The arts have a profound impact on our everyday lives. It is embedded into every aspect of modern society, influencing our Spotify playlists, the way we dress and the structures we inhabit. It’s undeniable that the arts are a necessary facet of our lives — representing the beating heart of humanity as we know it.
Naturally, this makes an arts education critical to society. Arts graduates are driven by their creativity. At their best, they come up with imaginative and original solutions to problems that plague the global economy. Others simply create art that has a profound impact on the human experience, no matter if it’s through a moving film or soothing music.
More than that, arts graduates have the capacity to think critically about the world around them. An arts education is inherently analytical, encouraging students to challenge their beliefs and open themselves to other strains of thought. It results in a cohort of students who are deeply aware of the most pressing issues facing our world, as well as a sense of empathy and responsibility to make positive contributions.
These four arts universities offer dynamic degrees in their respective fields:
Source: Heriot-Watt University School of Textiles & Design
Step into the enchanting world of creativity and success at Heriot-Watt University‘s School of Textiles and Design. Here lies a passion for practice-based design and innovative problem-solving. The BSc (Hons) Fashion Technology, a four-year journey of discovery, immerses students in real-world industry settings, where they acquire the hands-on, practical experience necessary to create commercially successful apparel. Meanwhile, the BA (Hons) Fashion programme sparks collaboration and cross-disciplinary brilliance as students dive headfirst into exciting projects alongside the fashion industry’s luminaries.
But the school’s dedication to cultivating skilled artisans continues. BA (Hons) Design for Textiles (Fashion, Interior, Art) is a tapestry of possibilities where budding designers learn to manipulate fabrics, accessories, wall coverings, and more, weaving their dreams into reality using the school’s industry-standard facilities. In the BA (Hons) Interior Design programme, students embrace cutting-edge technology to craft stunning interiors for prestigious clients like Adidas, Herman Miller, and the illustrious Accor Hotel Group. Innovation and creativity merge seamlessly to create spaces that leave lasting impressions and memories. The BA (Hons) Communication Design empowers students to revolutionise how information is disseminated, breaking free from traditional constraints and exploring novel formats that redefine the boundaries of creativity. For those seeking a marriage of commercial prowess and artistic flair, the brand-new BA (Hons) Fashion Branding and Promotion beckons, designed to satisfy the fashion industry’s hunger for trailblazers with an eye for design and a keen understanding of the commercial market.
When students embark on their journey through the School of Textiles and Design, they are not merely learning; they are forging powerful connections and building impressive portfolios that set them apart in a competitive world. Alums of Heriot Watt are spread out across the world, each leaving their indelible mark on fashion, design, and textiles, confident in their abilities and with the knowledge to conquer the world.
To keep abreast of the mesmerizing creations and exciting endeavours within the School of Textiles and Design, follow them on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn.
Norwich University of the Arts tutors are experts in their field and offer individualised attention. Source: Norwich University of the Arts
Located in one of Britain’s greenest, safest cities. An award-winning student body of creatives. A picturesque environment home to thriving art, music, and cultural scenes. These are several reasons why students from all over the world flock to Norwich University of the Arts (NUA). It’s a place where any creative aspiration can be nurtured.
NUA’s courses are practical. Students experiment with different techniques and test many formats. The tutors, on the other hand, are experts in their field and offer individualised attention that can advance your knowledge swiftly and enhance your academic experience as a whole. You’ll hear from visiting professionals about the latest practice in the workplace, and expert technicians who will give you the chance to develop essential skills during introductory sessions.
Look around the city centre campus, and you will find dedicated studios, media labs, creative spaces, plus cutting-edge and industry-standard equipment in 11 buildings, all of which have been designed to help you build specialist knowledge and flourish in the programme. All of these installations won a THELMA Award in 2018 for outstanding buildings, and sit among the cafés, bars, independent galleries and shops of Norwich’s cultural quarter.
Employers and industries value an NUA education. From being awarded Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework and being ranked among the World’s Top 50 Creative Schools by The Rookies in 2020 to winning international design competitions and achieving recognition for creative excellence –– NUA is a proven launchpad for aspiring artists.
The University of Liverpool students get plenty of opportunities for exposure, including performing at the Eurovision Village in the city. Source: The University of Liverpool Facebook
Liverpool is one of the most influential cities for the arts. From being the birthplace of The Beatles to its vibrant and exciting array of visual arts, Liverpool has been a hub for talent and artistic vision for decades. Naturally, the University of Liverpool is just as vyed after by art students — many of whom hope to make their dreams a reality by attending an institution that’s as creative as it is globally recognisable.
Its School of the Arts forms the heart of creative thinking and expression at the university. With five disciplines covering Architecture, Communication and Media, English, Music and Philosophy, it puts forward a comprehensive and detailed education for aspiring artists, designers and communicators of every kind.
BA Architecture (Hons) students are actively involved in studio design, where they work in comfortable, well-lit studios including a 24-hour “hi-tech” studio, a Print Media Design Suite, computing labs, workshops, a laser suite, 3D printers, a CNC router room and more. They have the option to transfer to the BA Design Studies (Hons) in Year Two, which specialises in the analysis and evaluation of design in relation to architecture, planning, product manufacture and the visual arts.
Music at the University of Liverpool is incredibly exciting. Here, students work with renowned musicians and experts on a wide variety of programmes spanning the discipline. Take the traditional BA Music (Hons) which focuses on classical musical repertoires, cultures and practices, or venture for a modern approach with the BA Popular Music (Hons). Other programmes such as the BA Music and Technology (Hons) and BSc Game Design delve into the technical aspects of the discipline, allowing students to gain experience in a growing field.
University College Dublin offers an unparalleled education in the arts. Source: University College Dublin Facebook
With over 160 years of experience, University College Dublin (UCD) is no stranger to setting the standard for academic excellence. In the arts, it is just as ambitious. No matter if your passion lies in the creative arts or are naturally inclined towards design and architecture, UCD’s expertise encompasses a wide range of disciplines that are suited to every student’s aspirations.
As part of the BSc Architecture, students are placed at the forefront of architectural and urban design in Ireland and internationally. Creativity is their backbone, influencing their approach to design planning and problem-solving. At the same time, they are grounded in the fundamentals of technological invention, learning to use the latest tools to address modern challenges.
Sustainability is at the crux of this, where students learn to design consciously and with intention. They have access to a faculty with active links to their industries, with many regularly contributing to the UCD Energy Institute. Here, researchers endorse a net-zero carbon energy system and work with students and the community alike to create a better, more sustainable built environment for all.
Creative students have the privilege of living and learning in Dublin — a city famous for its cultural and artistic impact. From live music to exciting exhibitions, there’s always something going on in Dublin, making for an environment that inspires and motivates with every passing day. Ultimately, it creates the perfect starting point for any aspiring graduate.
*Some of the institutions featured in this article are commercial partners of Study International
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