When choosing a university for an arts-based course, relying on traditional rankings isn’t the best approach. These rankings mainly focus on academic subjects and don’t accurately reflect creative fields. For example, Cambridge may rank highly, but it only offers Art History, not practical art courses.
Instead, focus on course content, the experience of tutors, industry connections, the quality of student work, available facilities, and software. These factors will have a much greater impact on your education and career prospects.
Worst University In The UK!
There are many universities in the UK, so it’s best to narrow down your choices. If you list specific universities, people with experience can give better advice on whether they are worth the cost, especially for international students.
1. Hertfordshire and Norwich University of the Arts
I applied to both Hertfordshire and Norwich University of the Arts but later declined their offers. Hertfordshire is known for having the best animation course in the UK, yet I’ve heard a lot of negative feedback about the university overall. Norwich, on the other hand, seems more promising, but I don’t have personal experience studying there.
A general rule of thumb: if a university has “shire” in its name, be cautious.
2. Dundee
Dundee is a solid choice, comparable to Reading University in terms of reputation. Historically, it was once a college of the University of St Andrews and is technically older than UCL, depending on how you define its founding.
Dundee and Abertay have strong graphic design programs and attract many recruiters. If you are interested in this field, Dundee is worth considering rather than discarding outright.
3. Bedfordshire
I attended an open day at the University of Bedfordshire, and it was one of the most underfunded universities I have seen. The town center wasn’t appealing either. The campus itself is located right next to a graveyard, which made an odd impression. I decided to decline their offer immediately after the visit.
4. St Mary’s University
St Mary’s University is not a strong choice unless you plan to study primary education or have no other viable options. It lacks strong arts programs and industry connections.
5. University of Cumbria
It’s surprising how many students the University of Cumbria enrolls each year despite having poor facilities. I visited their arts department and found it laughable—some technical colleges in the city provide better resources and education for half the price.
The only field where the University of Cumbria excels is social care. If that’s your focus, it might be a good option. Otherwise, unless you love the Lake District, attending this university doesn’t seem worthwhile.
6. Falmouth
If you’re looking for a dedicated creative arts university, Falmouth is an excellent choice. It’s located in the far southwest of England by the sea, which might be inconvenient for some, but the quality of education makes up for it.
Falmouth offers a wide range of creative courses with top-tier resources and equipment that students can freely access. Many consider it one of the best arts universities in the UK. I almost chose Falmouth myself but ended up picking Bournemouth University, which is ranked first in the UK for 3D animation.
One thing to note is that Arts University Bournemouth, located nearby, has a different environment. It’s like a smaller version of Falmouth with a more college-like campus feel, which some students may prefer.
Conclusion
When selecting an arts university, prioritize the opportunities and resources it offers. The quality of teaching, industry connections, available software, and events can greatly impact your career.
Most importantly, always check the course content for each year. Many students overlook this and later regret their decision. A university may have a great reputation, but if its curriculum doesn’t align with your interests, you might not get the experience you expect.
So when choosing a university, don’t base your decision on just rankings because it is also about finding the best fit for your own particular creative goals.
Disclaimer:
This is my opinion, also influenced by public opinion. So as I mentioned here, instead of looking for the best ‘all round’ university, what you should look for is a university that is best or decent in your particular field of study.
