headquarters for [[ISEA International]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=UCA becomes the new HQ for ISEA International {{!}} University for the Creative Arts|url=https://www.uca.ac.uk/news/2022/uca-becomes-new-hq-isea-international/|access-date=2023-04-12|publisher=University for the Creative Arts – UCA|language=en}}</ref>

==Organisation and academic life==

UCA is the third largest provider of design, and creative and performing arts higher education in the UK, with around 5,845 students.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Table 49 – HE student enrolments by HE provider and subject of study 2019/20 to 2021/22 {{!}} HESA|url=https://www.hesa.ac.uk/data-and-analysis/students/table-49#metadata|access-date=2023-04-12|website=hesa.ac.uk}}</ref> It offers courses in a very wide range of architecture, art, crafts, design, fashion, media and performing arts subjects.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Courses by Subject {{!}} University for the Creative Arts|url=https://www.uca.ac.uk/study/subject/|access-date=2023-04-12|publisher=University for the Creative Arts – UCA|language=en}}</ref>

Courses are offered at [[further education|pre-degree further education]], [[undergraduate degree|undergraduate]], [[postgraduate education|taught postgraduate]] and [[doctoral]] levels.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uca.ac.uk/study/levels-of-study/|title=University for the Creative Arts – Levels of study – UCA|publisher=University for the Creative Arts|access-date=2 October 2017|archive-date=5 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201205160011/https://uca.ac.uk/study/levels-of-study/|url-status=live}}</ref>

The university is organised into ten academic schools: Business School for the Creative Industries, Canterbury School of Architecture & Design, School of Communications, School of Fashion & Textiles, School of Film, Media & Performing Arts, School of Fine Art, Crafts & Photography, School of Games & Creative Technology, UCA Doctoral College, UCA International College (UCAIC), and Institute of Creativity and Innovation (ICI).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://schools.ucreative.ac.uk/|title=UCA Schools|website=Schools.ucreative.ac.uk|access-date=2 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171003075311/http://schools.ucreative.ac.uk/|archive-date=3 October 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>

It has eight research centres: Centre for Sustainable Design, Crafts Study Centre, Animation Research Centre, International Textile Research Centre, Audio Research Cluster, Cluster for Cinema/Affect/Place (CCAP), Conflict and the Creative Arts Research Centre, and UCA Innovation Hub.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Research Centres {{!}} University for the Creative Arts|url=https://www.uca.ac.uk/research/research-centres/|access-date=2023-04-12|publisher=University for the Creative Arts – UCA|language=en}}</ref>

The UK's first [[Business School]] for the [[Creative Industries]] is based at UCA Epsom.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.uca.ac.uk/business-school/|title=University for the Creative Arts – Business School – UCA|access-date=28 October 2017|archive-date=29 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171029072013/http://www.uca.ac.uk/business-school/|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Rankings and reputation===
{{Infobox UK university rankings
| ARWU_N = 
| ARWU_W = 
| QS_N = 
| QS_W = 
| THE_N = 
| THE_W = 
| LEIDEN_W = 
| LINE_1 = 0
| Complete = 85
| The_Guardian = 89
| Times/Sunday_Times = 87
| LINE_2 = 0
| TEF = Gold}}

===Chancellor===
* 2010 – [[Zandra Rhodes]]<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/8353009.stm|title=UK – England – Designer is university chancellor|publisher=BBC News|date=10 November 2009|access-date=2 October 2017}}</ref>
* 2018 – [[Magdalene Odundo]]{{r|guard}}

===Pro-Chancellors / Chairs of the Board of Governors===
* 2008 – [[Loyd Grossman]]<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/mobile/england/kent/7621274.stm|title=BBC News Online – Grossman heads up uni governors|publisher=BBC News|date=17 September 2008|access-date=2 October 2017}}</ref>
* 2012 – Robert Taylor<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thefsforum.co.uk/author/rob-taylor/|title=Rob Taylor, Author at The Financial Services Forum|website=Thefsforum.co.uk|access-date=2 October 2017|archive-date=3 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171003030133/https://www.thefsforum.co.uk/author/rob-taylor/|url-status=live}}</ref>
* 2020 – Jeremy Sandelson<ref>{{Cite web|last=Hollick|first=Cheryl|date=2020-08-04|title=The University for the Creative Arts appoints Jeremy Sandelson as Chair|url=https://www.saxbam.com/the-university-for-the-creative-arts-appoints-jeremy-sandelson-as-chair/|access-date=2023-04-12|website=Saxton Bampfylde – Global Executive Search & Leadership Consulting|language=en}}</ref>

===Vice-Chancellors===
* 2005 – Elaine Thomas<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-surrey-13731774|title=UCA vice chancellor Elaine Thomas in Honours list|date=11 June 2011|publisher=BBC|access-date=2 October 2017|archive-date=1 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201050235/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-surrey-13731774|url-status=live}}</ref>
* 2011 – Simon Ofield-Kerr<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-15242179|title=University to keep community links in Kent and Surrey|date=10 October 2011|publisher=BBC|access-date=2 October 2017|archive-date=30 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171130054424/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-15242179|url-status=live}}</ref>
* 2017 – Alan Cooke (Acting)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uca.ac.uk/staff-profiles/alan-cooke/|title=UCA – COOKE Alan|website=Uca.ac.uk|access-date=2 October 2017|archive-date=3 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171003032457/http://www.uca.ac.uk/staff-profiles/alan-cooke/|url-status=live}}</ref>
* 2017 – Bashir Makhoul<ref>{{cite web|url=http://universitybusiness.co.uk/Article/uca-appoints-professor-bashir-makhoul-as-vice-chancellor|title=UCA appoints Professor Bashir Makhoul as Vice-Chancellor|website=Universitybusiness.co.uk|access-date=2 October 2017|archive-date=3 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171003075206/http://universitybusiness.co.uk/Article/uca-appoints-professor-bashir-makhoul-as-vice-chancellor|url-status=live}}</ref>
* 2024  – Professor Jane Roscoe<ref>{{Cite web|title=Professor Jane Roscoe announced as UCA's new President & Vice-Chancellor {{!}} University for the Creative Arts|url=https://www.uca.ac.uk/news/2023/professor-jane-roscoe-announced-as-ucas-new-president--vice-chancellor/|access-date=2024-01-19|publisher=University for the Creative Arts – UCA|language=en}}</ref>
* 2025  – vacant<ref name="BBCJun2025">{{cite web |last1=Dale |first1=Bob |title=University head steps down 'by mutual agreement' |date=4 June 2025 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c1w34xqxr5no |website=BBC |access-date=5 June 2025}}</ref>

=== Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021 ===
UCA submitted 115 research outputs to be considered by the expert panel for Art and Design in [[Research Excellence Framework|REF 2021]], as well as four impact case studies. REF 2021 ranked 78% of UCA's research as world-leading (4*) and internationally excellent (3*) for its originality, significance and rigour.<ref>{{Cite web|title=University for the Creative Arts : Results and submissions : REF 2021|url=https://results2021.ref.ac.uk/profiles/institutions/10006427|access-date=2023-04-12|website=results2021.ref.ac.uk}}</ref>

== Notable alumni ==
{{further|Category:Alumni of the University for the Creative Arts}}

=== TV, Film & Entertainment ===
*[[Rose Ayling-Ellis]], actor and winner of [[Strictly Come Dancing series 19|Strictly Come Dancing 2021]]
*[[Chris Butler (filmmaker)|Chris Butler]], storyboard artist, writer and director, known for his works at [[Laika, LLC|Laika]], such as ''[[ParaNorman]]''
*[[Gareth Edwards (filmmaker)|Gareth Edwards]], BAFTA nominated film director
*[[Kate Herron]], television director/producer
*[[Hong Khaou]], film director and screen writer
*[[PJ Liguori]], YouTube filmmaker
*[[Simeon Lumgair]], screenwriter/director and founder of [[Quirky Motion]]
*[[William McGregor (director)|William McGregor]], film and television director, directed programmes such as ''[[Poldark (2015 TV series)|Poldark]]'' and ''[[Misfits (TV series)|Misfits]]''
* [[Chris Shepherd]], BAFTA nominated television/film writer and director
* [[Lledo|Victor Lledo]], Spanish film critic, writer, director and activist

=== Art and Photography ===

* [[Babette Cole]], children's writer and illustrator, who worked on [[Bagpuss]] and [[Jackanory]] for BBC television
* [[Tracey Emin]], artist known for her autobiographical and confessional artwork
* [[Sunil Gupta (photographer)|Sunil Gupta]], photographer
* [[Martin Handford]], children's author and illustrator, creator of [[Where's Wally?]]
* [[Tony Hart]], artist and presenter, designed the ship logo used by [[Blue Peter]]
* [[Paul Robinson (artist)|Paul Robinson]], artist better known as [[LUAP]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://uk.style.yahoo.com/photographing-himself-pink-bear-suit-060054175.html|title=Photographing himself in a pink bear suit helped this man find 'happy memories' after a break up and now his pictures sell for up to £40k|date=16 August 2022|last=Pagnelli|first=Joe|publisher=[[Yahoo Life]]}}</ref>
* [[Richard Spare]], artist and [[master printmaker]]
* [[Mary Tourtel]], artist and creator of the comic strip [[Rupert Bear]]

=== Fashion and Interior Design ===

* [[Walé Adeyemi]], fashion designer, former creative director at [[New Era Cap Company|New Era]], ambassador for [[The Prince's Trust]] and stylist to numerous celebrities
* [[Linda Barker]], interior designer and television presenter
* [[Martin Lambie-Nairn]], designer and founder of branding agency [[Lambie-Nairn]], co-creator of [[Spitting Image]]
* [[Zandra Rhodes|Dame Zandra Rhodes]], fashion and textile designer, designed garments for [[Diana, Princess of Wales]] and [[Freddie Mercury]]
* [[Nymphia Wind]] (Leo Tsao, 曹米駬), drag queen, performer, stylist, fashion designer, and seamstress, the winner of [[RuPaul's Drag Race (season 16)|season sixteen]] of [[RuPaul's Drag Race]], also the first person of East Asian descent, born and raised in [[Taiwan]] to win an installment of the American series, and the second queen of Asian descent to win

=== Writing and Poetry ===

* [[Nikita Gill]], poet, playwright, writer and illustrator
* [[Wana Udobang]], known as [[Wana wana|Wana Wana]], writer, poet, journalist, filmmaker, and television personality, whose work has appeared on the BBC, Al Jazeera and Huffington Post

=== Music ===

* [[Lasse Gjertsen]], animator, musician, and videographer
* [[Frederick Lloyd (director)|Frederick Lloyd]], film director and composer, worked featured in the trailers for [[Zack Snyder's Justice League]] and [[The Hunger Games: Catching Fire]]

=== Architecture ===

* [[Richard Armiger]], architectural model maker and the founder of [[Network Modelmakers]]
* [[Justin Bere]], architect and founder of [[Bere:Architects|bere:architects]], developed a specialism in low-energy passive house ([[Passivhaus]]) buildings

=== Animation ===

* [[Michaël Dudok de Wit]], animator, director and illustrator, winner of an [[Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film]] for [[Father and Daughter (film)|Father and Daughter]]
* [[Bob Godfrey]], animator, winner of an Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film for [[Great (1975 film)|Great]], founder of UCA's Animation degree course<ref>{{Cite web|title=UCA celebrates fifty years of animation {{!}} University for the Creative Arts|url=https://www.uca.ac.uk/news/2019/uca-celebrates-fifty-years-animation/|access-date=2023-04-14|publisher=University for the Creative Arts – UCA|language=en}}</ref>
* [[Edd Gould]], animator, artist, writer director, voice actor and creator of [[Eddsworld]]
* [[David Hulin]], animation and VFX director, known for GEICO Gecko, Post Office Ants (UK), and Nigel the Xyzal Owl

== Student life ==
The Students' Union at the University of the Creative Arts (UCASU) is open to all students, and has over 65 clubs and societies across the three campuses.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Clubs & Societies|url=https://ucasu.com/activities/clubs-and-socs/|access-date=2023-04-14|website=ucasu.com}}</ref>

UCASU offers student advice and support, and runs identity communities for those who self-define one or more of the following groups: BAME (Black, Asian and Minority Ethnicities), LGBTQ+, Disabled and Women.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Identity Communities|url=https://ucasu.com/activities/identitycommunities/|access-date=2023-04-14|website=ucasu.com}}</ref>

UCASU runs events at Glasshouse on the Farnham campus.

==See also==
* [[Armorial of UK universities]]
* [[List of art universities and colleges in Europe]]
* [[List of universities in the UK]]
* [[Visual arts education]]

==References==
{{reflist|45em|refs=

<ref name=guard>Amy Fleming (18 April 2018). [https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2018/apr/18/top-of-the-pots-the-smashing-rise-of-ceramics Top of the pots: the smashing rise of ceramics] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180918140349/https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2018/apr/18/top-of-the-pots-the-smashing-rise-of-ceramics |date=18 September 2018 }}. ''The Guardian''. Accessed September 2018.</ref>

<ref name=qaa>[http://www.qaa.ac.uk/reviews-and-reports/provider?UKPRN=10006427 University for the Creative Arts] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180120125526/http://www.qaa.ac.uk/reviews-and-reports/provider?UKPRN=10006427 |date=20 January 2018 }}. The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education. Accessed January 2018.</ref>

<ref name=qaa2>[s.n.] (2007). [http://www.qaa.ac.uk/en/ReviewsAndReports/Documents/University%20for%20the%20Creative%20Arts/University-College-for-the-Creative-Arts-at-Canterbury-Epsom-Farnham-Maidstone-and-Rochester-IA-07.pdf University College for the Creative Arts at Canterbury, Epsom, Farnham, Maidstone and Rochester] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180120124259/http://www.qaa.ac.uk/en/ReviewsAndReports/Documents/University%20for%20the%20Creative%20Arts/University-College-for-the-Creative-Arts-at-Canterbury-Epsom-Farnham-Maidstone-and-Rochester-IA-07.pdf |date=20 January 2018 }}. The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education. {{ISBN|9781844828029}}.</ref>

}}

==External links==
*{{Official website|www.uca.ac.uk}}

{{Universities in the United Kingdom}}
{{Universities and colleges in South East England}}
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