Five reasons to study a Concept Art course in September 2026

The degree is taught at our Farnham campus in Surrey near some of the biggest games studios in the country, making UCA one of the best universities for concept art in the UK.  

You’ll learn strong foundational skills and have the freedom to explore your creative self. 

Ahead of the UCAS application deadline on the 14 January, here are five reasons why this course could be for you.

Five reasons to study a concept art degree

Learn design skills used in the creative industries 

This course blends traditional drawing skills with digital techniques used in comics, games, animation and film. 

You’ll develop strong foundations in storytelling, character creation and world-building:  skills that are essential for professional concept artists and comic creators. 

Be taught by staff with industry-experience 

You’ll learn from tutors who are practising artists and designers, bringing real-world insight into the classroom.

Their industry experience helps you understand current creative workflows and what employers are really looking for. 

Build a portfolio that gets you noticed 

From the very start, you’ll be creating work for your professional portfolio. By your final year, you’ll complete a major project that showcases your personal style, creativity and career ambitions: perfect for job applications or freelance work. 

Access professional-level facilities 

At UCA, you’ll work in dedicated studios with access to Wacom Cintiq tablets, digital art software, animation tools and creative labs. These facilities allow you to experiment, refine your ideas and work at a professional standard. 

Prepare for a creative career 

Graduates go on to careers in comic illustration, concept art, character design, games, animation and freelance creative work. With opportunities for placements or study abroad, you’ll gain valuable experience that helps you stand out after graduation. 

Learn more about Comic & Concept Art at UCA

What do our concept art students say?

One of our Comic & Concept Art students, Josie, recently shared her experience studying at UCA: 

Talented, but quiet and shy, Josie arrived at UCA ready to work on her artistic skills in the background of classes – but she didn’t expect that things would turn out the way they did.

“It’s such an inviting place – the course, the campus, everything. Farnham is a lovely town, and the people here are lovely too. The people are the thing here. 

“I knew I’d enjoy it, but I’ve enjoyed it so much more than I thought I would. So much has happened, everything has been interesting and fun – class projects, design sprints, electives, you’re always doing something. It’s the opposite of restrictive, you can do what you like.” 

This level of fun and freedom changed the way that Josie thought about her work, her art, and her potential: 

“A few years ago, I never thought I’d be able to show my work to professionals. My confidence wouldn’t have been up to it – but I’ve recently pitched my work to Creative & Art Directors at Supermassive Games. It’s such a thrill and I’m so proud of myself and my classmates! We’ve all come so far, together.” 

And this is one of the things that unlocked it all for Josie – turning her personal passion into a genuine profession. At UCA, the industry you’ll work in is a genuine part of your learning: 

“For all the fun, it’s a genuinely challenging course – you just don’t always realise how much you’re learning because you’re enjoying the way it’s taught. We’ve mastered fundamentals, every project has an industry process, every task is industry focussed. You learn the stuff that matters, without the boring execution. We’re set up for great things once we graduate.” 

This is a course that supports you to be yourself – in small classes, with lots of tutor time, in a boutique studio, decorated with your very own art.  

You’ll study on a beautiful campus, in surroundings that give you space to breathe – but with the world stage on your doorstep. 

From London’s bustling Cons and Expos, to the quiet afternoons spent honing your art in the workshop, it’s all here waiting for you at UCA. 

Apply to study concept art in 2026 

If you’re interested in discovering more about studying Comic and Concept Art at the University for the Creative Arts, join us for our next Open Day on Saturday 10 January. 

You can also book onto our upcoming Comic & Concept webinar on Thursday 8 January

The UCAS deadline for this concept art degree is 14 January. Ready to begin your creative journey? Start application now to study Comic & Concept Art at UCA in September.