UCA School of Games & Creative Technology Guide

by Thomas Sykutera

“The Creative Technologist is the fastest-growing job title in the world. The ways of thinking and the skills of creation learned within the School of Games & Creative Technology will set you up for the careers of tomorrow but in demand today. We are proud to have a suite of courses developed with this in mind. So, enjoy choosing from this exciting offer, and we are looking forward to welcoming you to our school soon.” – Professor Simon Macklin, Pro ViceChancellor (Portfolio Development and Global Engagement)

We know creativity makes our world more innovative, more joyous, and more human. We’re outside the establishment, standing for fresh perspective and originality. With us, you’ll be a name, not a number as we deliver an education tailored to you and your future. Join the CREATIVE UPRISING and be part of a 160-year tradition of doing things differently.

Building your network

At the School of Games & Creative Technology, our students get regular hands-on experience and access to some of the biggest names in mainstream and independent gaming and technology. Whether it’s taking part in Game Jams or learning from visiting industry leaders, you’ll benefit from serious expertise.

Matt Fletcher - Head of 3D (Glassworks)

– Jordan Buckner - Independent ArtistFilmmaker (BBC, BFI, Arts Council)

– Jon Stewart – Senior Character Artist (Supermassive Games)

– Leo Tsang – Lead Lighting, Rendering and Compositing TD (Blue Zoo Animation Studio)

Charles Serafini – 3D Animator (Dreamplant Studio)

– Urvashi Lele - Animator (ReDefine VFX specialists)

Our partnerships

UCA is a sponsor partner for the Guildford Games Festival

Long-standing connection with Supermassive Games, where several of our graduates work

Oskar Woinski

Success after Graduation

Our games and creative technology graduates go on to do great things - here’s just some of the career paths they’ve taken:

Thomas Sykutera - 3D Character Artist for Guerrilla Games

Megan Wheeler - Games Designer for King Lewis Blythe - 2D/3D Character Concept Artist for TT Games

– Jack Eaves - Senior Concept Artist for Playground Games

– Lydia Beharrell - Game Designer for Super Massive Games

Tom Jackson - Mission Designer for Sledgehammer Games

Credit: George Turns

Course index

BA (Hons) Comic & Concept Art

BA (Hons) W223

BA (Hons) with Integrated Foundation Year W22A

BA (Hons) with International Foundation Year W22C

BA (Hons) with Professional Practice Year W224

BA (Hons) with Integrated Foundation Year AND Professional Practice Year W22B

BA (Hons) with International Foundation Year AND Professional Practice Year W22D

BSc (Hons) Computer Science*

BSc (Hons) G400

BSc (Hons) with Integrated Foundation Year G40A

BSc (Hons) with International Foundation Year G40C

BSc (Hons) with Professional Practice Year G401

BSc (Hons) with Integrated Foundation Year AND Professional Practice Year G40B

BSc (Hons) with International Foundation Year AND Professional Practice Year G40D

BA (Hons) Games Animation

BA (Hons) W281

BA (Hons) with Integrated Foundation Year W28A

BA (Hons) with International Foundation Year W28C

BA (Hons) with Professional Practice Year W282

BA (Hons) with Integrated Foundation Year AND Professional Practice Year W28B

BA (Hons) with International Foundation Year AND Professional Practice W28D

BA (Hons) Games Arts

BA (Hons) W280

BA (Hons) with Integrated Foundation Year W28F

BA (Hons) with International Foundation Year W28H

BA (Hons) with Professional Practice Year W283

BA (Hons) with Integrated Foundation Year AND Professional Practice Year W28G

BA (Hons) with International Foundation Year AND Professional Practice Year W28J

Course UCAS Code

Course

BA (Hons) Games Design

BA (Hons) I620

BA (Hons) with Integrated Foundation Year I62A

BA (Hons) with International Foundation Year I62C

BA (Hons) with Professional Practice Year I621

BA (Hons) with Integrated Foundation Year AND Professional Practice Year I62B

BA (Hons) with International Foundation Year AND Professional Practice Year I62D

BSc (Hons) Games Development

BSc (Hons) G450

BSc (Hons) with Integrated Foundation Year G45A

BSc (Hons) with International Foundation Year G45C

BSc (Hons) with Professional Practice Year G451

BSc (Hons) with Integrated Foundation Year AND Professional Practice Year G45B

BSc (Hons) with International Foundation Year AND Professional Practice Year G45D

BA (Hons) Virtual & Augmented Reality

BA (Hons) I700

BA (Hons) with Integrated Foundation Year I70A

BA (Hons) with International Foundation Year I70C

BA (Hons) with Professional Practice Year I701

BA (Hons) with Integrated Foundation Year AND Professional Practice Year I70B

BA (Hons) with International Foundation Year AND Professional Practice Year I70D

BA (Hons) Studio Practice – Games (top-up)

BA (Hons) W402

BA/BSc (Hons) Computer Science & Practice (top-up)*

BA/BSc (Hons) G402

Karmonaite

Credit: Jonasz Salaga

When thinking about your career, there’s only one thing as important as your education – building industry experience.

At UCA, you’ll be able to get both at once, building hands-on experience while you study through a range of opportunities designed to help you enhance your CV. From live industry briefs and work placements through to optional Professional Practice Years, there’s an option to suit you.

Professional Practice Years

Many of our undergraduate courses come with the option of an additional Professional Practice Year. If you choose this route, you’ll take a study break between years 2 and 3 to go on a year-long placement related to your studies. Learn more on the course pages at uca.ac.uk

Guaranteed work placements

Preparing graduates for successful careers underpins everything we do, and all School of Games & Creative Technology students will be offered an industry placement anywhere between two weeks and a year in length, depending on their individual needs. We’ll draw on our wide range of contacts within the creative industries to

ensure you’re offered opportunities that align with your interests and future career aspirations.

Live industry briefs

One of the most exciting features of UCA courses is the opportunity to take part in   live industry briefs and competitions. Students on our Games & Creative Technology courses will take part in game jams and other exciting projects on concepts, designs and prototypes.

UCA is also the proud host of its Incubator Studio, a place for our graduates to work on indie game concepts for release. Like Squillamorph, the game created by BA (Hons) Games Arts graduates James Barrow, Connor Wright and Sarah Buettner.

James said of the Incubator Studio: “It gave us support that would have been harder to gain on our own, in the form of industry contacts and business advice. It also gave us a dedicated studio space to work in. This enabled us to develop the game and bounce ideas off each other in the same place every day. Without the Incubator Studio, Squillamorph may not have been developed as far and would not have progressed as quickly as it has.”

A foot in the door

Welcome to Farnham

With its market town charm and its excellent transport links to London, the South East and the South Coast, Farnham is a town with much to offer.

Our campus, with its extensive specialist facilities and large on-site halls community, sits on the outskirts of the town, a stone’s throw away from the iconic Lion and Lamb Yard and a host of cafes, restaurants, pubs and independent shops.

Student favourites include the Slug and Lettuce and The Lost Boy in the town centre, together with the Starbucks close to campus. For a bit of culture, you’ll find regular shows, stand-up comedy, films and activities at Farnham Maltings, and some lively nightlife is just a short bus or train ride away in Guildford, with venues like

Wetherspoons and Popworld nightclub among the many places to have fun.

And for shopping, there’s plenty of choice, with a range of charity shops, bookstores, Elphick’s department store, Pullingers art supplies and 101 Collectors Records among the highlights.

You’ll also find stunning countryside walks close to Farnham, including Bourne Woods, where many blockbuster movies have been filmed, and Caesar’s Camp, which gives spectacular views across Surrey and Hampshire.

Meet our school community

“Seeing students explore and discover new creative solutions in web design has been hugely rewarding for me as a creative Technician. I think of my role as setting up the technical perimeters for them and standing back and watching as they develop their skills and confidence and start to push those perimeters.”

“It’s always great to see how students develop and expand concepts, and really make them their own. It can only need a small spark of inspiration to set the ball in motion and you never know quite where it will end. I really enjoy the challenges it can raise for me as well, to make sure I’m able to support students realise their original vision. There is always some new skill or technique to learn.”

Lucas Salvador BA (Hons) Games Arts graduate

“I couldn’t see myself having a better preparation for the games industry than this course. The proximity to one of the largest game development centres in the world, Guildford, is also a massive perk.”

Antony Harrington Technical Creative IT Web Design, Farnham

Simon Hiller Digital Media Technical Tutor

Huw Williams BA (Hons) Games Design graduate George King BSc (Hons) Games Technology student

“My experience at UCA has been so positive. My tutors are kind and understanding, while maintaining a professional and supportive attitude. I feel I made the right choice in university.”

“Since I started my course, I have gained incredible new understanding and experience of the software used in the video game industry. Even though it can be challenging, it’s really rewarding, and I love it.”

Living at UCA

Moving away from home is a big moment. Wherever you’re staying while you    study – campus halls of residence or privately rented flats, houses or lodgings – you’re about to have your first taste of independence in a diverse and tight-knit creative community, and we want to make sure you feel settled and happy.

Farnham halls of residence  Farnham has two halls of residence, both on campus and housing around 600 students. Prices ranged from £125 - £187 (these are subject to change, but this gives you a rough idea of what to expect).

University Walk

Our newest accommodation, located next to our Film & Media Centre and library, comprises five buildings and each is identifiable by its coloured feature window - Austen House is purple, Watts House is red, Swift House is yellow, Cobbett House is orange and Godfrey House is green.

Our stylish accommodation is home for more than 250 students to settle in, with each flat sleeping eight students in single en-suite bedrooms, along with a shared kitchen and dining area.

There are six fully accessible bedrooms for students with disabilities too. One flat is adapted for students with disabilities.

Student Village

UCA Farnham’s Student Village comprises 45 purpose-built houses containing up to eight bedrooms each. Features include:

Shared facilities – two showers and two toilets per house

A single bed, bookcase/shelves, desk and chair, wardrobe and washbasin in each bedroom

– A shared kitchen/communal area with cookers and fridge-freezers, and small appliances including kettles and microwaves

There are 16 en-suite bedrooms, which are predominantly allocated to students with medical conditions and/or a disability.

Internet access

– Student wardens on-site for out-ofhours needs.

Private accommodation

If the idea of halls isn’t for you, or you don’t get a place in our halls, private accommodation is the way to go. There is a bit more to consider if you take this route, so preparation is key, as well as research and budgeting.

Accommodation Guarantee

We’re proud to offer all first-year students a guaranteed accommodation offer –either through halls or privately – for 2023. To qualify, you must accept your offer from UCA by the UCAS deadline (usually mid-January). International students applying directly to UCA must apply by 30 April 2023 to qualify.

Here to help

You can find out more about our accommodation offering, our services, our contact details and more about our Accommodation Guarantee for first-year students, by scanning the QR code below.

Our facilities and resources

Being ahead of the game – literally – is crucial on our courses, so that when you graduate, you’ll be industry-ready and able to start your exciting career. We’ve got a fantastic suite of facilities available to our students!

Together with all the computer hardware and software you should expect at university, there’s also a range of unexpected facilities that you can

take advantage of – particularly useful when collaborating with other students across campus.

And we’re delighted to say that we’ve secured £2 million capital funding for this school, meaning we can invest in the very latest IT infrastructure going forward, and develop our motion capture and virtual reality studios.

Facilities highlights

– Multiple film soundstages with industry-standard lighting facilities

Animation studios with Mac workstations, lightboxes, Wacom Cintiq tablets, line testers and hi-speed batch scanners

– Animation rostrum rooms set up to capture stop-frame animation on DragonFrame

Dedicated games art IT studios with specialist hardware and software

– VR and game testing areas

– Colour and black and white darkrooms

– Photography studios with an infinity table

FAB LAB, a digital fabrication service with laser cutters and 3D printing facilities, offering a host of computer aided design and creation opportunities

– Digital print bureau providing a professional print and finishing service using an extensive range of materials, paper types, sizes, finishes and binding options

Film & Media Centre featuring a live performance room, control room for sound mixing, dubbing theatre, rehearsal studios and film soundstage with industry standard Arri film lighting rigs

250 seat lecture and film screening theatre with 4K digital projection and online streaming capabilities

Three-camera digital television studio, networked to our broadcast newsroom and using industry-leading autocue software.

Character building

A talent for creating LEGO characters helped Games Arts graduate Lewis Blythe to a rapid rise in the industry – and then he got a major boost when he was accepted onto the prestigious BAFTA Crew Programme.

Lewis, who graduated in 2017, specialised in character art for his final major project, and throughout his course did a number of LEGOthemed commissions and side projects.

Just a few months after his graduation, a job opened up at TT Games, developers of the LEGO games which are so popular. He became a Junior Character Artist, and in his three years there has already been promoted to Character Concept Artist.

“My day to day life as a character artist involves a lot of communication with other departments; working together with the design and animation departments to land on the best narrative and technical direction for each character is a big part of the job,” he said. “I do a lot of 2D concept art and sketching in Procreate

on the iPad before moving across to 3D software like zBrush and Maya to start sculpting my ideas.

“My favourite part of the job is when animation get their hands on my models and I can see them breathe life into my characters. It never gets old!”

Lewis said the skills and the vital industry links he forged while on his course were integral to his success.

“I grew so much as an artist during my three years and really got the opportunity to direct myself and become an independent learner in my final year,” he said. “I got to make some really strong connections with a number of people that have also made their way into the games industry and being down south at Farnham was so useful as it allowed me to visit a lot of different games industry events in London and the surrounding area.”

Lewis coupled his work with TT Games with developing his network and his knowledge through the BAFTA Crew Programme. BAFTA runs the

programme each year, divided up into specialities across film, television and games.

“I’d seen the BAFTA Crew programme recommended by a few different industry friends, and I thought it would be a really nice opportunity for me to grow my network and meet some new people,” Lewis said. “I applied earlier in the year and I felt so happy and grateful when I found out I’d been offered a place, it was such a pleasant surprise to cap off this year. It’s a great form of recognition for my progress and position in the games industry.”

Through the programme, Lewis had the opportunity to take part in workshops, meet-ups and networking events.

Ahead of joining the programme, he said: “I’m mainly excited to get to know other industry professionals who are in a similar position to me, to learn and share knowledge and experience. Above all I’m just excited to immerse myself more in an industry and profession I love.”

And what advice does Lewis have for other gaming students – how can they get the best from their university experience?

“I’d say, make the most of your classmates and collaborate with each other! Communication and working in a team are some of the most important soft skills for game development. Play as many different types of games, by as many different types of creators as you can, as having a diverse taste and perspective will improve your art and the way you think about games massively.

“Oh, and if you want to be a Character Artist, I know it’s the absolute worst but PRACTICE RETOPOLOGY!”

Read more student stories at uca.ac.uk/blogs

Girls changing the game

Who do you immediately think of when you imagine a gamer?

It’s a guy, isn’t it?

We’re all guilty of it. That initial assumption to say Candy Crush is for the girls and the rest is for the boys. Over the years it’s been drummed into us as a society that the stereotypical game fanatic is a guy who’ll go out at midnight on release day to buy the latest version of FIFA or Call of Duty so they can play football or war games online 24/7.

But it’s just not true. There are plenty of girls who are just as keen on gaming as the boys – not that there’s many games that are aimed at them. They play anyway – World of Warcraft, Red Dead Redemption, Marvel’s Spider-Man – and in increasing numbers they’re studying it too, right here at UCA.

Meet Lydia Beharrell, left. She’s a graduate of BA (Hons) Games Design and became obsessed with games as a 15-year-old when she was gifted an XBOX 360.

“I was no longer staring at a tiny screen and cutesy game worlds, I was now open to stories and environments with a lot more depth and it just blew my mind,” she said. “Being the only girl on this course for the past three years was slightly weird but ultimately it didn’t made a big difference. The boys in my course were absolutely lovely and I feel like we became a fun little family over the years.”

Lydia, who now works for Super Massive Games as a Games Designer, reckons she’s going to have to fight harder than her male counterparts to get to the top, but knows it needs to happen in order to improve gaming overall and improve diversity in characters.

“Games have such an impact on the enter tainment industry, and now can cost and earn more than blockbuster films, so it’s dangerous that players are only getting a predomi nantly one-gendered view,” she said.

Meanwhile Games Arts graduate Nicole Moore, below, first got into gaming thanks to visits to her cousin and playing with them on their Nintendo 64. Her main ambition after graduating is to work on AAA games. Like Lydia, she believes having more women in the gaming industry can only improve representation and gender equality.

“Representation is probably the first thing that comes to mind. There might actually be some variety in the depiction of female characters you’d see in games, if there were more women involved in the design process of games. Not to mention helping to dismantle the concept that women don’t play,” she added.

Read more student stories at uca.ac.uk/blogs

At UCA, we understand that you might need to develop your portfolio and skills, or maybe you haven’t studied creative subjects at college. We don’t believe these things should stop you from achieving your dreams.

This is why we offer our Foundation Years to those students who need it. The Foundation Year is designed to bridge the gap from where you are now, to where you need to be so that you can begin your degree with confidence. All of our courses feature a foundation year if you need to take one – whether you’re a UK or international student.

Integrated Foundation Year

For UK students, the Integrated Foundation Year is designed to give you the skills you’ll need to start your degree in the best possible way –

with confidence, solid knowledge of creative practice, study skills and more. You’ll explore a range of creative techniques and develop your portfolio, with your chosen subject in mind. We’ll work with you throughout the year to ensure you’re on the right track and give you the tools to achieve your highest potential on your degree.

Integrated International Foundation Year

For our students coming from a nonUK educational background, your Integrated International Foundation Year is exactly the same as for our UK students – but with a few small changes to help you settle in and be the best you can be, including the English speaking and writing skills you’ll need to progress.

success

Our courses

BA (Hons) Comic & Concept Art

Whether you want to draw stories for graphic novels and comics or create concept art for films or games, our BA (Hons) Comic & Concept Art degree will get you on the right track.

This degree is all about preparing you for the vital role that comic and concept artists play in animation, film, games, comics and other media.

Your imagination and drawing skills will combine to visualise directors’ ideas on paper and screen, building your problem-solving skills as you create new and exciting designs.

This course focuses on the pre-production process, and will involve designing assets including characters, creatures, environments, key art illustrations, splash art, weapons and props.

You’ll explore these creative briefs through traditional art methods, as well as using digital art tools such as Photoshop, Maya, ZBrush and After Effects.

Year 1

Your first year will focus specifically on developing your understanding of comic and concept art, and your individual style. You’ll explore the core illustration practices that are the foundations of effective development as a comic artist, including the use of appropriate software packages.

Year 2

In your second year, we’ll challenge you to dig deeper, build your skills further and flourish as an artist. You’ll also develop yourself as a professional as you learn how to deal with clients and make your name in the industry.

Year 3

In your final year, you’ll use all the knowledge, skills and experience you have built to propose, prepare and produce your final major project. You’ll also work on your professional profile as you look towards a career in industry.

Credit: Owen Eastman

Credit: Yasmin Dyer

BA (Hons) Games Animation

Everyone can dabble in digital art and animation with the help of their smartphone or tablet - but if you want to take your skills to the next level and turn your passion into a career, our BA (Hons) Games Animation course is for you.

The course has an emphasis on art and production design, and the skills you’ll learn will make you a proficient user of industry-standard programs and software. You’ll also develop traditional artistic skills to help you make your mark in the industry.

As you learn to use programs such as Autodesk Maya and Adobe Creative Suite, you’ll gain digital skills that are highly prized by employers.

You’ll develop your drawing skills in weekly lifedrawing classes and have access to a wealth of online learning support, including a collection of more than 200 bespoke online video tutorials, which are constantly updated to reflect evolving industry practice.

Graduates go into the job market with a wealth of transferable skills and have gone on to work for major companies including Industrial Light and Magic, Double Negative, Framestore, Glassworks and Blue Zoo.

Credit: Amy Brooks

Credit: Sarah B

BA (Hons) Games Arts

Creating whole new worlds and characters is the focus of our BA (Hons) Games Arts course.

On this practice-based games degree, you’ll develop the skills to become a true team player who is all set for a career in the gaming industry.

This course, which is accredited by The Rookies, will equip you with the tools you need to become a skilled games artist, as well as developing your ability to work with others to produce games collaboratively in a way that replicates industry practice.

You’ll develop your skills using world-class facilities, with high-end hardware and the latest software such as Autodesk Maya, Substance, Quixel Suite, Zbrush, Marvelous Designer, Marmoset Toolbag and games engines such as Unity and Unreal.

You’ll also benefit from opportunities to collaborate with students on our Games Technology course, and make the most of our exceptional industry links to brands like Rebellion, SEGA, Creative Assembly and SuperMassive Games.

When you complete the course, you’ll be ready to launch a career in the industry. Past graduates have gone on to work for AAA, iii and indie games companies in the UK and beyond.

George Sherlock Credit: Cristian Romero Geschier

BA (Hons) Games Design

Covering the full indie game development pipeline, from planning and concept to publishing, our BA (Hons) Games Design specifically explores this vibrant, imaginative and fast-growing sector of the games industry.

This course blends games arts, games design and critical thinking with professional skills and project management for the indie games sector and will prepare you for working either in a team at an independent studio or on your own development projects.

You’ll be able to focus on your own individual approach to games design as you develop a personal game style and portfolio. You’ll also work within small, agile teams, where each contributor usually performs more than one role, has more creative ownership over the result and is able to innovate and challenge what has gone before.

With access to excellent facilities and high-end technology, plus the support of experienced staff with strong links to the indie gaming industry, you’ll graduate with the skills and tools you need to jump right into your dream career.

Credit: Emilija Karmonaite

Credit: Oliwia Janczewska

BSc (Hons) Games Development

Our BSc (Hons) Games Development course is perfect if you’re seeking a career as a sought-after Technical Artist within the gaming industry.

This industry-focused degree course is founded on the principles of User-Centred Design (UCD) and Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), and you’ll learn how to consider the user throughout each stage of the game design and development process.

As you explore game design, you’ll have access to the very latest hardware and software – Alienware Aurora towers, 4k dual screens, RTX 2080 graphics cards and SSD HDs, with Unity and Unreal games engines for prototyping. As the course progresses, you’ll be able to test your games on the very latest Dev Kits, including those from Sony PlayStation, as part of the Sony PlayStation First Academic Development programme.

This course sits alongside the established and highly regarded BA (Hons) Games Arts degree, and you’ll have plenty of opportunities to collaborate with students on that programme as you make game prototypes together.

You’ll also get to take part in Game Jams with your peers across our games degrees, mirroring industry approaches to idea iteration and team development.

When it comes to industry links, you’ll benefit from our connections with games brands including Rebellion, SEGA, Creative Assembly and SuperMassive Games, and graduate with all the tools you need for a successful career.

Past graduates have gone on to work for AAA, iii and indie games companies across the UK and abroad.

Credit: Josh Lynch

Credit: Jonasz Salaga

BA (Hons) Virtual & Augmented Reality

Take your technological know-how to the next level and gain the skills to join a fast-growing sector of industry on our new BA (Hons) Virtual & Augmented Reality degree course.

You’ll be introduced to the fundamentals of immersive technologies, before honing your skills on exciting projects, where you’ll also learn about the processes and workflows you’ll find in the workplace after graduation.

You’ll also be given the opportunity to broaden your knowledge on elective units that push your talents and get you working collaboratively.

You have the option to complete a Professional Practice Year as part of this course. This will give you the opportunity to develop your professional, academic and personal potential, equipping you to be confident and engaged in creative workplaces. Employers widely recognise these qualities, and a significant proportion of placement students are offered graduate-level jobs or go onto postgraduate study.

New for 2023

Our new Studio Practice top-up course in Games will give you the chance to gain all the skills you need to progress to postgraduate study in the UK.

The course is aligned with our final year undergraduate students’ studies, enabling you to progress to a Master’s course in a streamlined way.

You’ll get right into the action from the start, undertaking research and practical projects, working on collaborative activities and building your skills, knowledge and confidence.

Learn the technical skills you’ll need to be a highly valued IT specialist on our BSc (Hons) Computer Science degree. Our course covers practical, contextual and theoretical approaches to the field of computer science, including programming, software design, security and data.

If you’re already accomplished in information technology and computer science but wish to top up your qualifications to a full degree, our new topup in Computer Science & Practice gives you the opportunity to take your expertise to the next level.

Credit: Bella Bernard

Credit: Malik Nieto

Next steps

1. Applying

For full time undergraduate courses, fill out an application form via ucas.com (deadline 25 January). The institution name is UCA, the institution code is C93, and campus codes are C, E, F and M (for Maidstone TV Studios).

OR

For Further Education or parttime undergraduate courses, fill out an application form directly with us using the ‘Apply now’ link on the course pages at uca.ac.uk

2. Your application

Once you’ve submitted your application, you’ll receive an email from us with your username and password for the UCA Applicant Portal.

3.

Create a portfolio

We really hope you’ve got all the information you need and are feeling excited about starting the next stage of your journey with us at UCA.

If you’d like to apply to become a student here, there are a few things you need to do. So, we’ve put together this checklist of tasks for you to tick off as you go.

4.

Come to your applicant day

Depending on your course, you may need to create a portfolio of your work. Here are some tips (see page 40 for more):

– Include 12-20 pieces of work, neatly presented.

– Lead with your show-stopping pieces.

– Your work can include freehand sketches or finished works, notes or sketchbooks

Present examples of your research that show idea development

Let your personality shine through and tell us what or who inspires you.

– For games design, we are looking for emerging designers and would therefore love to see a game that you’ve made, if you have one.

– And make sure your portfolio is organised – it’s got to clearly represent your artistic development.

You may be invited to an interview, where you’ll learn more about your course and meet the tutors.

5.

Read your offer email carefully

If your application is successful, you’ll receive an offer email from us that explains the full terms and conditions of your offer. You can also find details of your offer in your UCA Applicant Portal.

Accept your offer

For UCAS applications, accept by logging into UCAS Track OR

For direct applications, accept using the task in your Applicant Portal.

International students: Pay your tuition fee deposit

Receive your CAS number

– Use your CAS number to apply for a visa.

7.

Apply for accommodation

As soon as you can apply for accommodation, we’ll contact you to let you know. This is usually in March for courses starting in September.

8.

Apply for a student loan

To apply, visit: gov.uk/student-finance

9.

Confirm your accommodation

For halls or local accommodation, make sure you’ve: Made your advance payment

– Confirmed your moving in date.

10.

Take your place at UCA Settle into your accommodation

Enrol on your course

– Meet your new friends

Enjoy your creative journey!

Portfolio advice

At UCA, we know you’re about more than just grades. To us, exams are only part of the picture – your creativity and what you can do are just as important. Which is why, when you apply to most of our courses, we ask to see a portfolio.

Your portfolio is a collection of your best work; you might want to show us sketches and paintings, digital art and design, photography, fabric swatches or patterns, sound work, musical compositions, short films, or even essays and creative writing.

At our Applicant Days (or in an online interview if you submitted your portfolio digitally), we’ll get the opportunity to meet you and learn more about you as a person. They usually take place between December and March, and are a fun, informal next step in the application process.

We want to see what inspires you, what you create and what makes you unique. And if your course doesn’t ask for a portfolio but you still want to show us your work, we’d love to see it anyway.

Portfolio tips

For all Games & Creative Technology courses we’ll ask for 12-20 examples of your current work which shows off your experience, interests, aspirations, and passion for the subject.

Your work may include free-hand sketches or finished works; notes, sketchbooks and other preparatory work would be welcome.

For Games Design, we’re looking for emerging designers who are excited about the subject, keen to learn, and are looking to create amazing computer games. We’d like to see something (digital or otherwise) that you are able to interact with or play, made either by yourself or that you contributed to as part of a team. Don’t worry, we know not everyone has had the opportunity to make a game, and so we would also love to see your visual work films/animations or any code that you may have written.

If it’s not practical to bring physical work, photograph it, add it to a memory stick or upload it online. When uploading any work digitally, remember that if it’s a password protected site, we will need access. Try to use a platform that doesn’t require a login.

More questions about your portfolio?

Scan to find out more.

Entry requirements

When looking at whether to offer you a place on one of our courses, we’ll consider your academic credentials alongside the creative talent shown in your portfolio. You can learn more about how to put a portfolio together on page 42.

Here’s a breakdown of the usual academic requirements for each of our courses.

Integrated Foundation Year of a BA/BSc (Hons) degree:

A-level results adding up to 64 UCAS tariff points

Or a Diploma in Art & Design –Foundation Studies (Level 3 or 4) with a Pass

–

Or a BTEC Extended Diploma/ BTEC National Extended Diploma with Merit | Pass | Pass

Or a UAL Extended Diploma with a Pass

Or a combination of accepted Level 3 qualifications adding up to 64 UCAS tariff points

– Or an IB (International Baccalaureate) with a score of 24 or above

And: Four GCSE passes at grade 9 to 4 and/or A* to C, including English (or Functional Skills English/Key Skills Communication Level 2)

BA/BSc (Hons) degrees

–

–

A-level results adding up to 112 UCAS tariff points

Or a Diploma in Art & Design –Foundation Studies (Level 3 or 4) with a Pass

Or a BTEC Extended Diploma/ BTEC National Extended Diploma with Distinction | Merit | Merit

Or a UAL Extended Diploma with a Merit

Or an Access to Higher Education Diploma

– Or a combination of accepted Level 3 qualifications adding up to 112 UCAS tariff points

Or an IB (International Baccalaureate) with a score of 27–30 (at least 15 IB points at Higher Level)

And:

– Four GCSE passes at grade 9 to 4 and/or A* to C, including English (or Functional Skills English/Key Skills Communication Level 2)

International students

International students can view typical entry requirements by country on our website. If your first language is not English, you will be required to provide evidence of your English language ability –usually a total score of 6.0 on the IELTS for UKVI Academic or IELTS Academic tests, with no less than 5.5 in any component. More information on our English language entry requirements and other evidence we can accept is available at: uca.ac.uk

Other qualifications

We can consider other relevant and equivalent UK/EU/international qualifications on an individual basis.

Sometimes, we make offers with lower entry requirements to students who have faced difficulties that have affected their performance, and who were expected to achieve higher results.

Open Days

Coming to an Open Day - whether virtually or in person - is a great way to find out more about UCA, the courses we offer, and whether this is the right place for you.

Whether you visit us in person or attend our online events, you’ll get a feel for life in our creative community and a taste of how our courses can help you turn your passions into an exciting and impactful career.

In-person Open Days

If you decide to come to an in-person open day, you’ll need to book a place on our website. It’s easy and free to do, and you’ll be able to register for any talks you’d like to go along to at the same time – from course-specific presentations to more general ones about life at UCA and funding your studies.

There will also be campus and accommodation tours, and a subject exhibition where you can meet lecturers and chat to our student ambassadors about what life here is really like.

Chat to a student: uca.ac.uk/chat

Explore our online talks: uca.ac.uk/ events/future-students

UCA Open Days

2022/23

Saturday 26th November 2022

– Wednesday 18th January 2023

Wednesday 26th April 2023

– Saturday 17th June 2023

Saturday 1st July 2023

Book your place

UCA FarnhamUCA Farnham

Heathrow Airport

London Channel Tunnel

Maidstone Television Studios

UCA Canterbury Gatwick Airport

UCA Epsom

Heathrow Airport

CONNECT WITH

Join us at #UCAlive

Chat with our students

All information is correct at time of print. For the latest information please visit uca.ac.uk

We run live Q&A sessions where you can ask us anything you like about what it’s like to live and study here at UCA. Visit our website and follow us on social media to find out about our next #UCAlive session.

If you’re looking to find out more about student life at UCA, our Unibuddy scheme gives you the chance to chat with people who are studying here right now.

To chat with a student in your subject area, visit: uca.ac.uk/chat