Do you want to study something creative?
The UK is well-known for producing some of the world’s best musicians, actors, and behind-the-camera technical experts. It also has some world renowned facilities, sites and study centres. Use this page to help you find your creative niche and speak to us to see how you can apply to study in this exciting area.
Mattika Silk (Thai) - Actor, author, scriptwriter and producer
“Kevin was a great help in re-starting my career in the UK. He was able to introduce me to contacts in the film and tv industry and help find specialist courses to advance my acting career”
Higher Education Studies
BIMM University - Film, Music & Performing Arts studies at campus locations in London, Brighton, Manchester, Bristol, Birmingham & Dublin (Ireland)
BIMM University opens the doors to the music industry by encouraging creative freedom, providing real-world industry experiences and communities across some of the most diverse and creative cities in the UK and Europe.
BIMM University provides an extensive range of courses in modern music, performing arts, and filmmaking to over 9,000 students. They provide the highest quality in creative arts education, allowing students to maximise their career potential.
BIMM University students benefit from a range of unique collaborative opportunities across music, film and performing arts, developing skills for you to take into your future creative career.
Music
Students are given access to unrivalled industry connections, experienced lecturers who live and breathe the world of music and the chance to choose from specialist courses at Diploma, Bachelor (Single and Joint Honours) and Masters level. Subjects include: Performance (Vocals, Guitar, Drums, Bass Guitar & Keyboards), Song-writing, Music Production, Electronic Music Production, Music and Sound Production, Music Marketing, Media and Communication, Event Management and Music Business.
Film & TV
Unleash your creativity, be inspired and become industry-ready in a dedicated community where if you have a vision, you can make a scene. Bachelor and Masters subjects include: Filmmaking, Hair and Make-up for Screen & Film, Production Design for Screen & Film and Film Business & Production.
Performing Arts
Offering elite performing arts training, BIMM has the expertise to ensure that students embrace their individuality, fulfil their ambitions, and reach their potential. Bachelor and Masters subjects include: Musical Theatre and Dance, Acting for Stage Screen and Digital Media and Performing Arts.
De Montfort University, Leicester
De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) is proud to be recognised as a university ranked Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework. DMU has been ranked in the top 20 universities for graduate prospects in The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2020 and previous DMU graduates have gone on to win Oscars and work with organisations such as the BBC, HSBC, Nike, BMW and the NHS.
Art, Design & Architecture
Our Art, Design and Architecture courses nurture creativity and encourage experimentation by offering industry-standard facilities complete with cutting-edge technologies such as high-spec PCs, CAD and digital editing suites as well as dedicated drawing and modelling studios.
Our graduates are working for a wide range of companies around the world including Jaguar Land Rover, Games Workshop, SeymourPowell, Double Negative, Natural Motion, SEGA, Disney
Studios, Edge Interiors, Universal Pictures,
The BBC, Ubisoft and John Lewis.
Undergraduate Courses –
- Animation BA (Hons)
- Architecture BA (Hons), RIBA / ARB Part I
- Architectural Technology BSc (Hons)
- Art and Design Foundation Diploma
- Building Surveying BSc (Hons)
- Concept and Comic Art BA (Hons)
- Design Crafts BA (Hons)
- Fine Art BA (Hons)
- Game Art BA (Hons)
- Graphic Design BA (Hons)
- Graphic Design (Illustration) BA (Hons)
- Interior Design BA (Hons)
- Photography and Video BA (Hons)
- Product and Furniture Design BA (Hons)
- Product Design BA (Hons)
- Product Design BSc (Hons)
- Quantity Surveying and Construction BSc (Hons)
Postgraduate Courses –
- Architectural Design MA
- Architecture and Sustainability MSc
- Architecture MArch, RIBA / ARB Part II
- Architectural Practice PG Dip, RIBA / ARB Part III
- Design Innovation MA/MSc
- Design Management and Entrepreneurship MA
- Digital Arts MA
- Digital Design MA
- Fine Art MA
- Interior Design MA
- International Urban Design MA
- Product Design MA
- Product Design MSc
Fashion & Textiles
We are recognised world leaders in intimate apparel and corsetry design, with a history spanning more than 70 years. Our Fashion and Textiles courses are responding to contemporary challenges with a curriculum that highlights sustainability and ethical practices. Our courses also have industry backing that gives you the chance to work with and learn from some of the best designers in the business. We are delighted DMU is ranked in the Top 10 for Fashion and Textiles in the UK, according to The Guardian University Guide 2020 and DMU was named as one of the best fashion schools in the world in 2019 by The Business of Fashion, the internationally renowned industry website which assesses the world’s top programmes.
Undergraduate Courses –
Contour Fashion (Communication) BA (Hons)
Contour Fashion BA (Hons)
- Fashion Buying with Design BA (Hons)
- Fashion Buying with Marketing BA (Hons)
- Fashion Buying with Merchandising BA (Hons)
- Fashion Buying with Product Development BA (Hons)
- Fashion Communication and Styling BA (Hons)
- Fashion Design BA (Hons)
- Fashion Management (Level 6 Top Up) BA (Hons)
- Fashion Textile Design BA (Hons)
- Footwear Design BA (Hons)
- Textile Design BA (Hons)
Postgraduate Courses –
- Contour Fashion Innovation MA
- Fashion and Textiles MA
- Fashion Management with Marketing MA
- Textile Design, Technology and Innovation MSc
Creative Technologies & Media
Studying any one of our courses will give you access to a range of industry-standard facilities and equipment. Film students are taught in a real cinema environment thanks to our partnership with Leicester’s Phoenix Cinema and Art Centre and have the chance to organise and manage an annual film festival.
Students on production and creative
media courses can sharpen their skills in
our multi-million pound facilities, including
editing suites, high-tech television and
radio studios, dark rooms, blue and green
screen studios and video production
laboratories. Our television studios have a
full lighting set-up and gallery, enabling you
to replicate a newsroom, shopping channels
and chat show environments.
Undergraduate Courses –
- Broadcast Journalism BA (Hons)
- Film Studies BA (Hons)
- Film Studies BA (Hons) (Joint Hons)
- Journalism BA (Hons)
- Journalism BA (Hons) (Joint Hons)
- Media and Communication BA (Hons)
- (Single Honours/With Languages)
- Media BA (Hons) (Joint Honours)
- Media Production BSc (Hons)
- Visual Effects (VFX) BSc (Hons)
Postgraduate Courses –
- Creative Technologies MA/MSc
- International Film Production MA
- Investigative Journalism MA
Music & Audio Technology
Whether your passion is to work as a producer, a composer, a performer, or in developing technical tools for other audio professionals, we can help you to develop the skills you need to succeed as an independent, or in the music or media industries. Our high-quality courses and vibrant culture give you the technical knowledge and creative freedom to develop your artistic talents.
Undergraduate Courses –
- Audio and Recording Technology BSc (Hons)
- Creative Music Technology BA (Hons)
- Digital Music Technology BSc (Hons)
- Music Technology BASc (Hons)
- Music, Technology and Performance BA (Hons)
Postgraduate Courses –
- Music, Technology and Innovation MA
Performance & Arts Management
Recognised nationally as a centre for excellence in performance arts, DMU has excellent courses, teaching and first-rate facilities. Whether you are passionate about dance, drama, performing arts or festivals management, our regular student performances, high-profile events and dynamic environment make studying with us a rewarding experience.
DMU offers some of the finest facilities in the sector to support your studies. The Performing Arts Centre for Excellence (PACE) and the Campus Centre building include spacious studios and rehearsal rooms, as well as large, fully equipped performance spaces. Your creative work is supported by expert technicians and you can access rehearsal spaces and equipment – such as digital video cameras, sound recording equipment and editing suites – outside of your taught time too.
Undergraduate Courses –
- Arts and Festivals Management BA (Hons) (single honours/joint honours)
- Dance BA (Hons) (single honours/joint honours)
- Drama Studies BA (Hons) (single honours/joint honours)
- Global Arts Management (Level 6 top up) BA (Hons)
- Performing Arts BA (Hons)
Postgraduate Courses –
- Cultural Events Management MSc
- Performance Practices MA
Central Film School, London
The Central Film School offers students a practical education in fictional narrative and documentary filmmaking. We train filmmakers and screenwriters to work in the industry as soon as they graduate, both in the UK and internationally.
Three Year Undergraduate Degrees inclusive of Foundation Year
Courses validated by Falmouth University
Students can complete a foundation year and an undergraduate degree at Central Film School, in a total of three years. The foundation year teaches the fundamentals of film and screenwriting, and is followed by our two-year structure degree. This allows students to gain gain a degree, which includes the foundation year, in three years instead of 4. This is made possible by our restructuring of the academic year to provide an additional term each summer.
BA (Hons) Practical Filmmaking with Integrated Foundation Year
This programme will allow you to find your own specialism and voice as a filmmaker, as you learn and practice a range of skills essential to the film industry.
BA (Hons) Screenwriting with Integrated Foundation Year
As you learn to write for a range of platforms, this programme will focus and develop your creative voice and writing style as a screenwriter.
Two Year Undergraduate Degrees so you can graduate sooner
Courses validated by Falmouth University
The two-year structure allows students to gain an equivalent degree to one achieved in three years elsewhere. This is made possible by our restructuring of the academic year to provide an additional term each summer. You will have the same number of teaching weeks as on a conventional three-year programme, but your work-load in any term is no greater.
BA (Hons) Practical Filmmaking
This programme will allow you to find your own specialism and voice as a filmmaker, as you learn and practice a range of skills essential to the film industry.
BA (Hons) Screenwriting
As you learn to write for a range of platforms, this programme will focus and develop your creative voice and writing style as a screenwriter.
Develop specialist knowledge with our Postgraduate Degrees
Courses validated by Falmouth University
The Postgraduate degrees at Central Film School offer you an opportunity to practice skills that can be used in professional settings in film, television and creative industries, helping you become an adaptive thinker, a creator and a contributing team player joining the next generation of writers, researchers, producers, directors, analysts, academics and project developers who shape the zeitgeist of contemporary film and television.
MA Filmmaking
This programme will allow you to specialise in your preferred Filmmaking role, as you practice and develop the essential skills needed to pursue a career in the film and TV industry.
MA Screenwriting (online)
This course provides you with a specialised programme that enhances your creative voice and writing style as you develop the essential skills needed to pursue a career in the film and TV industry
Short Courses available:
- Six Month Independent Filmmaking
- Certificate in Practical Filmmaking
- Certificate in Independent Filmmaking
- Advanced Certificate in Independent Filmmaking
- Acting for Writers and Directors
- Directing Actors
Pathways to Higher Education
UAL Level Foundation Diploma in Art and Design
This course is for students who want to prepare for a top UK degree related to art and design and who can demonstrate artistic ability and the commitment to develop their chosen discipline.
The course is accepted by some of the best art institution courses including:
- Architecture at University of Sheffield
- Architecture and Art & Design at Newcastle University
- Art & Design and Illustration at University of Leeds
- Fine Art at Slade School of Art, UCL
- Interior Design at Kingston University
- Fashion Marketing at University of Southampton
- Fine Art at Goldsmiths University
- Architecture at Central Saint Martins (UAL)
- Games Design at Brunel University
Specialist Boarding School Routes
Preparing you to study at leading creative universities
Rochester offers its own vibrant art scene and is conveniently located close to two other cultural centres: London and the emerging hubs of the Kent Coast in Margate, Whitstable and Folkestone. The College is located directly opposite UCA, The University for The Creative Arts. Popular post A level destinations for RIC students include UAL's Central Saint Martins, London College of Fashion, Goldsmiths, BIMM and the London College of Fashion. Film students opt either for academic courses at top universities such as KCL, Warwick and Sussex or more practical training routes at universities such as Bournemouth and Ravensbourne.
Visual Arts
A level students enjoy an Art College atmosphere where they are welcomed at all times during the working week, not just during lesson times. Spacious studio spaces are available with individual working zones for fine art students and an open area for graphics, textiles, ceramics and photography students. All those who teach within the department are active, practicing artists, designers and photographers whose concern for the subject is not restricted to teaching and who therefore bring freshness of experience.
By the time students leave RIC they know how to work, they know better who they are and can take responsibility for themselves and the direction of their art. The final outcome of artistic activity and personal reflection is as important as the journey that gets students to that point. Art students often benefit from the theoretical and historical insights gained by studying A level Art History alongside their creative subjects. There is a culture of encouraging students to become active and involved in their own learning by referring them to other sources. Art, Photography, Graphics and Art History students are all inducted into using the neighbouring University of the Creative Arts library.
Students specialise in one of the following areas:
- Fine Art (including drawing, painting, sculpture and printmaking)
- Graphic Design (including corporate identity, packaging, illustration, printmaking and computer aided design)
- Photography (including traditional and digital photography, studio techniques, lighting and Photoshop)
- Textiles (including fashion)
- Film, Digital Media and Animation
Students are able to combine Visual Arts courses with additional A levels in Art History, Drama and Theatre Studies, English, Film Studies and Media Studies. Students at the end of their courses are well placed to proceed to either degree or foundation programmes at Art Colleges and universities.
Where students can nurture their skills and artistically thrive
“Whether it is Art, Music, Drama or Media Studies – Ellesmere College students can nurture their skills and artistically thrive alongside their academic journey.”
- Brendan Wignall, Headmaster.
Artsmark is the Arts Council England’s flagship programme which celebrates the arts and cultural provision in a school and Ellesmere has been awarded Platinum status for our excellent arts provision for over 3 years running. Ellesmere was the first independent school in the country to attain the level of Platinum – a newly created category by the Arts Council England for Ellesmere that demonstrated a commitment to the Arts to students and the community above and beyond Gold
Award Level.
The Arts Award is a range of national qualifications that supports anyone aged up to 25 to grow as artists and arts leaders, inspiring them to connect with and take part in the wider arts world through taking challenges in an art form of their choice.
At Ellesmere, Arts Award is offered through our Thursday afternoon activity programme to students from Years 10 to 13 by our team of teachers who have qualified to act as advisors for the programme.
By progressing through the Bronze, Silver and Gold Levels students get to:
• discover the enjoyment of creating and participating in arts activities
• experience and review arts events
• develop creative and communication skills that are essential for success in 21st century life
• explore the work of artists and craftspeople and gain insights into the professional arts world
• gain experience and knowledge to help progress into further education and employment
The Art and Design department at Ellesmere is committed to offering a stimulating environment for a range of Art practices. In the department we aim to give the pupils the opportunity to be part of a deeply rewarding subject that will hopefully become an interest for life. In the department we believe that creativity is a vital part of education. There are facilities for painting, drawing, printmaking, textiles and mixed media. The traditional developments of observational and practical skills are taught in lessons throughout the key stages.
The key skills that are gained through Drama at the College are not just linked to acting and theatre, but help in the development of highly transferable life skills such as leadership, time management, confidence, presentation and communication skills. The department also offers Technical Theatre and Dance as well as preparation for the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) examinations – the largest Speech and Drama awarding body in the UK. Preparation help is provided through specialist teachers as an additional extra in: acting, devised drama, mime, musical theatre, verse and prose, public speaking, and reading for performance. All students are entered for LAMDA and English Speaking Board examinations annually allowing Years 12 and 13 students to gain UCAS points depending on their grades.
Media Studies offers students a unique opportunity to understand the world around them, as well as to develop their own creativity. The creative media industries are also incredibly important to the economy and offer a range of job opportunities. Media Studies isn’t just about watching films and reading newspapers; it is about actively engaging with today’s media practices, theory and production. It is about understanding the business aspects of media production, as well as developing desirable employment skills such as good project management, critical thinking, teamwork and leadership and working to fulfil a brief. At both GCSE and A Level the focus is on engaging with actual media texts and understanding their impact on audiences and wider society.
Music is a vigorous and essential part of life at Ellesmere; it takes many forms, from traditional choral
and orchestral music through to jazz, rock and pop. We pride ourselves on offering a first-rate musical education that is tailored to our individual students. Musicians are organised, highly motivated, aware of the quality of their work and have the desire to succeed. Our aim is to nurture these values, develop technical skills and provide countless opportunities for students to develop their confidence as expressive performers.
College musicians participate successfully in regional music festivals and are encouraged to perform on a regular basis in assemblies, concerts and in collaboration with other schools. An expert team of instrumental teachers covering classical and contemporary fields ensure that students make excellent progress in their studies. Ellesmere is a long-established centre for ABRSM examinations and pupils are encouraged to take examinations as an aid to their musical development. Workshops and master-classes, led by professional musicians, take place at the school, and we regularly present interactive performance talks on different aspects and styles of music.
In recent years, students from Ellesmere have gone on to study music at Oxford, Cardiff, Liverpool, Guildhall School of Music, Royal Welsh College of Music, Leeds College of Music and Birmingham Conservatoire.
Leighton Park - Reading
Founded in 1890 and is a day and boarding school for girls and boys aged 11-18 set in 65 acres of beautiful parkland in Reading. Winner of the Best Co-educational School 2022, South East England, the School has been fully co-ed since 1993 and has a 50:50 ratio of girls to boys at its Year 7 entry point. The Independent School Inspectorate (ISI) awarded Leighton Park a ‘double excellent’ standard in January 2022, the highest possible attainment for an independent school, in recognition of both the quality of pupils’ personal development and the quality of their academic progress. The Independent Schools Association celebrated Leighton Park as the winner of their Pupils’ Personal Development Award in November 2022.
The school excels in music and is a Flagship Yamaha Music Education Partner, the only school in Europe to hold this prestigious status. The school’s Yamaha Live Lounge Sessions enable their young musicians to lay down professional quality recordings, reflect on their performances and grow in confidence. They are also a Steinberg Certified Training Centre, which recognises the excellence in their use of Music Technology. As a global software company, Steinberg supports their students in a range of creative endeavours including musical notation and music production.
