University for the Creative Arts (UCA) Reviews

UCA is great for anyone wanting to get into the creative industries. There’s a good variety of courses to chose from. They offer some very specific courses you can’t find anywhere else. Some campuses have better facilities than are others. The WiFi, canteen and student union varies but none are bad - some are just better than others. All campuses have a very welcoming environment- they don’t feel snobby like other universities I visited ( I’m looking at you UAL! ). For me, it’s not all about the campus and facilities - the course and tuition matters too. This is where UCA is the best around. All of the tutors and technicians I’ve had have been great. You get taught by people actually working in the industry. Overall I’d say UCA is a great university and I would definitely recommend it.

The university is brilliant, the teachers are extremely helpful and friendly. The cafe is great and the whole atmosphere is just brilliant.

Doing the foundation at Rochester was brilliant, felt really supported and encouraged, lots of emphasis on making, just a great environment, like a real art school. So, of course, it's being closed down now. Started my degree at the Canterbury campus and it's left a lot to be desired. The first year is good, amazing tutor, invested in you and your work. Second year is ridiculous. We have no portfolio. Everything is mixed up. Projects brief information is handed out in a weird, staggered fashion so you're constantly scrambling to get things done. Nothing has been done about the transphobia on campus. The tutors are treated so badly, and it's near impossible to get time with them which makes getting feedback difficult, for which you are marked down...it's endless. A lot of us are really unhappy. And the vice-chancellor is just a suit who doesn't care about students or staff - only money. I'd seriously recommend talking to some second or third year students before enrolling.

Good overall experience with plenty of social spaces and work spaces with appropriate equipment

Great university filled with lots of helpful facilities.

Very isolated. Feel as though you go there to work and that’s it. No socialising at all

Fun nice experience. The tutors generally care and the environment was always friendly.

It's an amazing campus but because of COVID-19 there is less joy.

The staff and on-site team is friendly however, there is little on-campus organised activity by the way of clubs or societies which was disappointing when joining the University for the first time. The campus is quite small, so there aren't many facilities for social gathering, and the University 'bar' is outdated and out of touch with the range of students that attend. In terms of social activities, there definitely needs to be more on offer to help students enjoy their uni experience, and key spaces (namely the bar) need updating and better advertisement for students. The terrace outside could be used more regularly, aswell as having designated and well designed outdoor tables and chairs for students to meet during breaks. The library + studios could also be open way later and available for students on weekends. Students should be encouraged more to mix between different courses and studios.

Terrible experience, will never recommend anyone to attend this uni

I had a generally poor experience due to the lack of entertainment in a social sense. The uni is small which is the main issue.

The university has changed so much to drive up student experience. If you're looking for a traditional university experience, then this is not the right uni for you. This is an elevated art school, so if you're looking for that, this is the right place!