University of the Arts London opens new School of Pre-Degree Studies

University of the Arts London (UAL) will open its new pre-degree school in September at the historic Lime Grove campus in the heart of Shepherds Bush, West London, marking a significant investment in the future of creative education.

The two-acre campus brings together UAL’s world leading pre-degree courses in art, media, design and fashion, offering young creatives a vibrant space to explore and develop their talents. Applications for the 2025/26 academic year open from October.

The newly established UAL School of Pre-Degree Studies serves as a creative hub for students from London and around the world at the very start of their career. Students will have the opportunity to experiment, innovate and refine their creativity, with successful graduates of the Foundation course in Art and Design progressing to undergraduate degree at one of UAL’s six prestigious colleges.

The school will offer students targeted support, expert teaching and industry-relevant skills, equipping them for future success in both higher education and the creative industries. The School of Pre-Degree Studies will also create new opportunities for local communities and creative businesses, including boosting local businesses through student spending and retaining creative talent within the local workforce. In addition, Lime Grove’s historic Grade II-listed building will be protected, enhanced and invested in, preserving the area’s unique heritage and enriching its cultural landscape.

40 Lime Grove itself is steeped in a long history of arts and culture, having provided creative education and technical skills to young people for over a century. The site was originally home to three women’s trade schools specialising in dressmaking, millinery, embroidery and hairdressing, eventually merging into what became the now-renowned London College of Fashion, UAL.

Significant improvements to the Lime Grove site have been underway since the UAL School of Pre-degree Studies was announced. Earlier this year, the University was awarded a government grant of almost £2 million to reduce carbon emissions and enhance sustainable operations at Lime Grove. The funding will be directed towards several proposed projects, including installing heat pumps, improving insulation to reduce reliance on gas, and making accessibility upgrades, including new external lifts, ramps and step-free access. These efforts align with UAL’s net zero carbon targets as outlined in its Climate Action Plan.