These courses are suitable for students who want to establish working careers in the arts, or who want to achieve a high level of proficiency in a particular discipline. They are, in the main, practical, studio-based programmes designed to produce graduates who go on to be independent working artists or members of the creative industries.

Programmes are available at undergraduate and postgraduate level for the study of drama and performance, fine art (specialisations offered include drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, print-making, ceramics, gold and silversmithing, photomedia, jewellery design, and performance and installation) as well as graphic design, product design, and fashion and/or textile design.

There are also courses available in communication design (including advertising), animation and interactive media, games design, and new media design; as well as in practical media courses including journalism (print, broadcast, and new media) and film and television.

Admission to these courses (at undergraduate and postgraduate level) is based primarily on a student’s talent and potential, rather than on their academic background, and a portfolio of work or audition material is usually required in order to apply. Each university has slightly different requirements for portfolios – please make sure you check what needs to be included with a Study Options advisor before making your application.