Creative programmes at UEL rank among the best in the UK

This achievement reflects the school’s commitment to innovation, industry connections, and a careers-first approach, ensuring that ACI is a place where creative talents can truly flourish.

One of the standout successes in the Guardian University Guide 2025 rankings is ACI’s Media and Film Studies department, which has soared to an impressive 2nd place nationally.

This remarkable achievement is a testament to the strength of the department’s cutting-edge courses, such as BA (Hons) Film, BA (Hons) Media and Communication, and BA (Hons) Sports Journalism. These programmes are designed to meet the demands of an ever-evolving industry, equipping students with the skills and insights necessary to thrive in careers like media production, journalism, and digital communication. With industry collaborations that include prestigious organisations like the NewsUK, BBC and Time Warner, students benefit from unique work placements that offer real-world experience alongside their studies.

Performing Arts is another standout in the creative landscape of ACI’s offerings, with UEL’s drama and dance programmes consistently delivering exceptional student experiences. The Guardian University Guide ranks ACI’s Performing Arts programs 6th in the UK for student satisfaction in teaching, reinforcing the school’s dedication to combining academic excellence with hands-on industry exposure. Courses like BA (Hons) Acting for Stage and Screen and BA (Hons) Dance offer students both academic rigor and numerous performance opportunities, ensuring they graduate with the skills and confidence to excel in London’s vibrant theatre scene and beyond.

The school’s fashion programmes have also made significant strides, with the Guardian University Guide ranking ACI’s BA (Hons) Fashion Design and Textiles and Fashion Marketing and Communication courses 9th in the UK for satisfaction with teaching. These courses foster a blend of creativity and entrepreneurial thinking, allowing students to work closely with industry professionals while developing the technical skills required for success in fashion design, marketing, and communications. This alignment with industry needs ensures that graduates are well-prepared to enter the competitive fashion world.

Backing up these impressive rankings is the school’s earlier success in the 2024 National Student Survey (NSS). The NSS, a key indicator of student satisfaction across the UK, showcased ACI’s excellence in several creative fields, echoing the Guardian University Guide 2025 rankings. Fashion Design, received high praise for their teaching quality and resources, positioning ACI as a forward-thinking leader in design education.

Media courses also saw glowing feedback in the NSS, with students in Film, Media Production, and Media and Communication expressing strong satisfaction with their learning experiences. UEL’s focus on real-world applications and innovative teaching approaches has clearly resonated with students, reinforcing the success reflected in the Guardian University Guide 2025 rankings.

The Computer Games and Animation programs at ACI continued to make waves in the NSS, with courses like Computer Games Design: Story Development and Computer Game Development earning high marks from students. The alignment of these programs with industry trends has made ACI a destination for students interested in creative technology, preparing them for careers in this fast-growing sector.

Dean of Arts and Creative Industries Dr Rosemary Stott, commented, 

Our Guardian rankings and strong NSS results earlier in the year showcase the energy, innovation, and dedication that define ACI. 

“These accolades reflect the school’s unique ability to connect academic excellence with practical, industry-relevant skills. The Guardian University Guide rankings, combined with the strong feedback from the NSS, highlight how ACI is consistently delivering a learning experience that prepares students for the challenges and opportunities of the creative industries.

For students looking to turn their passion for the arts and creative industries into a dynamic career, ACI is proving to be the sought-after destination - vibrant, connected, and forward-thinking. Whether in media, performing arts, fashion, or creative technology, the school’s combination of industry partnerships, innovative courses, and outstanding teaching ensures that students graduate ready to succeed in today’s competitive creative landscape.