University of the Arts for London

Some of the most famous art and design colleges in London are combining under a new university title

London's latest higher education institution - the University of the Arts - brings together five colleges whose alumni include Pierce Brosnan, Sir Terence Conran and Gilbert and George.

In its current guise as the London Institute, the new university has been offering a range of courses to 24,000 students from 100 countries.

"Now," says rector Sir Michael Bichard, "we have a flagship university to champion creativity and the arts. The award of the university title by the Privy Council is a significant development for the arts, for higher education and for the creative industries."

The new establishment will be the largest and most comprehensive university of the arts in Europe, and in a unique position to champion art, design and communication.

As part of the university, the five constituent colleges will retain their own character and their areas of specialisation. They are:

Camberwell College of Arts
Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design (incorporating Drama Centre London and Byam Shaw School of Art)
Chelsea College of Art and Design
London College of Communication (formerly London College of Printing)
London College of Fashion (incorporating Cordwainers)

The university aims to enhance its ties with major cultural, educational and other organisations that share a passion for the arts, nationally and internationally. It says that UK creative industries account for 1.95 million jobs and 7.9% of the country's production.

The official inauguration took place on 11 May, when honorary fellowships were conferred on five college alumni: Alexander McQueen, Maggi Hambling, Margaret Calvert, Jimmy Choo, and Sir Anthony Caro.

For more information on London's new university, visit the website at: www.arts.ac.uk

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