We are UAL
UAL generates and inspires the creativity the world needs for a better future
Who we are
At University of the Arts London (UAL), our people, our staff, academics, and practitioners, are the driving force behind the creativity the world needs for a better future. Since 1842, we have been at the forefront of defining creative education, equipping students with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to shape industries, innovate across disciplines and make lasting change.
We are more than a university; we are a community of creatives. Our staff play a crucial role in mentoring, guiding, and inspiring the next generation of artists, designers, communicators, and leaders. Through teaching, research and innovation, UAL empowers students and staff alike to build careers that impact culture, industry and society on a global scale.
We are makers, thinkers, pioneers and storytellers. Whether you are an academic, industry expert or professional services specialist, at UAL you’ll have the opportunity to contribute to a university that influences learning, culture and industry worldwide. If you join UAL, you will be part of a world-leading institution that’s ranked second in the world for Art and Design.
We are formed of six Colleges, four Institutes, five Research Centres, one school and two specialist subsidiaries.
Colleges
- Camberwell College of Arts (Camberwell, part of CCW).
- Central Saint Martins (CSM).
- Chelsea College of Arts (Chelsea, part of CCW).
- London College of Communication (LCC).
- London College of Fashion (LCF).
- Wimbledon College of Arts (Wimbledon, part of CCW).
Institutes
- AKO Storytelling Insitute (AKO).
- UAL Creative Computing Institute (UAL CCI).
- UAL Decolonising Arts Institute.
- UAL Fashion Textiles and Technology Institute (UAL FTTI).
Research Centres
- Afterall.
- Centre for Fashion Curation (CfFC).
- Centre for Sustainable Fashion (CSF).
- Creative Research in Sound Arts Practice (CRiSAP).
- Research Centre for Transnational Art, Identity and Nation (TrAIN).
School
- School of Pre-degree Studies.
Subsidiaries
- UAL Short Courses Ltd (UALSC).
- UAL Arts Temps Ltd (UALAT).
Why work with us?
- Shape the future of creativity: be part of an institution that leads in research, education, and innovation in the creative industries.
- Work in an inclusive and supportive environment: we are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, ensuring that every member of staff feels valued and supported.
- Develop your career: from mentoring and training programmes to leadership opportunities, UAL invests in professional growth and career progression.
- Collaborate with industry leaders: our partnerships with global businesses, cultural institutions and leading creatives provide unique opportunities for our staff and students.
Our roots – a legacy of innovation
UAL’s origins date back to the 19th century, when our six Colleges were established to prepare students for an evolving world shaped by technological change. From the very beginning, our mission was clear:
- Teach new skills for emerging industries, including architecture, communication, fashion, design and performance.
- Combine creativity with real-world application, ensuring that students left not just with knowledge but with the ability to shape the world around them.
- Make creativity accessible, bringing beauty, design, and storytelling into everyday life.
In 1986, our six Colleges joined forces and in 2003, University of the Arts London (UAL) was born. While the world has evolved, our core belief remains unchanged.
Creativity has the power to change society
Today, we continue to uphold this social purpose, equipping students and the staff who support them with the tools to drive meaningful change. We are rooted in London’s rich heritage of creative education but our impact is global.
By 2032, UAL will be a world-leading university for creative education, committed to societal impact and knowledge exchange through excellent teaching, lifelong learning and impactful research. Globally minded, with national reach and deep links to our local communities, with colleges and institutes at the centre, UAL will be a gateway to opportunity in the creative sector and beyond.
Be part of our story
If you are looking for a rewarding career in a world-class university, where your expertise, creativity and ideas will shape the next generation, UAL is the place for you. Join us and become part of a university that doesn’t just respond to change but drives it.
