Studying a creative course at university

Studying a creative course at university can be extremely rewarding, especially when the UK creative industries are valued at £109 billion. But different courses can offer very different experiences.

Even if you discover two universities with the same course name, the likelihood is they’ll have very different modules and teaching styles. That’s why it’s important to research each course and university, and also consider what you want to get out of the course.

The first thing to consider is whether you want to focus on theoretical or practical work as part of the course. You could be looking at two BA film courses where one is split into 70% theory and 30% practical modules, and the other is 70% practical and 30% theory. You need to consider whether you want to be more hands-on with your learning or commit to academic study.

One way to find out exactly what projects you’ll undertake on a creative course is to check out the course pages on a university’s website. They’ll typically have a section that breaks down what modules or units you’ll take. You’ll be able to determine from there whether the course is more theoretical or practical. You could also look at any student work that’s available on the page. This will give you an idea of the variety of work that’s produced on the course.

Even better, attend an in-person or online open day to speak to the course lecturers and students directly. They’ll talk through the course in more depth, and discuss which topics and methods of studying are most appropriate for your future ambitions.

If you’re looking at studying a practical course, then you’ll want to make sure the university has the facilities and equipment that will allow you to create. It’s important to consider the spaces you’ll be working in.

Are there open studio spaces which allow for experimentation and collaboration? Are there booths and rooms for focussed, individual study? Do they have the equipment and specialised facilities for your current creative practice? Do they offer something that you haven’t used before?

Again, you could start by checking out the university website for photos, videos, and written explanations of what facilities and equipment they have available. But an open day is the best opportunity to see how students use the facilities and equipment for their work. You might even be able to have a go yourself...

A final consideration is the course entry requirements. If you’re asked to submit a portfolio of practical work, it is usually because the course will have an emphasis on practical projects. However, even some theoretical courses might still ask for a portfolio, which is why it’s important to ask lecturers and students about the study experience before applying.