Epsom’s UCA tips for A-level expectants
It’s almost A-Levels results day and at the University for the Creative Arts (UCA) in Epsom we know there are many students who haven’t decided what degree they want to undertake.
According to the government’s Creative Industries Sector Vision, the plan is to grow these industries by £50bn and support an extra million jobs by 2030, there is no better time for students to consider a degree in the creative industries, whether that’s the arts, business, or technology.
Creative degrees can open doors to careers not previously considered, provide adaptable and future-proofed skills employers are looking for, and in many cases, help young people discover more about themselves and build their confidence.
Sarah Clark, Pro Vice-Chancellor at UCA, has this advice to students and parents navigating the clearing process:
“You’ve got this – don’t panic. Take the time to think about what you want from your course, transferable skills, workplace experience, real-world knowledge and what you want from your university experience, an open-minded community, fun, opportunities to create, or feeling like a name not a number.
Unleash your creative potential. It’s fine to change your mind about what you want to study. At UCA, we consider more than just grades – we want to know about your passions, your personality, and creative interests.
Think bigger and keep an open mind. If you want to pursue a creative career you might be surprised by the range of creative courses on offer such as, Games Design, Modelmaking, Digital Fashion, Crafts, Virtual & Augmented Reality.
Start prepping now. Google universities and courses, arrange an in-person campus tour, follow their social media channels, and make a start on putting together a portfolio of work, just in case – UCA’s blog has some top tips on this.
Contact someone and ask questions. If you’re curious about a course, contact the university through their website or social channels and ask questions. There’s no commitment and you might just learn something from the way they respond. You might also want to get second opinions from your tutors, friends, and family.”
McKenna Marsden, a BA (Hons) Fashion graduate from UCA Epsom added: “UCA is one of the best fashion schools in the country, I loved the place. It gave me a sense of excitement, developed my garment construction and pattern-cutting skills, and tools to develop in my career – I couldn’t be happier with my experience here”.
When you choose to study a degree, you’ll be stepping into more than a games design studio, lecture theatre, print lab or architecture workshop – you’ll be stepping into a lifetime of learning and opportunities, so do your research and choose a course that speaks to you.
UCA.