Which are the best Universities?

http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/table/2010/jun/04/university-guide-art-and-design

What do Universities expect before I start?

A foundation course certificate which takes one year and is usually completed after sixth form and before the degree.

They like to see a range of experimentation and research leading to personal and creative solutions

An art work placement is an advantage

What skills will you need? And how is it assessed?

An exciting portfolio of work. This should show creative and personal work.

A variety of sizes (scales)

A variety of materials should be evident. These should be evident even in trials. There will obviously be a specialism such as oil painting or ceramics depending on your preferred type of work.

All universities will accept A Level and Applied Art A Level and the UCAS points count for the same as any other subject. The only time that these are not valid is if you want to be a doctor or a vet as these require 3 sciences

What other Art related degrees are there?

Fine Art, Ceramics, 3D, Graphic design, Textiles (printed or constructed), Fashion, architecture, interior design, bridge/engineering design (with physics), Combined art and history, English, psychology. There are many combined degrees depending on the university. Primary, secondary and further education teaching certificates

What does it lead on to and what are the chances?

Animation, Arts administrator, Art Therapy, Architecture, Architecture model making, Advertising, Art Director, Art Historian, Auctioneer/valuations, Art Journalism/Critic, Book Illustrator, Carpet design, Car Design, Ceramist, Conservation/restoration, Curator, Design, Co-ordinator, Fine Artist, Fashion, Fashion Illustrator/Journalist, Furniture Designer, Film/Video production, Framer, Graphic Design inc – ICT & CAD, Hat & Millinery design, Hairdressing, Illustration – books, magazines, poster, web, Interior Design, Jewellery and silver-smithing, Knitwear design, Lettering & typography, Librarian, Make up Artist, Medical – Forensic photography, Performance artist. Photo finishing & processing, Printing, Stage & theatre design, Sculptor, Studio designer, Sportswear design, Stained glass artist, Spinner, toys/Games design, Theatrical costume design, Textile design, Textile pattern cutter, Textile printer, Teaching – primary –secondary & higher, Weaver, Web design and applications, Window display design.

How to keep up with current developments?

Regular visits to galleries and museums. Visits to degree shows. Brick Lane in London shows degree work from around the country in May and June every year

(this section is vital in writing a Personal statement)

How can you gain vital Experience?

Many students complete work experience in Primary schools or secondary art departments, art shops or suppliers, framers, galleries, with practicing artists, with artists in residence, with graphics companies or departments in the area, design companies or divisions, with theatre companies, architects, etc, etc.