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Performers Architects Designers Creatives Filmmakers Artists Storytellers of the future.

UEL’s (University of East London) creative departments are a forward-thinking hub of creativity in the thriving, creative hotbed of East London. We are a dynamic university of diverse leaders, innovators, and creative professionals.

We evolve and respond to the changeable world we find ourselves in, equipping and nurturing our students, to be flexible, multi-skilled, and adaptable to a changing future.

PERFORMERS

Our students participate in a wide range of high profile activities which form an integral part of the learning experience at UEL such as fashion weeks, tradeshows, performances, gigs, screenings and collaborative projects with industry partners in design, retail, styling, visual arts, sustainability and much more.

INDUSTRY LINKS

Our courses are focused on preparing students for careers in the creative industries, through a mix of skills and knowledge in production, theory, reflection, enterprise and industry engagement.

Students learn about their industry from day one and learn to produce work of professional standard for projects, festivals, business or entertainment, working to live or simulated briefs.

Our staff are makers, practitioners in industry or they research industry trends and developments. Companies we work with include East London Dance, Urban Development (Music), the National Youth Theatre, British Fashion Council, the V&A Museum, Bianca Saunders, ICEBERG, UMBRO (CHINA). As well as Zaha Hadid, London Architecture Festival, 3XN and British Land.

Interdisciplinary projects focus on the life and community of East London, bringing our courses to life through engagement with local enterprise, third-sector companies and local organisations.

We provide our students with strong industry links – placements, collaborations and staff with real industry experience.

OUR FACILITIES

Performing Arts students perform in a range of industry standard multi-purpose performance studios, production spaces and sound studios at our USS campus, also in Stratford.

Creative Arts students will have access to the newly acquired Stratford Youth Zone building, located in the heart of Newham’s metropolitan and cultural district. The building houses a 310-seat auditorium, a 90-seat studio theatre, plus a rehearsal space and a dance studio. This offers students on arts courses at UEL a unique opportunity to learn in a professional environment and deliver projects, performances, exhibitions and installations to the public.

Students can access The Black Box studio, and music recording studios, as well as seven Practice Rooms and an Equipment Store with a large array of instruments and equipment for hire.

Machine workrooms provide a full machining workshop, producing garments with a variety of construction techniques.

At our Docklands campus, fashion facilities encompass design pattern development sewing studios, clothing archives, material printing textile workshops, bio labs, sustainable research facilities and digital fabrication studios. Students can access a historical garment archive for design and construction insights. We encourage collaborations with other departments such as Film, Games, Sport, Interior Design, Photography, Journalism, and Fine Arts.

Production and Media students benefit from a range of green screen, newsroom, mac labs, edit, games and animation suites, as well as a radio station. Our flagship Moving Image Studio is a platform for developing, presenting and discussing the work of UK-based artists, film makers, scholars and organisations working with the moving image. Students can hire free of charge advanced video equipment (camcorders, tripods, lighting kits, steady cams, rifle microphones and SQN mixers), photographic equipment (DSLR cameras, full-frame film cameras, tripods, lighting kits and lenses) Games students can hire gaming laptops, usability equipment, heart rate monitors, eye tracking hardware and cameras.

To develop and refine practical skills, Architecture and Physical Design, as well as Art and Creative Design students, have access to specialised training in both analog and digital production within our photographic shoot studios and darkrooms.

Our Digital Fabrication Lab is equipped with state-of-the-art machinery, including laser cutting, 3D printers, vacuum forming, milling, etching, and vinyl cutting machines, and students can also utilise our robotics and electronics lab. Additionally, we offer resources such as magazine and clothing archives, screen printing, risographic printing, T-shirt/fabric printing, etching, and offset litho services.

We also have painting studios and workshops to support student’s learning in casting, welding, and specialist metalwork, for sculpture and fabrication. Our wood workshop is also available for fabrication and model making. Our digital and analogue TV Film and animation studios for video and photography-based work includes a 16mm film processing, shared edit and grading/vfx suites, illustration, and graphic design studios. There’s also a mobile live production outside broadcast/streaming unit. Computing facilities combine Mac and PC labs, laptop trollies for in studio usage, open access digital colour printers and large-format A0 printing are available during in term time, from 8am-10pm.

Way Out East opened in 2019 and expanded in 2022 and 2023 as part of a £1m renovation.

Way Out East Gallery showcases student and external work in regular exhibitions. It aims to explore creativity to its fullest: without limitation.

uel.ac.uk/way-out-east-gallery

PERFORMERS

CREATIVE COMMUNITY

Our learners are part ofa creative community where talent is showcased, where everyone, from all walks of life has a contribution to make. Our subject areas collaborate with each other, giving a full and broad range of experiences.

Our academic staff create a diverse and innovative learning environment that will not only challenge students but also expose them to a rich mix of culture and knowledge.

Students are supported by excellent technical and administrative staff and the courses are taught in purpose-built facilities to ensure that they have a full suite of resources available throughout their study.

We are at the heart of the cultural life of our local communities and of London itself: supplying some of the key talent, skills and ideas that will help shape the future of the UK’s creative economy.

ARCHITECTURE & PHYSICAL DESIGN

We are an award-winning school that celebrates diversity, creativity, and nurtures students into change-makers in the architecture industry. Journalist Anna Highfield from Architect’s Journal (AJ) aptly described us as ‘The SpaceX of architecture schools,’ acknowledging our innovative approach to architectural education that rapidly maximises the potential of our students, so they graduate with “the tools to design for a climate emergency”, earning us multiple awards and accolades in excellence, innovation, and sustainability.

At our core, we take great pride in embracing the richness of cultural backgrounds among our students, and firmly believe that this diversity enhances the learning experience, fostering a creative and inclusive environment. We equip our students with the skills and mindset to drive positive transformations in the architecture industry.

Over the years, we have established strong connections with employers worldwide, ensuring exceptional career opportunities for our students upon graduation. Our commitment to sustainable design has also contributed to our prominent position in the industry, as we actively seek answers to important questions related to the products we touch and the buildings and interiors our alumni create.

PERFORMERS

In the UK, our school stands out as one of the most diverse architecture and physical design institutions, with an impressive 75% of our students coming from diverse backgrounds. Moreover, we proudly serve as a minority majority school, with 68% of our students being the first in their families to pursue higher education.

Our dedication to excellence is evident through our world-class industry links, including research collaborations and academic partnerships

with top architectural practices such as GRIMSHAW, as well as local industrial partners like Tate & Lyle. These collaborations significantly enrich the educational experience, providing our students with invaluable real-world exposure, making them highly sought after and career-ready for jobs in practices across the globe.

Our alumni network comprises heads of creative practice and numerous senior-level members of the industry. They actively participate in student talks, reviews, and our annual end of year showcase, which further elevates the learning experience and offers invaluable insights from experienced professionals in the field.

PERFORMERS / ARCHITECTS / DESIGNERS / CREATIVES / FILMMAKERS /

Learning Opportunities for students studying interior design ranked 1st IN LONDON. Academic Support & Student Voice ranked 2nd IN LONDON by students studying Architecture (National Student Survey 2023, Results published 10th August 2023)

Ranked 2nd IN LONDON for Architecture and 3rd IN LONDON for Interior Design courses (Guardian University League Table 2024) OF

“When choosing university, I didn’t really understand how to find a great place, I could see that there are things that are good about each university. But here you get to feel that you get to be part of a family, and you don’t find anywhere else. I would strongly recommend people to come here and visit and see the amazing work that we have been doing and to come and join us. I think University of East London is the future. It’s

a great place to study and it’s a nice place to be.”

Rafael Ives Ribeiro Fischer Architecture Student

ART AND CREATIVE DESIGN

In the emerging era of automation and artificial intelligence, it will be the designers, the thinkers, and the problem solvers who will shape the world to come

We take pride in evolving and responding to the changeable world we find ourselves in. We teach and equip our students for the unknown, helping them to be nimble, multi-skilled, and adaptable for longevity and full employment. We give students the confidence and experience to develop the traditional language of visual communication, while encouraging students to think experimentally and be one of those who shape the coming visual agenda. We help students work on projects based on their passions in collaboration with peers.

CREATE | EXPERIMENT INNOVATE | COLLABORATE

Our students are constantly experimenting and trying new things, testing/pushing the boundaries. As we live in a fast-changing world, it means a never-ending stream of new unknown and unpredictable situations. Being adaptable is key to success. The most important thing for us to do is to help students learn to think creatively, coming up with innovative approaches to new and changing situations.

The most creative thinking comes when we work in collaboration with peers and practising artists via our ‘How To...’ symposium Detour Ahead, a symposium that brings us together as a visual arts community to explore and unpack the mechanics of the art and design industry. From art market sales to submitting funding applications, and in 2023 we delved into the origins of DIY Punk to resisting colonial saturations. Our Culture Manoeuvres lecture series that is embedded into students’ Professional Life modules attracts a packed-out weekly audience, listening to the inspiring presentations of visiting lecturers from across the disciplines.

As a student, you’ll have access to a studio and a wide variety of workshops to be able to develop skills ranging from traditional media such as painting, print, modelling, and sculpture to advanced digital media for fabrication and visualisation and communication.

PERFORMERS / ARCHITECTS / DESIGNERS / CREATIVES / FILMMAKERS / ARTISTS /

“UEL is special because of the Art and Creative Design cluster. When you come into this atmosphere, you feel creative! You want to do creative stuff, you are surrounded by creativity, and there are so many facilities. Everything is together under one umbrella, so easy to access. In UEL, you have access to the facilities even after graduation, which makes a massive difference! I have been doing Screen Printing this year, and I love it. I cannot stop doing it. I print on fabric and print on paper. Going forward, I will continue to mix with embroidery and screen printing. It is my final year, and I am just starting! It’s fantastic to graduate because I have this urge; I have this fire!”

Kemarie Walker, BA Graphic Design Student

Art courses at UEL are highly rated and ranked 1st IN LONDON in 6 categories including “Teaching on my course” & “Learning Resources”*

97% of students surveyed on our Fine Art course responded positively to questions on “The Teaching on my Course”*

*(National Student Survey 2023, Results published 10th August 2023)

FASHION

Gain skills across the fashion process, develop your unique voice and crititical thinking to shape the fashion industrythen bring them to life in our fully equipped workshopsincluding digital printing design, laser cutting, 3D printing and develop your fashion enterprise that will help to bridge the gap from education to a professional career. Our students have gained national and international recognition through London Fashion Week, Fashion Minority Report, Fashion Crossover and other national design awards and platforms including Depop and Instagram to name a few.

We’ve developed our courses to fit today’s fashion business, responding to its pace and the adaptability of its processes. Collaboration is key in our industry and our students work together from different courses, learning from each other as they achieve their goals. These collaborations result in exceptional work which can be evidenced in talented student fashion films, visual images and successful freelance businesses.

WHERE INNOVATION

Learning Opportunities for students studying fashion courses at UEL ranked highly with our Fashion Design course ranked 1st IN LONDON and our Fashion Marketing ranked 1st IN THE UK.*

92% of students surveyed on our Fashion Design course responded positively to questions on “The Teaching on my Course”.*

INNOVATION THRIVES

*(National Student Survey 2023, Results published 10th August 2023)

This course has been instrumental in shaping my path towards my dream job. It consistently encourages me to explore a multitude of outlets. I believe that gaining early exposure to the industry, especially during my first year provided me with the remarkable opportunity to collaborate with Umbro China. That experience

that is significantly contributing to my journey of becoming a modesty-oriented fashion designer within the fashion industry.

Arooj Arooj, Fashion Design

Our team has a wealth of expertise in the creative and technical aspects of the fashion business. Our staff have designed or consulted for brands such as Adidas, Burberry, Louis Vuitton, Ganni and Gucci.

Our facilities include dedicated manufacturing and digital workrooms, screen printing and dyeing facilities, and magazine and clothing archive rooms allowing you to master the handmade and enterprise element of creativity. Fashion students studying business-related subjects will also have access to our shared Mac labs gaining hands-on experience in Adobe programmes such as Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign as well as several industry-led programmes such as the Business of Fashion educational platform, WGSN and retail software.

For more information and to apply please visit: uel.ac.uk/fashion

MEDIA

Experience the exciting world of media and journalism at UEL, where your creative potential thrives, and industry doors swing open. Our distinguished faculty have exceptional contacts propelling you into a competitive field with insider insights. They support with activities such as skills workshops and industry visits with a focus on entrepreneurship and employability. Take advantage of UEL’s cutting-edge facilities, such as film, video, radio and games production studios, Mac labs and AV edit suites.

You’ll be given a complete grounding in your specialist areas thanks to our on-site production resources (that give you excellent exposure to the equipment that will be part of your day-to-day life) preparing for diverse career avenues in television, film, journalism, publishing, advertising, public relations, and games design. The skills and knowledge we build have enabled some students to become successful freelancers or set up their own businesses. Join our alumni who have secured roles in prestigious ventures, from television hits to entrepreneurial feats, as UEL paves the path to success in the dynamic universe of media and journalism. Our commitment goes beyond the classroom. You will learn the hopes of the industry through workshops and eyeopening visits to top media companies. You won’t just be a student – you’ll be an aspiring media entrepreneur, ready to conquer challenges and blaze your trail.

Your journey with us isn’t just about the here and now –it’s about your future career. We equip you with a solid foundation in your chosen specialisation, granting you invaluable exposure to practice and real-life experience into your future career. The skills you gain aren’t just theoretical; they’re the keys to unlocking doors in television, film, journalism, publishing, advertising, public relations, games design, and production.

Ranked 1st IN LONDON for media and film studies

(Guardian University League Table 2024)

What was great about studying Sports Journalism at UEL is the broad set of skills taught. Although some aspects were out of my comfort zone, I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn and build these skills early on in my career, as it helped me to create a diverse portfolio of work. I currently work as a CRM Executive at ITV, specifically working on their streaming platform, ITVX. In my role, I work within the marketing department and use various skills that I developed during my studies.

Teshani Nanayakkara BA (Hons) Sports Journalism

CREATE | ENGAGE |

PERFORMING ARTS

Throughout our courses students take part in masterclasses and workshops with industry professionals, work on industry briefs with performance production companies and artists or get hands-on practical experience as part of our student led Festivals that showcase the high-quality work that students produce whether that be dance, theatre, music or creative writing.

Our tutors and lecturers encourage learners to be daring. Teaching takes place in hi-tech studios and specialist performance spaces by professional practitioners with established reputations in dance, music, performance, writing, and applied practices.

Thanks to our reputation, there are numerous opportunities throughout our courses to work with acclaimed professional artists, such as renowned choreographers Kenrick Sandy (Boy Blue) as well as top companies like Theatre Royal Stratford East, East London Dance and the Hackney Empire and a range of innovative producing houses across London. PERFORMERS

Our Dance : Urban Practice course ranked 1st in London in 6 categories including “The Teaching On My Course” and “Assesment and Feedback”*

97% of students surveyed on this course responded positively to questions on “The Teaching on my Course”*

*(National Student Survey 2023, Results published 10th August 2023)

WHERE

USS Stratford

East London is our home but we’re also well connected to the rest of the capital and the world. Our Docklands campus is located by a DLR station, London City Airport is just over the river, and the Elizabeth Line links nearby Custom House to Liverpool Street in 10 minutes. At Stratford, we’re a 10 minute walk from Stratford station - a major transport hub.

Docklands

Docklands Campus

University Way

London E16 2RD

University Square

Stratford

1 Salway Road

London E15 1NF

Stratford Campus

Water Lane

London E15 4LZ