UCA celebrates 27-place rise in Guardian University Guide 2027

University for the Creative Arts (UCA) has risen 27 places in The Guardian University Guide 2027, ranking it 73rd, making UCA the highest-rising creative specialist institution in the country.

16 September 2026

UCA celebrates 27-place rise in The Guardian University Gudie 2027

This follows a similar rise in the recent Complete University Guide 2027, announced in June, and now places UCA among the Top 30 Modern Universities.

UCA Joint Vice-Chancellors, Professor Mark Ellul and Professor Melanie Gray, said: “This is all about making sure we focus consistently on doing what matters for our students. It reflects the dedication and hard work of all our staff, from academics and technicians to professional services, across all our campuses.”

UCA animation studio


In the subject league tables, UCA ranked among the Top 5 universities for Animation & Games Design in the UK. At the same time, Interior Design rose three places to 22nd, and Fashion & Textiles rose seven places to 28th, placing both courses in the Top 30 in the country. 

Finally, in the recently revealed The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2027, UCA climbed one place to 126, and remains in the Top Ten for first-generation students.

UCA Games Design studio