If you’re interested in developing a career as an artist, a degree in Art or Design is a great start. The art world is competitive, so a degree from a university respected in the subject could be a huge advantage. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of the best universities for Art and Design degrees in the UK and USA.

Art can take many forms, and may open the way to more career paths than you might think. Whether you’re interested in creating concept art for Hollywood movies or designing clothes, an Art degree can help you share your creativity with the world.

What are the best universities in the UK for Art?

Bournemouth University has long been recognised as one of the best universities in the UK for Art and Design degrees. In fact, it currently ranks an impressive 25th in the UK for Art and Design (Complete University Guide 2020).

You’ll enjoy fantastic facilities just for Art degree students at BU. There is a dedicated Art room, where students can practice drawing and animation. In fact, BU is even home to the renowned National Centre for Computer Animation (NCCA), where you can study computer-based arts. Graduates of the NCCA have gone on to major success working on BAFTA and Oscar-winning films, so you can be sure you’ll get a top notch education here.

Through Kaplan, you can study Art and Design degrees such as 3D Computer Animation, Digital Effects and Games Design.

Bournemouth University

Bournemouth University has long been recognised as one of the best universities in the UK for Art and Design degrees. In fact, it currently ranks an impressive 25th in the UK for Art and Design (Complete University Guide 2020).

“The UK has a long history of art and culture, and has been home to celebrated artists such as J.M.W. Turner and Damien Hirst. This is reflected in British academic institutions, many of which offer highly regarded Art degrees.”

share this quote

You’ll enjoy fantastic facilities just for Art degree students at BU. There is a dedicated Art room, where students can practice drawing and animation. In fact, BU is even home to the renowned National Centre for Computer Animation (NCCA), where you can study computer-based arts. Graduates of the NCCA have gone on to major success working on BAFTA and Oscar-winning films, so you can be sure you’ll get a top notch education here.

Through Kaplan, you can study Art and Design degrees such as 3D Computer Animation, Digital Effects and Games Design.

Nottingham Trent University

Another UK university with a great reputation for Art degrees is Nottingham Trent University, which ranks a brilliant 9th in the UK for Art and Design (Complete University Guide 2020).

NTU offers a wide range of Art degrees, including Decorative Arts, Fashion Design, Fine Art and Textile Design. These degrees give students the opportunity to specialise in their chosen area early, so they stand out among other graduates.

Another UK university with a great reputation for Art degrees is Nottingham Trent University, which ranks a brilliant 9th in the UK for Art and Design (Complete University Guide 2020).

NTU offers a wide range of Art degrees, including Decorative Arts, Fashion Design, Fine Art and Textile Design. These degrees give students the opportunity to specialise in their chosen area early, so they stand out among other graduates.

The University of Glasgow is ranked in the 7th in the UK for Art and Design (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2019). The University is renowned for degrees such as its master’s in Art History.

It is also home to the Hunterian Art Gallery, which houses an impressive collection of artworks and frequently has exhibitions dedicated to world-famous artists. In the city itself, you’ll find the famous Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, where you can head for inspiration.

Arizona State University

Arizona State University is a fantastic place to study an art degree. In fact, it’s ranked 20th in the USA for Fine Arts (U.S. News Education Best Graduate Schools 2019)!

You’ll have a huge choice of related degrees at ASU, with options to specialise in the medium that appeals most to you. Just some of your options include Art (Ceramics), Art (Drawing), Art (Printmaking).

ASU is also the USA’s number 1 most innovative university (U.S. News Education 2019), so you’re guaranteed a cutting-edge education.

Northeastern University

Those interested in a career in animation or digital art should consider Northeastern University in the USA. The University is ranked a competitive 23rd in the USA for Games Design (PrincetonReview 2019), meaning you’ll graduate with a degree that’s respected by employers.

You’ll also enjoy an amazing location. That’s because Northeastern’s main campus is in Boston, the USA’s number 1 student city (QS Best Student Cities 2018)!

Arizona State University is a fantastic place to study an art degree. In fact, it’s ranked 20th in the USA for Fine Arts (U.S. News Education Best Graduate Schools 2019)!

You’ll have a huge choice of related degrees at ASU, with options to specialise in the medium that appeals most to you. Just some of your options include Art (Ceramics), Art (Drawing), Art (Printmaking).

ASU is also the USA’s number 1 most innovative university (U.S. News Education 2019), so you’re guaranteed a cutting-edge education.

How to enter a UK or US University

Kaplan’s partner universities have great, varied degrees in the field of Art and Design, at both bachelor’s and master’s level. Many are available through a pathway course, which can help you prepare for university in another country.

Use our handy degree finder to search for Art degrees and take your first step towards a successful career in the arts.

These are highlights

10-12 hours

of CareerBridge coaching materials

2 one-to-one career coaching workshop

with a Specialist adviser

97% of participants

successfully complete their Virtual Internship placements

Ranked 110th globally

Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2021

Ranked 110th globally

Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2021

2 one-to-one career coaching workshop

with a Specialist adviser

97% of participants

successfully complete their Virtual Internship placements

Take the YIO with Internship and progress to one of these universities: