UK Art and Design Ranking

Many of the UK's top art and design schools are renowned for their academic rigor, their influence in the art world, and their ability to equip students with the skills needed to succeed in a competitive global market. Based on the Guardian's 2010 rankings, below are the top ten UK art and design schools.

At the pinnacle of the Guardian's rankings is University College London (UCL), which achieved a perfect score of 100. UCL’s Faculty of Arts and Humanities is home to several world-class programs, with its art and design disciplines being no exception. UCL’s Slade School of Fine Art, in particular, is one of the most prestigious art schools in the UK and the world. The Slade has a reputation for its rigorous approach to fine art education and a rich history of producing highly influential artists. The school's emphasis on the development of individual artistic expression, alongside its commitment to theoretical and historical studies, allows students to engage with art in a deeply critical and intellectual way. UCL's location in London, a global hub for the art world, also provides students with unparalleled access to galleries, exhibitions, and industry professionals, making it an ideal environment for aspiring artists and designers.

Oxford University, with a Guardian score of 87.5, comes in second place. Oxford’s inclusion on this list may come as a surprise to some, given its reputation primarily as a center for academic excellence across disciplines like the humanities, sciences, and law. However, Oxford’s Ruskin School of Art stands as a beacon of creativity within the university’s offerings. The Ruskin School is known for its progressive approach to art education, combining traditional techniques with contemporary theories. The program encourages students to develop their own artistic voice while being exposed to a wide range of media and methods. Oxford’s extensive resources, coupled with its global academic prestige, offer students a unique platform to build a career in the arts. Like UCL, Oxford’s central location in the UK’s cultural capital, with easy access to galleries and exhibitions, gives its students a distinct advantage in terms of professional networking and exposure.

Brunel University, with a Guardian score of 81.9, takes third place in the rankings. Known for its strong emphasis on both design and technology, Brunel University’s art and design programs blend creativity with practical application. The university’s Department of Arts and Design is committed to producing graduates who are not only skilled in artistic practice but also capable of navigating the challenges of a rapidly changing digital landscape. Brunel’s design programs, including industrial design, graphic design, and digital arts, are among the best in the UK, offering students access to state-of-the-art facilities and a curriculum that focuses on the intersection of design, technology, and innovation. Brunel’s commitment to employability is evident in its strong connections with industry partners, ensuring that students graduate with not just an education but also the skills and networks necessary to thrive in the creative industries.

The University of Edinburgh follows closely behind with a score of 74.5. As one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the UK, Edinburgh offers a rich and varied experience for students pursuing art and design. The Edinburgh College of Art, part of the university, is one of the leading institutions for art education, known for its diverse and multidisciplinary approach. Students at Edinburgh are encouraged to explore a range of art forms, from traditional fine art to contemporary design practices, and the school has produced some of Scotland’s most influential artists and designers. The university’s commitment to creative exploration is matched by its emphasis on intellectual rigor, with students expected to engage critically with art history, theory, and current issues within the art world. Edinburgh’s location, steeped in cultural heritage, provides students with access to a wealth of galleries, museums, and cultural events, further enhancing their educational experience.

Newcastle University ranks fifth with a Guardian score of 70.6. Newcastle’s School of Architecture, Planning, and Landscape is one of the best in the country, with a particular focus on environmental sustainability and socially responsible design. The university’s art and design programs are interdisciplinary, allowing students to engage with a wide range of topics and areas within the field, including architecture, graphic design, and visual arts. Newcastle is known for its close-knit, supportive academic community, where students benefit from a collaborative learning environment that encourages them to experiment with new ideas and concepts. The city of Newcastle itself is a vibrant cultural center, and students at the university are exposed to a wealth of artistic and creative opportunities. Newcastle’s reputation for fostering a strong sense of community and its emphasis on developing socially conscious design make it a top choice for students looking to make an impact through their art and design work.

Loughborough University, with a Guardian score of 70, ranks sixth on the list. Loughborough’s School of Art and Design is well-regarded for its focus on both traditional and contemporary design disciplines. The university’s approach to art and design education is highly practical, with an emphasis on preparing students for professional careers in the creative industries. Loughborough is particularly strong in areas like industrial design, fashion, and product design, offering students access to cutting-edge facilities and a curriculum that emphasizes innovation and entrepreneurship. The university’s strong links with industry partners ensure that students have opportunities for internships, placements, and networking, making it an excellent choice for students who want to transition smoothly into the workforce upon graduation.

Edinburgh Napier University, with a score of 68.3, ranks seventh on the list. Edinburgh Napier’s School of Arts and Creative Industries offers a dynamic and flexible approach to art and design education, encouraging students to develop their creative potential in an environment that fosters collaboration and experimentation. The university’s programs are designed to provide students with the technical and conceptual skills necessary for success in the creative industries, while also encouraging them to engage critically with current artistic trends and issues. Edinburgh Napier’s location in Scotland’s capital city offers students access to a wide range of cultural resources, including galleries, theaters, and art festivals, ensuring that they are well-positioned to succeed in the competitive art world.

Glasgow School of Art ranks eighth with a Guardian score of 67.1, further solidifying Glasgow’s reputation as a leading center for creative education. Glasgow’s unique approach to art and design education combines traditional skills with an emphasis on innovation and contemporary practices. The school has a strong reputation for producing highly creative and experimental artists, with a commitment to nurturing each student’s individual artistic voice. The university also fosters strong links with the wider creative community, offering students opportunities for exhibitions, networking, and collaboration. Glasgow’s thriving arts scene and its position within a city that is known for its creative industries make it a prime location for students to pursue art and design.

Goldsmiths, University of London, with a Guardian score of 66, is ranked ninth. Goldsmiths is renowned for its progressive approach to art and design education. The university’s programs emphasize critical thinking, conceptual exploration, and experimentation. It has long been a hub for avant-garde and contemporary artists, with a focus on interdisciplinary study that spans fine art, design, and digital media. Goldsmiths encourages students to challenge traditional boundaries of art and design, making it an excellent choice for those who want to push the envelope of creative expression. Its location in London offers students access to an international art scene, with opportunities to engage with global artistic movements and industry professionals.

The University of Lancaster and Writtle College tie for tenth place, both with a score of 65.3. Lancaster University offers a creative environment that encourages innovation and experimentation across a variety of art and design disciplines. Writtle College, located in Essex, specializes in fine art, design, and creative media. The college is known for its hands-on, practical approach to learning, and its students benefit from strong industry links and a personalized approach to teaching.

In conclusion, the UK’s top art and design schools are distinguished not only by their academic excellence and world-class facilities but also by their commitment to fostering creativity and innovation. These institutions provide students with the tools, networks, and intellectual frameworks necessary to succeed in the competitive and ever-evolving art world. The Guardian's rankings highlight a diverse array of schools, from established institutions like UCL and Oxford to dynamic, forward-thinking institutions like Goldsmiths and Brunel, illustrating the broad spectrum of opportunities available to students pursuing art and design education in the UK.

UK Top ranking Art and design schools:

Rating, Name, Guardian Score (Top 10 list)
1 UCL 100
2 Oxford 87.5
3 Brunel 81.9
4 Edinburgh 74.5
5 Newcastle 70.6
6 Loughborough 70
7 Edinburgh Napier 68.3
8 Glasgow 67.1
9 Goldsmiths 66
10 Lancaster 65.3
10 Writtle College 65.3
Source: Guardian 2010

Guardian League Table 2004:
Rank, Institution, Guardian teaching score/100
1 University College London 84
2 Oxford 79
3 Lancaster 76
4 Dundee 75
5 Loughborough 75
6 London Institute 75
7 Brunel 74
8 Nottingham Trent 74
9 APU 73
10 Leeds 72
11 Heriot-Watt 71
12 Westminster 71
13 Gloucestershire 70
14 Uni Col Chichester 70
15 Teesside 70
16 Central England 69
17 Edinburgh Col of Art 69
18 Falmouth Col of Arts 69
19 Oxford Brookes 69
20 Uni Col Northampton 69
21 Kingston 68
22 Norwich Schl of Art & Design 68
23 Ravensbourne Col of Design & Comm 68
24 Wimbledon Sch of Art 68
25 Goldsmiths Col 68
26 Middlesex 68
27 West of England 67
28 Northumbria Uni at Newcastle 67
29 Bath Spa Uni Col 67
30 Southampton 66
31 Staffordshire 66
32 Arts Institute, Bournemouth 66
33 Bolton Institute of HE 66
34 Bournemouth 66
35 Wales, Bangor 66
36 Luton 65
37 Portsmouth 65
38 East London 65
39 Kent Institute of Art & Design 65
40 Liverpool John Moores 65
41 Robert Gordon 65
42 Surrey Institute of Art & Design 65
43 Sunderland 65
44 Kent at Canterbury 65
45 Reading 64
46 Plymouth 64
47 Manchester Metropolitan 64
48 Brighton 64
49 Hertfordshire 64
50 Lincoln 63
51 De Montfort 63
52 Glasgow 63
53 Canterbury Christ Church Uni Col 63
54 Huddersfield 63
55 Central Lancashire 63
56 Napier 62
57 Newcastle 62
58 Wolverhampton 62
59 Buckingham Chilterns Uni Col 61
60 Ulster 61
61 Glamorgan 61
62 Salford 60
63 Col of St Mark & St John 59
64 Greenwich 59
65 Liverpool Hope Col 59
66 Coventry 59
67 Swansea Institute of HE 58
68 Roehampton 58
69 Sheffield Hallam 57
70 Wales, Aberystwyth 57
71 Trinity Col, Carmarthen 56
72 Wales Institute, Cardiff 56
73 Wales, Newport 56
74 Derby 56
75 North-East Wales Institute of HE 56
76 Southampton Institute 55
77 Chester Col of HE 54
78 St Martin's Col 54
79 Cumbria Institute of The Arts 53
80 Leeds Metropolitan 53
81 Edge Hill Col of HE 50
82 Uni Col Worcester 50
83 York St John Col 50