At UCA we nurture creative talent. Our dedicated outreach team works with schools and community groups to support students from under-represented backgrounds into higher education.
"I liked the fact I was able to explore new facilities and workshops that I would not be able to elsewhere. The tutor was very helpful and friendly, and he helped me progress through my project."Product Design summer school participant 2022
"I loved how at the end we had so much freedom to create something ourselves; The tutor provided so much support, and I wish this was longer than just 3 days; I have learnt so much about textiles, which I know will help me in the future."Art, Fashion & Textiles summers school participant 2022
"There was such a good mix between independent work and being taught. I learnt so many new skills whilst also being able to practise them all in such a short space of time... I made so many notes and It has given me such a good insight Into what I need to work on In year 13."Virtual Fine Art summer school participant 2022
"I found the workshop an amazing experience to gain independence and develop my creative skills."Photography summer school participant 2022
Our events and activities
We host a range of events and activities designed to suit most year groups. Led by our creative tutors and student ambassadors, these activities give students from under-represented groups a chance to try out creative education and explore the potential of a career in the creative industries.
Our outreach partners
To promote access to higher education we work in partnership with a range of higher education networks.
UCA has a long history of working to raise the aspirations and attainment of young people in Kent and Medway who may not consider progression to Higher Education (HE) as a route to success.
Our outreach work in this region focuses on two main networks, that, combined, work in partnership with over 70 schools and colleges:
– The Kent and Medway Progression Federation (KMPF), which unites the self-funded outreach activities of UCA, Canterbury Christ Church University and the University of Kent.
– The Kent and Medway Collaborative Outreach Programme (KaMCOP) funded by Office for Students (OfS) through their UniConnect programme, which offers activities through an additional eight partners.
As the creative specialist in both networks, UCA promotes progression in creative arts, business and technology through a variety of activities, including workshops, holiday clubs and masterclasses. We work with young people in Years 7 to 13 and those studying on further education (FE) courses.
Our aim is to promote social mobility by improving access to HE for young people from under-represented backgrounds. Through our work in the KaMCOP UniConnect programme we engage and realise the aspirations of young people from specific wards in Kent and Medway, where participation is lower than expected given the GCSE results of the young people who live there.
UCA works with the Higher Education Outreach Network (HEON), a consortia of universities delivering activities to promote progression to Higher Education within specific wards across Surrey and North East Hampshire. We offer outreach activities to pupils in Years 9 to 13, as well as impartial information, advice and guidance on Higher Education.
Part of London Higher, AccessHE is a pan-London organisation that aims to support the progression of under-represented groups into higher education. UCA is a key partner in AccessHE Creative Network, which develops coordinated strategies to support under-represented young people in London to follow a creative pathway.
The Care Leavers Progression Partnership (CLPPP) is network of organisations in Kent and Medway, committed to improving the post-16 education and training experience for local children in care and care leavers.
Continuing Professional Development
If you're a teacher or careers advisor, we want to help you to equip your student to be the creative leaders and innovators of the future. Our Continuing Professional Development events give you the skills and knowledge to do just that.
Visit our CPD eventsOur
access agreement
Our access and participation plan sets out what we are doing to improve equality of opportunity for under-represented groups to access and succeed in higher education.
UCA Access & Participation Plan 2023-24
UCA Access & Participation Plan 2022-23
UCA Access & Participation Plan 2021-22
UCA Access & Participation Plan 2020-21