A guide to creative arts courses

What can you study?

These disciplines cover a wide range of creative practices, including:

• Creative Arts: Fine Art, Photography, Performance, Music, Illustration and Make-Up.
• Design: Graphic Design, Fashion Design, Interior Design, Product design, Industrial Design, and Costume Design.
• Communication: Media Studies, Journalism, Film and Visual Effects, and Digital Media production.

We have detailed guides for further study fields in creative arts further down in this page.

Why choose to study a university degree in these fields?

Studying Creative Arts, Design, and Communication offers both intellectual fulfilment and professional opportunity. Here are key reasons to consider a degree in this area:

• Expressive freedom and creativity: Students can explore personal and cultural identity, ideas, and innovation through various artistic and media forms.
• Industry demand: There is consistent global demand for creative professionals in advertising, media, entertainment, design, and digital technology sectors.
• Portfolio-driven careers: These programs allow students to build a strong, diverse body of work to showcase their talent and skill to future employers or clients.
• Cultural and social impact: Graduates play a vital role in shaping public discourse, branding, storytelling, and the cultural record.
• Entrepreneurial opportunities: Many professionals in this field launch their own businesses or work as freelancers.

Practical learning and research opportunities

Degrees in this field are highly hands-on, combining conceptual learning with real-world creative production. Common practical and research opportunities include:

• Studio-based projects: Students produce creative work in purpose-built facilities such as design studios, sound stages, editing suites, or workshops.
• Live briefs and client work: Many courses involve working with real clients on advertising campaigns, design projects, or media production.
• Internships and placements: Universities often collaborate with media agencies, design firms, museums, and arts organisations to offer work experience.
• Portfolios and exhibitions: Creative Arts students frequently exhibit their work publicly as part of final assessments or degree shows.
• Collaborative and interdisciplinary projects: Students often work in teams with peers from different creative fields to simulate industry collaboration.
• Academic research: Postgraduate students may engage in research on creative methodologies, media effects, visual culture, or communication theory.

Courses available and duration

Undergraduate programs:

• Bachelor of Arts (BA): Common for visual arts, media, communication, and design; typically 3 years (4 in some countries).
• Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA): Focuses on studio art disciplines; often more intensive than a BA.
• Bachelor of Design (BDes): Specialized degree in fashion, industrial, or graphic design.
• Bachelor of Communication or Media Studies: Focuses on journalism, advertising, or digital content creation.

Postgraduate programs:

• Master of Arts (MA) or Master of Fine Arts (MFA): 1–2 years, offering creative or research-focused pathways.
• Master of Design (MDes) or Master of Communication: For advanced study in specific sectors like UX design, branding, or film production.
• PhD or Practice-Based Doctorates: 3–5 years, combining theoretical research with original creative work or media analysis.

Many programs allow students to specialise in a niche area or pursue an interdisciplinary path.

Academic entry requirements:

Undergraduate:

• Completion of high school (e.g., A-levels, IB, or equivalent)
• A portfolio of creative work (for design and arts programs)
• English language proficiency (IELTS 6.0–6.5 or equivalent)

Postgraduate:

• A bachelor’s degree in a related field (arts, design, media, communication)
• Portfolio (for creative practice programs) or a research proposal (for academic-focused programs)
• References, personal statement, and proof of English proficiency (IELTS 6.5–7.0)

Tuition fees

Fees for Creative Arts, Design, and Communication programs vary by institution and country, but here are typical annual ranges for international students:

Specialist art and design institutions may have additional costs for materials, equipment, and studio access. Scholarships, bursaries, and grants are available at many universities, especially for portfolio excellence or research potential.

Conclusion

Pursuing a degree in Creative Arts, Design, and Communication equips students with the vision, technique, and confidence to contribute to the world through creativity. Whether you’re driven to express yourself artistically, shape powerful messages, or design solutions to real-world problems, this field offers a dynamic and rewarding academic and professional journey.