Welcome to UCA | University for the Creative Arts

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Welcome to UCA

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Get ready for September
Preparing for UCA

Get ready for September

We know there’s a lot to remember when starting university. That’s why we’ve put together top tips to help you make friends, prepare for your course, and get support if you ever need it.

We post regular updates on TikTok and Instagram. Make sure to follow us to find out what's going on at UCA.

Overhead shot of students working at computers in a Games Studio

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Induction timetables

Students at the 2023 Farnham Freshers Fair

International students

Preparing for UCA

A still from the work of BA Animation student, Bella Bernard

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About your campus

Make-Up & Hair Design Studios, UCA Epsom

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Creativity: more than just a feeling

Two minute stories

Discover stories from across UCA

Kota Ishida

Royal Photographic Society exhibition success for MFA graduate

Kiera Matheson, BA (Hons) Illustration, UCA Farnham

Everyone is Welcome at UCA

Please Don't Eat The Art

Animal Life Drawing at UCA

Production crew working on the set of a game show

TV Production Students Work on Wild West Game Show

Bri Chartrand

Giving Zizzi a mural makeover

Oluwafemi Babalola

Colouring the UCA campus

MFA graduate exhibits at 167th Royal Photographic Society International Photography Exhibition

MFA graduate, Kota Ishida, is among 48 photographers selected for the 167th edition of the Royal Photographic Society International Photograpahy Exhibition, hosted at Saatchi Gallery from 7 August - 11 September 2026.

Kota Ishida holding a sculpture in a UCA workshop

“Being selected for IPE 167 this year is both a tremendous honour and a feeling of completing a beautiful circle. I am truly delighted to be part of the exhibition.” – Kota

Kota will be showing his ‘Receipt’ series. It consists of layered works that combine shopping receipts with photographs to reveal individual lives and exposing the social contexts embedded within everyday life.

Through the universal act of eating, receipts as traces of consumption reflect our ways of living and the structures of contemporary capitalism.
Kota

A sculpture of a child and their parent by Kota Ishida

“I hope audiences will reflect on the role that images play within society and the ways in which they influence our understanding of ourselves and others.” Kota

Receiving this award coincides with an important transition in my life, as my two-year Graduate Visa comes to an end and I begin a new chapter in London as an artist on the Global Talent Visa. It feels like a significant turning point in my career.
Kota

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Photography at UCA
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At UCA diversity is our strength and we believe in the power of art and creativity to connect, not divide. We want everyone to feel respected and included, and we embrace our students’ cultures and differences.

We understand that personal and societal challenges can affect us all, and we want to ensure that UCA remains a safe and supportive space for our community.

Everyone is welcome at UCA.

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Please Don't Eat The Art

Animal Life Drawing at UCA

Every year Animation students welcome all creatures great and small to the UCA for a life drawing session.

This year, we welcomed the animals back to see their pawtraits for themselves...

Student work on display at the animal life drawing exhibition

Artwork by Animation students

Draco explores the gallery

Arlo and Frodo check out their portrait

Artwork by an Animation student

Artwork by Animation students

Buttercup glides through the exhibition

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Animation at UCA
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TV Production students staged their most ambitious live production yet

Taking over Studio 2 in Maidstone, years 1, 2 and 3 came together to shoot a pilot Wild West game show that was performed in front of a live audience and simultaneously streamed on Youtube

Game show contestants being filmed at Maidstone TV Studios

Jo Clark, Commercial Director of Maidstone Studios, said: “It was incredibly well executed. The format worked brilliantly and the overall production levels were right up there with any show we host in the studio….”

“...From the organisation and set build to the strength of the team behind it, it really showed. Huge congratulations to everyone involved.”

Camera's filming a game show pilot at Maidstone TV Studios

Live studio experience is a key component for UCA’s Television Production students. Using the industry-standard facilities at Maidstone Studios—where major networks like the BBC and ITV record their own broadcasts—students take on roles ranging from live multi-camera mixing and directing to camera operation, sound supervision, and set design

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Film & TV degrees
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Bri Chartrand at work on one of her murals, stood on a ladder

Bri’s murals are

a Zizzi success

Bri, a third-year UCA Illustration student, has transformed two huge wall spaces at the Maidstone branch of Zizzi, using a colour palette inspired by the local area.

It’s the second time this year that UCA students have put their talents to the test, after Ruth Blacklock and Izzy Barrett transformed Zizzi in Farnham.

Izzy's work in Farnham

Artwork by Ruth Blacklock. Photo © Zizzi

Ruth's work in Farnham

A mural in a Zizzi restaurant by Illustration student Bri Chartrand. Picture by Tony Buckingham.

Bri was later commissioned to design and paint a mural on the UCA Farnham campus...

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Q&A with Bri on Instagram
Read Bri's Zizzi story
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Colouring Campus

The Making of UCA's New Mural

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Student running a stall at the Freshers Fair

Students' Union

UCASU is the Students' Union at UCA. They are here to represent you, as well as host events throughout the year and run a range of special interest clubs and societies.

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Contact us

If you need anything once you arrive at UCA please contact your Campus Life team:

Get ready for September

Preparing for UCA

Two minute stories

Students' Union

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