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Camberwell or Chelsea for graphic design? Watch
Hi, im juggling between going for camberwell or chelsea for a BA in graphic design next year. I dont know much about the course at camberwell so was wondering if anyone on here could give me some details about the course?
Chelsea Pros:
Small class size
campus is a great area
good industrial links
Cons:
Not enough facilities
Small campus size
Mostly known for other subjects like fine art/textiles
Camberwell Pros
Better facilities for graphics
More experimental course
Known for Illustration - which is quite closely linked with graphics
bigger campus
Cons:
In a worse off area - also poor transport due to no tube
Since illustration is so famous they might seperate the graphics students entirely and the course might be very technical
As I said before, I dont know much about camberwell and would like to know the following:
Is camberwell regarded to be a good school for graphics, or a good school in general?
How big is the class size?
Are there any pros and cons I missed out that I need to consider?
Any feedback would be appreciated! thanks!
Chelsea Pros:
Small class size
campus is a great area
good industrial links
Cons:
Not enough facilities
Small campus size
Mostly known for other subjects like fine art/textiles
Camberwell Pros
Better facilities for graphics
More experimental course
Known for Illustration - which is quite closely linked with graphics
bigger campus
Cons:
In a worse off area - also poor transport due to no tube
Since illustration is so famous they might seperate the graphics students entirely and the course might be very technical
As I said before, I dont know much about camberwell and would like to know the following:
Is camberwell regarded to be a good school for graphics, or a good school in general?
How big is the class size?
Are there any pros and cons I missed out that I need to consider?
Any feedback would be appreciated! thanks!
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#2
Hello! They are both such different courses you really need to think about your work and think which place you would be suited best! chelsea calls themselves a brand whereas camberwell is a lot more free, however that means the job opportunities at chelsea are much better!
I also got accepted to camberwell this morning and i am waiting to hear back from chelsea in the next week! have you got places at both already and if so when did you find out/ apply? i am desperate to hear from chelsea!!!
I also got accepted to camberwell this morning and i am waiting to hear back from chelsea in the next week! have you got places at both already and if so when did you find out/ apply? i am desperate to hear from chelsea!!!
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#3
Hello! They are both such different courses you really need to think about your work and think which place you would be suited best! chelsea calls themselves a brand whereas camberwell is a lot more free, however that means the job opportunities at chelsea are much better!
I also got accepted to camberwell this morning and i am waiting to hear back from chelsea in the next week! have you got places at both already and if so when did you find out/ apply? i am desperate to hear from chelsea!!!
more info on camberwell
there are 40 places on their BA Graphic design course which makes them smaller than Chelsea actually. they are very experimental and open to new ideas, you could spend the day doing a painting if you can justify it. they are also very closely linked with their illustration department and do great work together it is a great school with fantastic reputation but it also has been criticized that it runs off that reputation rather than the actual course, however everyone seems to say that about the london ones.
also, a first year student at chelsea told us that they have had only a few lectures this year and go to camberwell for their lectures because they are better.
the courses are so different though it is so difficult to compare them! you've just got to find your comfort zone!
I also got accepted to camberwell this morning and i am waiting to hear back from chelsea in the next week! have you got places at both already and if so when did you find out/ apply? i am desperate to hear from chelsea!!!
more info on camberwell
there are 40 places on their BA Graphic design course which makes them smaller than Chelsea actually. they are very experimental and open to new ideas, you could spend the day doing a painting if you can justify it. they are also very closely linked with their illustration department and do great work together it is a great school with fantastic reputation but it also has been criticized that it runs off that reputation rather than the actual course, however everyone seems to say that about the london ones.
also, a first year student at chelsea told us that they have had only a few lectures this year and go to camberwell for their lectures because they are better.
the courses are so different though it is so difficult to compare them! you've just got to find your comfort zone!
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#4
hi, i don't know much about the differences between the two courses as i do illustration but i can tell you that the transport is not poor at all - camberwell has amazing transport links and you rarely need to use the tube which is a huge money saver and means you actually get to see london instead of cramming into an underground train! :P plus, if you're interested in staying in student halls, camberwell has three whereas chelsea has none locally - the closest ones are in fact in camberwell. but i would focus more on the courses themselves when making your decision rather than whether you would prefer to get the bus or the tube haha! good luck with your decision. 
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(Original post by lulubird)
Hello! They are both such different courses you really need to think about your work and think which place you would be suited best! chelsea calls themselves a brand whereas camberwell is a lot more free, however that means the job opportunities at chelsea are much better!
I also got accepted to camberwell this morning and i am waiting to hear back from chelsea in the next week! have you got places at both already and if so when did you find out/ apply? i am desperate to hear from chelsea!!!
more info on camberwell
there are 40 places on their BA Graphic design course which makes them smaller than Chelsea actually. they are very experimental and open to new ideas, you could spend the day doing a painting if you can justify it. they are also very closely linked with their illustration department and do great work together it is a great school with fantastic reputation but it also has been criticized that it runs off that reputation rather than the actual course, however everyone seems to say that about the london ones.
also, a first year student at chelsea told us that they have had only a few lectures this year and go to camberwell for their lectures because they are better.
the courses are so different though it is so difficult to compare them! you've just got to find your comfort zone!
Hello! They are both such different courses you really need to think about your work and think which place you would be suited best! chelsea calls themselves a brand whereas camberwell is a lot more free, however that means the job opportunities at chelsea are much better!
I also got accepted to camberwell this morning and i am waiting to hear back from chelsea in the next week! have you got places at both already and if so when did you find out/ apply? i am desperate to hear from chelsea!!!
more info on camberwell
there are 40 places on their BA Graphic design course which makes them smaller than Chelsea actually. they are very experimental and open to new ideas, you could spend the day doing a painting if you can justify it. they are also very closely linked with their illustration department and do great work together it is a great school with fantastic reputation but it also has been criticized that it runs off that reputation rather than the actual course, however everyone seems to say that about the london ones.
also, a first year student at chelsea told us that they have had only a few lectures this year and go to camberwell for their lectures because they are better.
the courses are so different though it is so difficult to compare them! you've just got to find your comfort zone!
(Original post by beccafairy)
hi, i don't know much about the differences between the two courses as i do illustration but i can tell you that the transport is not poor at all - camberwell has amazing transport links and you rarely need to use the tube which is a huge money saver and means you actually get to see london instead of cramming into an underground train! :P plus, if you're interested in staying in student halls, camberwell has three whereas chelsea has none locally - the closest ones are in fact in camberwell. but i would focus more on the courses themselves when making your decision rather than whether you would prefer to get the bus or the tube haha! good luck with your decision.
hi, i don't know much about the differences between the two courses as i do illustration but i can tell you that the transport is not poor at all - camberwell has amazing transport links and you rarely need to use the tube which is a huge money saver and means you actually get to see london instead of cramming into an underground train! :P plus, if you're interested in staying in student halls, camberwell has three whereas chelsea has none locally - the closest ones are in fact in camberwell. but i would focus more on the courses themselves when making your decision rather than whether you would prefer to get the bus or the tube haha! good luck with your decision.
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#6
(Original post by j_k_r)
hi, since im already at ual im staying at halls this year, so i'll be moving out next year. i'll try and get down to the area soonish to have a look around and see if i'd like to go, but thanks for the info i'll defs check it out ASAP, been meaning to do so for ages and just been swamped under uni work haha. Since you're at camberwell, can you tell me a bit more about the vibe of the place? is it quite laid back and creative or is it very competitive? also do you sort of know people well and see your tutors often? any info on the college would be appreciated!
hi, since im already at ual im staying at halls this year, so i'll be moving out next year. i'll try and get down to the area soonish to have a look around and see if i'd like to go, but thanks for the info i'll defs check it out ASAP, been meaning to do so for ages and just been swamped under uni work haha. Since you're at camberwell, can you tell me a bit more about the vibe of the place? is it quite laid back and creative or is it very competitive? also do you sort of know people well and see your tutors often? any info on the college would be appreciated!
from what i know everyone knows each other on their course, as i said i'm doing the foundation but i know a handful of people who study there for BA and it seems very snug. you get to see your personal tutor every week, and then whatever tutor is in the studio every day that you're in. i think it's a really cool area as well - absolutely full of art students, and there are lots of lovely cafes and pubs to go to!
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(Original post by beccafairy)
well i'm doing my foundation (at camberwell) this year and starting illustration in september, but i have done a project with the BA course leader and am constantly visiting the building. it's very laid back, not competitive at all! and it definitely has a creative atmosphere. from what i know everyone knows each other on their course, as i said i'm doing the foundation but i know a handful of people who study there for BA and it seems very snug. you get to see your personal tutor every week, and then whatever tutor is in the studio every day that you're in. i think it's a really cool area as well - absolutely full of art students, and there are lots of lovely cafes and pubs to go to!
well i'm doing my foundation (at camberwell) this year and starting illustration in september, but i have done a project with the BA course leader and am constantly visiting the building. it's very laid back, not competitive at all! and it definitely has a creative atmosphere.
from what i know everyone knows each other on their course, as i said i'm doing the foundation but i know a handful of people who study there for BA and it seems very snug. you get to see your personal tutor every week, and then whatever tutor is in the studio every day that you're in. i think it's a really cool area as well - absolutely full of art students, and there are lots of lovely cafes and pubs to go to!
i went to camberwell and really liked it, which doesnt help with my decision because now im properly stuck. need to talk to my tutors i think.
I know it was posted about that there are only 40 people doing BA graphics, but i cant seem to find this online anywhere, do you know if it's around that number?
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#8
Hi! I really need some help and would be great if any current/former students could give me some help. I am having the hardest time deciding between LCC and Chelsea College of Art & Design for Graphic Design?!! I have been accepted for both...but I just want to make sure I am choosing the right course for myself. At the moment I am edging more towards Chelsea. THANKS so much if ANYONE can be of help!!
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#9
(Original post by j_k_r)
that sounds great!
i went to camberwell and really liked it, which doesnt help with my decision because now im properly stuck. need to talk to my tutors i think.
I know it was posted about that there are only 40 people doing BA graphics, but i cant seem to find this online anywhere, do you know if it's around that number?
that sounds great!
i went to camberwell and really liked it, which doesnt help with my decision because now im properly stuck. need to talk to my tutors i think.
I know it was posted about that there are only 40 people doing BA graphics, but i cant seem to find this online anywhere, do you know if it's around that number?
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#10
(Original post by cloerose28)
Hi! I really need some help and would be great if any current/former students could give me some help. I am having the hardest time deciding between LCC and Chelsea College of Art & Design for Graphic Design?!! I have been accepted for both...but I just want to make sure I am choosing the right course for myself. At the moment I am edging more towards Chelsea. THANKS so much if ANYONE can be of help!!
Hi! I really need some help and would be great if any current/former students could give me some help. I am having the hardest time deciding between LCC and Chelsea College of Art & Design for Graphic Design?!! I have been accepted for both...but I just want to make sure I am choosing the right course for myself. At the moment I am edging more towards Chelsea. THANKS so much if ANYONE can be of help!!
While Elephant and Castle isn't the most glamourous of campus locations, LCC has fantastic facilites and is generally a much larger college so there's more of an atmosphere and buzz I guess. That said, the course sizes are HUGE, especially when you compare to Chelsea which is small and can feel a little dead sometimes.
I can't really comment too much on the LCC course itself, but my friend who is on it says you sometimes feel a little anonymous because there's so many people, where I did graphics and Chelsea and have found there's more of an 'everyone knows everyone' sort of feeling.
Chelsea is also quite conceptual I think, perhaps moreso than LCC. First year at Chelsea is just full of really odd tasks and the first year course leader is a bit crazy and into really experimental fun things - I think you'll either love or hate the style. But in second/third year, it gets more serious, more practical, more of what you expect on a graphic design course I guess.
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#11
(Original post by slightly)
It depends what you want out of the course to be honest.
While Elephant and Castle isn't the most glamourous of campus locations, LCC has fantastic facilites and is generally a much larger college so there's more of an atmosphere and buzz I guess. That said, the course sizes are HUGE, especially when you compare to Chelsea which is small and can feel a little dead sometimes.
I can't really comment too much on the LCC course itself, but my friend who is on it says you sometimes feel a little anonymous because there's so many people, where I did graphics and Chelsea and have found there's more of an 'everyone knows everyone' sort of feeling.
Chelsea is also quite conceptual I think, perhaps moreso than LCC. First year at Chelsea is just full of really odd tasks and the first year course leader is a bit crazy and into really experimental fun things - I think you'll either love or hate the style. But in second/third year, it gets more serious, more practical, more of what you expect on a graphic design course I guess.
It depends what you want out of the course to be honest.
While Elephant and Castle isn't the most glamourous of campus locations, LCC has fantastic facilites and is generally a much larger college so there's more of an atmosphere and buzz I guess. That said, the course sizes are HUGE, especially when you compare to Chelsea which is small and can feel a little dead sometimes.
I can't really comment too much on the LCC course itself, but my friend who is on it says you sometimes feel a little anonymous because there's so many people, where I did graphics and Chelsea and have found there's more of an 'everyone knows everyone' sort of feeling.
Chelsea is also quite conceptual I think, perhaps moreso than LCC. First year at Chelsea is just full of really odd tasks and the first year course leader is a bit crazy and into really experimental fun things - I think you'll either love or hate the style. But in second/third year, it gets more serious, more practical, more of what you expect on a graphic design course I guess.
Just a few more questions... Do Chelsea give opportunities to work abroad or to take a year out to complete a placement? I am aware that LCC offer this and it is a major bonus as I'd love to do this.
Finally!...if anyone could recommend any ual accommodation close to Chelsea that would be great. I have looked at them all and feel I have really confused myself! Some of the nicer halls appear to be quite far away, which I know is not uncommon in london to travel, but ids like to know it is worth it for half decent accompdation.
Sorry for ythe essay!!! Thank you to anyone who can answer any one of y questions!
X
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#12
(Original post by cloerose28)
hey, thank you so much for your reply. I found it really helpful! I think I am edging slightly more towards Chelsea as I have heard mixed reviews with regards to LCC and the drop out rate seems to be quite high. I am anexperimental designer and enjoy working with traditional methods aswell as digital. Would you say I am suited to the course at Chelsea if you are a current student there? How have you found the course so far in terms of tutor support and use of facilities? The only downside to Chelsea is the small facilities but I am hoping if class sizes are small this wont be a problem.
Just a few more questions... Do Chelsea give opportunities to work abroad or to take a year out to complete a placement? I am aware that LCC offer this and it is a major bonus as I'd love to do this.
Finally!...if anyone could recommend any ual accommodation close to Chelsea that would be great. I have looked at them all and feel I have really confused myself! Some of the nicer halls appear to be quite far away, which I know is not uncommon in london to travel, but ids like to know it is worth it for half decent accompdation.
Sorry for ythe essay!!! Thank you to anyone who can answer any one of y questions! X
hey, thank you so much for your reply. I found it really helpful! I think I am edging slightly more towards Chelsea as I have heard mixed reviews with regards to LCC and the drop out rate seems to be quite high. I am anexperimental designer and enjoy working with traditional methods aswell as digital. Would you say I am suited to the course at Chelsea if you are a current student there? How have you found the course so far in terms of tutor support and use of facilities? The only downside to Chelsea is the small facilities but I am hoping if class sizes are small this wont be a problem.
Just a few more questions... Do Chelsea give opportunities to work abroad or to take a year out to complete a placement? I am aware that LCC offer this and it is a major bonus as I'd love to do this.
Finally!...if anyone could recommend any ual accommodation close to Chelsea that would be great. I have looked at them all and feel I have really confused myself! Some of the nicer halls appear to be quite far away, which I know is not uncommon in london to travel, but ids like to know it is worth it for half decent accompdation.
Sorry for ythe essay!!! Thank you to anyone who can answer any one of y questions!
X
I found the course alright in terms of tutor support. Provided you turn up to things and engage and make a good impression, it's fine. Some of them are a bit crap at replying to emails, but generally if I needed help I got it. Again, it depends on your style of working and how much support you think you'll need. Some people feel the tutors could do more, but I'm happy with the contact time I received. Frankly, I doubt LCC would be much better for this though.
Facilities can be an issue. There's a really fantastic workshop for all your wood/metal working needs, and in first year, you do projects which require you to use them. But no letterpress or screen printing is annoying, although in first year, you do go to a letterpress workshop elsewhere for a project, and you can in theory use facilities at any of the other UAL colleges. I've not found it too bad really, but I suppose if you're really into getting your hands dirty, then you have to make more of an effort now and again!
There is an opportunity to study abroad in New York, but only 2 students get to go, and it can be quite competitive so I wouldn't pin your hopes on this. I don't think there are any existing erasmus links (for graphics anyway - ALL the other courses have them!) but in first year, you could ask tutors if they could help you organise one?
There's also no allotted time to complete a work placement, but I guess if you want to take a year out, you can?
It may be worth mentioning that -occasionally- if the tutors like you enough and think you're talented enough, they'l put you forward fr the odd internship or whatever though. And there is also a competition type thing in second year with a big design agency just for Chelsea GD students an the winners get a grant/scholarship type thing.
As for accommodation, for Chelsea, you will have to commute regardless. Obviously, there are no halls near the college, and since the area is so expensive hardly anyone lives locally even in 2nd/3rd year. Manna Ash is in quite a good area I suppose, near waterloo. Loads of people live in Elephant and Castle and Camberwell (and continue to in 2nd/3rd year) and there are decent bus links, although the halls are perhaps less nice! They've added lots of new halls since I started so I can't help too much here really since i've not been to them.
Sorry - not sure how useful I've been here, but if you have any more questions just ask! x
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#13
(Original post by slightly)
I think at Chelsea, it can be a mixed bag in terms of traditional vs. digital. I think you are given more of a platform to explore your own interests in 2nd/3rd year, whereas in first, for me, it occasionally felt a bit more guided, but there is still very much an underlying experimental ethos. As I said, first year will likely be a love/hate situation. Sometimes, the projects will be a bit... random? I know a few people thought some were just too silly or pointless, even if the underlying thing being taught was of value. It's a huge contrast with 3rd year where everything seems a lot more professional and serious.
I found the course alright in terms of tutor support. Provided you turn up to things and engage and make a good impression, it's fine. Some of them are a bit crap at replying to emails, but generally if I needed help I got it. Again, it depends on your style of working and how much support you think you'll need. Some people feel the tutors could do more, but I'm happy with the contact time I received. Frankly, I doubt LCC would be much better for this though.
Facilities can be an issue. There's a really fantastic workshop for all your wood/metal working needs, and in first year, you do projects which require you to use them. But no letterpress or screen printing is annoying, although in first year, you do go to a letterpress workshop elsewhere for a project, and you can in theory use facilities at any of the other UAL colleges. I've not found it too bad really, but I suppose if you're really into getting your hands dirty, then you have to make more of an effort now and again!
There is an opportunity to study abroad in New York, but only 2 students get to go, and it can be quite competitive so I wouldn't pin your hopes on this. I don't think there are any existing erasmus links (for graphics anyway - ALL the other courses have them!) but in first year, you could ask tutors if they could help you organise one?
There's also no allotted time to complete a work placement, but I guess if you want to take a year out, you can?
It may be worth mentioning that -occasionally- if the tutors like you enough and think you're talented enough, they'l put you forward fr the odd internship or whatever though. And there is also a competition type thing in second year with a big design agency just for Chelsea GD students an the winners get a grant/scholarship type thing.
As for accommodation, for Chelsea, you will have to commute regardless. Obviously, there are no halls near the college, and since the area is so expensive hardly anyone lives locally even in 2nd/3rd year. Manna Ash is in quite a good area I suppose, near waterloo. Loads of people live in Elephant and Castle and Camberwell (and continue to in 2nd/3rd year) and there are decent bus links, although the halls are perhaps less nice! They've added lots of new halls since I started so I can't help too much here really since i've not been to them.
Sorry - not sure how useful I've been here, but if you have any more questions just ask! x
I think at Chelsea, it can be a mixed bag in terms of traditional vs. digital. I think you are given more of a platform to explore your own interests in 2nd/3rd year, whereas in first, for me, it occasionally felt a bit more guided, but there is still very much an underlying experimental ethos. As I said, first year will likely be a love/hate situation. Sometimes, the projects will be a bit... random? I know a few people thought some were just too silly or pointless, even if the underlying thing being taught was of value. It's a huge contrast with 3rd year where everything seems a lot more professional and serious.
I found the course alright in terms of tutor support. Provided you turn up to things and engage and make a good impression, it's fine. Some of them are a bit crap at replying to emails, but generally if I needed help I got it. Again, it depends on your style of working and how much support you think you'll need. Some people feel the tutors could do more, but I'm happy with the contact time I received. Frankly, I doubt LCC would be much better for this though.
Facilities can be an issue. There's a really fantastic workshop for all your wood/metal working needs, and in first year, you do projects which require you to use them. But no letterpress or screen printing is annoying, although in first year, you do go to a letterpress workshop elsewhere for a project, and you can in theory use facilities at any of the other UAL colleges. I've not found it too bad really, but I suppose if you're really into getting your hands dirty, then you have to make more of an effort now and again!
There is an opportunity to study abroad in New York, but only 2 students get to go, and it can be quite competitive so I wouldn't pin your hopes on this. I don't think there are any existing erasmus links (for graphics anyway - ALL the other courses have them!) but in first year, you could ask tutors if they could help you organise one?
There's also no allotted time to complete a work placement, but I guess if you want to take a year out, you can?
It may be worth mentioning that -occasionally- if the tutors like you enough and think you're talented enough, they'l put you forward fr the odd internship or whatever though. And there is also a competition type thing in second year with a big design agency just for Chelsea GD students an the winners get a grant/scholarship type thing.
As for accommodation, for Chelsea, you will have to commute regardless. Obviously, there are no halls near the college, and since the area is so expensive hardly anyone lives locally even in 2nd/3rd year. Manna Ash is in quite a good area I suppose, near waterloo. Loads of people live in Elephant and Castle and Camberwell (and continue to in 2nd/3rd year) and there are decent bus links, although the halls are perhaps less nice! They've added lots of new halls since I started so I can't help too much here really since i've not been to them.
Sorry - not sure how useful I've been here, but if you have any more questions just ask! x
the only thing that is bothering me about Chelsea is the lack of facilities. I would really love for them to have more, and can maybe see this becoming an issue...although I wasn't aware you could use any facilities in any ual? Or is this not really the done thing? Aha...if possible, is there anyway you could let me know any feedback from your friend studying at LCC so I can get some more points to compare. I realize LCC have better facilities, but if class sizes are huge this may not be as good a factor as it seems. Out of curiosity how big are class sizes in comparison to Chelsea??
Do you know if many people drop pout of Chelsea? As I am ware this is really not uncommon at LCC which does worry slightly!!
sorry for how many questions I have!! Just wanna make sure I make the right decisions.
thanks again for all your help! x
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#14
(Original post by cloerose28)
hey, firstly THANKS alot, your advice has been really helpful and I will definitely take it all into consideration!!!
the only thing that is bothering me about Chelsea is the lack of facilities. I would really love for them to have more, and can maybe see this becoming an issue...although I wasn't aware you could use any facilities in any ual? Or is this not really the done thing? Aha...if possible, is there anyway you could let me know any feedback from your friend studying at LCC so I can get some more points to compare. I realize LCC have better facilities, but if class sizes are huge this may not be as good a factor as it seems. Out of curiosity how big are class sizes in comparison to Chelsea??
Do you know if many people drop pout of Chelsea? As I am ware this is really not uncommon at LCC which does worry slightly!!
sorry for how many questions I have!! Just wanna make sure I make the right decisions.
thanks again for all your help! x
hey, firstly THANKS alot, your advice has been really helpful and I will definitely take it all into consideration!!!
the only thing that is bothering me about Chelsea is the lack of facilities. I would really love for them to have more, and can maybe see this becoming an issue...although I wasn't aware you could use any facilities in any ual? Or is this not really the done thing? Aha...if possible, is there anyway you could let me know any feedback from your friend studying at LCC so I can get some more points to compare. I realize LCC have better facilities, but if class sizes are huge this may not be as good a factor as it seems. Out of curiosity how big are class sizes in comparison to Chelsea??
Do you know if many people drop pout of Chelsea? As I am ware this is really not uncommon at LCC which does worry slightly!!
sorry for how many questions I have!! Just wanna make sure I make the right decisions.
thanks again for all your help! x
I'm pretty sure you can use the other facilities. I'm not sure how far it's the done thing, but i've used screen printing before at LCC (although I was with my friend who studies there at the time) and I'm at the college a fair amount using their library/computers when I need to get work done late and no one cares as long as you have your UAL student ID.
Honestly, I don't know if it's just because of my working style, but I've never felt significantly disadvantaged, but at the same time, I guess if I had letter press and screen printing more easily accessible on site, perhaps I'd have made more use of it. So it's hard to say.
Really, it depends how much you think you'll need these facilities. As I said, Chelsea does letterpress at this really cool place, and you're allowed to return if you arrange it with the guy who runs it since he's a friend of the course. There are photo studios, and obviously the workshops, I think there's a laser cutter as well (I've never personally needed to use it though, and there's actually a really good professional laser cutter over the bridge in Vauxhall who I know a few students have used). There's large scale printing facilities (although the guy is extremely miserable, so I avoid him), and bookbinding (again, I've never used it), and a lady who can help you mount and frame stuff.
In my year, I think there was about 5 people in total who dropped out? I'm not sure if that's good or bad! For what it's worth, they were all international students as well, aside form one, who was a UK mature student, if that makes any difference.
I know how tough deciding can be though - believe me, I was in the same boat. Have you visited the colleges? Maybe actually getting a feel for the environment might help you out?
-
Just to add: http://unistats.direct.gov.uk/Subjec...10007162-10106 which has some info about chelsea, perhaps look up LCC and get that comparison too?
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#15
(Original post by slightly)
I think at LCC the classes are divided up and switched round and mixed up occasionally for various project so perhaps the huge course wont be as much of an issue (although there isn't that same level of familiarity with your coursemates as there will be at Chelsea). If I remember correctly they take 100+ students, where Chelsea is about 50? This may change year or year though, but Chelsea and Camberwell definitely have very small intakes compared to LCC and CSM.
I'm pretty sure you can use the other facilities. I'm not sure how far it's the done thing, but i've used screen printing before at LCC (although I was with my friend who studies there at the time) and I'm at the college a fair amount using their library/computers when I need to get work done late and no one cares as long as you have your UAL student ID.
Honestly, I don't know if it's just because of my working style, but I've never felt significantly disadvantaged, but at the same time, I guess if I had letter press and screen printing more easily accessible on site, perhaps I'd have made more use of it. So it's hard to say.
Really, it depends how much you think you'll need these facilities. As I said, Chelsea does letterpress at this really cool place, and you're allowed to return if you arrange it with the guy who runs it since he's a friend of the course. There are photo studios, and obviously the workshops, I think there's a laser cutter as well (I've never personally needed to use it though, and there's actually a really good professional laser cutter over the bridge in Vauxhall who I know a few students have used). There's large scale printing facilities (although the guy is extremely miserable, so I avoid him), and bookbinding (again, I've never used it), and a lady who can help you mount and frame stuff.
In my year, I think there was about 5 people in total who dropped out? I'm not sure if that's good or bad! For what it's worth, they were all international students as well, aside form one, who was a UK mature student, if that makes any difference.
I know how tough deciding can be though - believe me, I was in the same boat. Have you visited the colleges? Maybe actually getting a feel for the environment might help you out?
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Just to add: http://unistats.direct.gov.uk/Subjec...10007162-10106 which has some info about chelsea, perhaps look up LCC and get that comparison too?
I think at LCC the classes are divided up and switched round and mixed up occasionally for various project so perhaps the huge course wont be as much of an issue (although there isn't that same level of familiarity with your coursemates as there will be at Chelsea). If I remember correctly they take 100+ students, where Chelsea is about 50? This may change year or year though, but Chelsea and Camberwell definitely have very small intakes compared to LCC and CSM.
I'm pretty sure you can use the other facilities. I'm not sure how far it's the done thing, but i've used screen printing before at LCC (although I was with my friend who studies there at the time) and I'm at the college a fair amount using their library/computers when I need to get work done late and no one cares as long as you have your UAL student ID.
Honestly, I don't know if it's just because of my working style, but I've never felt significantly disadvantaged, but at the same time, I guess if I had letter press and screen printing more easily accessible on site, perhaps I'd have made more use of it. So it's hard to say.
Really, it depends how much you think you'll need these facilities. As I said, Chelsea does letterpress at this really cool place, and you're allowed to return if you arrange it with the guy who runs it since he's a friend of the course. There are photo studios, and obviously the workshops, I think there's a laser cutter as well (I've never personally needed to use it though, and there's actually a really good professional laser cutter over the bridge in Vauxhall who I know a few students have used). There's large scale printing facilities (although the guy is extremely miserable, so I avoid him), and bookbinding (again, I've never used it), and a lady who can help you mount and frame stuff.
In my year, I think there was about 5 people in total who dropped out? I'm not sure if that's good or bad! For what it's worth, they were all international students as well, aside form one, who was a UK mature student, if that makes any difference.
I know how tough deciding can be though - believe me, I was in the same boat. Have you visited the colleges? Maybe actually getting a feel for the environment might help you out?
-
Just to add: http://unistats.direct.gov.uk/Subjec...10007162-10106 which has some info about chelsea, perhaps look up LCC and get that comparison too?
Yeah I've just had a look at the uni stats, chelsea does come out on top. Taking everything into consideration and all your advice, Im gonna go with chelsea! I definitely feel its more suited to me and knowing that there are still good facilities there is good to know! I also like the fact that its a lot smaller and more of a community feel to it I guess. I did get this impression when I visited both colleges! It is a very hard decision...
Thank you so so much for all your advice, its been so helpful!!! really appreciate it!!
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#16
(Original post by cloerose28)
Yeah I've just had a look at the uni stats, chelsea does come out on top. Taking everything into consideration and all your advice, Im gonna go with chelsea! I definitely feel its more suited to me and knowing that there are still good facilities there is good to know! I also like the fact that its a lot smaller and more of a community feel to it I guess. I did get this impression when I visited both colleges! It is a very hard decision...
Thank you so so much for all your advice, its been so helpful!!! really appreciate it!!
Yeah I've just had a look at the uni stats, chelsea does come out on top. Taking everything into consideration and all your advice, Im gonna go with chelsea! I definitely feel its more suited to me and knowing that there are still good facilities there is good to know! I also like the fact that its a lot smaller and more of a community feel to it I guess. I did get this impression when I visited both colleges! It is a very hard decision...
Thank you so so much for all your advice, its been so helpful!!! really appreciate it!!
I'm so excited about the course! there seem to be so many great opportunities!
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#17
(Original post by jwpf)
Hi I'm going to go to Chelsea 2013 for Graphics too! I was just wondering if you were looking at halls and which ones? I was looking at manner ash, basically right on the south bank but most of the others seem to be a while away? We have to make 5 choices which is a lot!
I'm so excited about the course! there seem to be so many great opportunities!
Hi I'm going to go to Chelsea 2013 for Graphics too! I was just wondering if you were looking at halls and which ones? I was looking at manner ash, basically right on the south bank but most of the others seem to be a while away? We have to make 5 choices which is a lot!
I'm so excited about the course! there seem to be so many great opportunities!
I have started to look at halls, Manna Ash will definitely be one of my 5 just because of the convenience! There has been one added for this year which is the closest to Chelsea, although I've forgotten the name of that one so ill have to get back to you! You should check on the online brochure... I am looking at all and keeping an open mind- also not sure where you are from but in London it's not unusual to have to commute for a long time! The costume store looks great. I am shocked at how expensive they all are though! Let me know what you think on some of the places! Would be helpful, ill keep looking!
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#18
(Original post by cloerose28)
Hey, ah congrats! I am also very excited!!!
I have started to look at halls, Manna Ash will definitely be one of my 5 just because of the convenience! There has been one added for this year which is the closest to Chelsea, although I've forgotten the name of that one so ill have to get back to you! You should check on the online brochure... I am looking at all and keeping an open mind- also not sure where you are from but in London it's not unusual to have to commute for a long time! The costume store looks great. I am shocked at how expensive they all are though! Let me know what you think on some of the places! Would be helpful, ill keep looking!
Hey, ah congrats! I am also very excited!!!
I have started to look at halls, Manna Ash will definitely be one of my 5 just because of the convenience! There has been one added for this year which is the closest to Chelsea, although I've forgotten the name of that one so ill have to get back to you! You should check on the online brochure... I am looking at all and keeping an open mind- also not sure where you are from but in London it's not unusual to have to commute for a long time! The costume store looks great. I am shocked at how expensive they all are though! Let me know what you think on some of the places! Would be helpful, ill keep looking!
Are you coming from a Foundation?
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#19
I honestly wouldn't recommend the graphic design course at Chelsea to anyone. I'm on my first year there a the moment and plan to leave after this year.
The small class size is often one of the deciding factors for a lot of people, but the class isn't even that small. There are around 85 students in my year group, about 25 percent international, all shared between one tutor. Each year group only has one tutor - you can't go and talk to the second or third year tutor as you aren't even introduced to them. There are a couple of techies who serve the entire three years who you could probably get help from for specific projects if they're involved already, though. That's not to say that the first year tutor isn't accessible, he's pretty friendly, it's just that if you don't get on with his way of teaching then there's nobody to fall back onto. As said above, they're crap at replying to emails.
The projects set are pretty dull and uninspired, especially considering the 'youth oriented market' that they pride themselves on catering to. They want a specific outcome from each project and you can't really experiment with any media you would like to specialise in or gain experience with, which is really frustrating. They are good at teaching the programs and skills needed to complete the projects, but it gets incredibly laborious if you're just not interested. It also means that when everyone pins up their work for one of the mind-numbing final crits at the end of project, everybody's work looks the same, which is pretty depressing for a creative course. There's a lot of weird projects at the beginning, all group-based. I guess some people could probably gain something from doing these, but I'm not sure if they're quite as useful as actual graphic design projects (one project was to build a tower from newspaper and balance an orange on top. Pretty fun but it felt like filler). You have to do a lot f presentations in front of the class too. This is awful for the shy people and foreign students who's English language skills aren't great. We have also had to do a project where we had to act in front of the class, and the tutor told us that he once made people do karaoke in front of the class.
Dont expect much from the facilities. The library is ok, I'd recommend the 40-odd minute walk down to LCC to use theirs though. There's only 8 or so macs in the Chelsea library compared t about 30at LCC. The computer suite technician is moody and unhelpful, but I would be too if I were in such a cramped, hot room staring at a screen all day. The photography technician is nice but the photography studio leaves a lot to be desired and there's barely any equipment to be lent out. The woodwork, metalwork etc workshops are great.
the worst thing for me is the lack of space graphic design is given. All the other courses have dedicated studios and spaces whereas graphic design is literally given one room for all three years. In the attic. You don't get your own desk or wall space to work on, if that's what you're used to. You better hope you've got enough space to work at home otherwise you're screwed really.
Anyway, I'm rambling a little, any questions the feel free to ask!
The small class size is often one of the deciding factors for a lot of people, but the class isn't even that small. There are around 85 students in my year group, about 25 percent international, all shared between one tutor. Each year group only has one tutor - you can't go and talk to the second or third year tutor as you aren't even introduced to them. There are a couple of techies who serve the entire three years who you could probably get help from for specific projects if they're involved already, though. That's not to say that the first year tutor isn't accessible, he's pretty friendly, it's just that if you don't get on with his way of teaching then there's nobody to fall back onto. As said above, they're crap at replying to emails.
The projects set are pretty dull and uninspired, especially considering the 'youth oriented market' that they pride themselves on catering to. They want a specific outcome from each project and you can't really experiment with any media you would like to specialise in or gain experience with, which is really frustrating. They are good at teaching the programs and skills needed to complete the projects, but it gets incredibly laborious if you're just not interested. It also means that when everyone pins up their work for one of the mind-numbing final crits at the end of project, everybody's work looks the same, which is pretty depressing for a creative course. There's a lot of weird projects at the beginning, all group-based. I guess some people could probably gain something from doing these, but I'm not sure if they're quite as useful as actual graphic design projects (one project was to build a tower from newspaper and balance an orange on top. Pretty fun but it felt like filler). You have to do a lot f presentations in front of the class too. This is awful for the shy people and foreign students who's English language skills aren't great. We have also had to do a project where we had to act in front of the class, and the tutor told us that he once made people do karaoke in front of the class.
Dont expect much from the facilities. The library is ok, I'd recommend the 40-odd minute walk down to LCC to use theirs though. There's only 8 or so macs in the Chelsea library compared t about 30at LCC. The computer suite technician is moody and unhelpful, but I would be too if I were in such a cramped, hot room staring at a screen all day. The photography technician is nice but the photography studio leaves a lot to be desired and there's barely any equipment to be lent out. The woodwork, metalwork etc workshops are great.
the worst thing for me is the lack of space graphic design is given. All the other courses have dedicated studios and spaces whereas graphic design is literally given one room for all three years. In the attic. You don't get your own desk or wall space to work on, if that's what you're used to. You better hope you've got enough space to work at home otherwise you're screwed really.
Anyway, I'm rambling a little, any questions the feel free to ask!
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#20
(Original post by Nonel)
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Have you had a word with your course rep? Make sure you do, or speak to the tutor yourself if you haven't already. Even if you're leaving, it's probably worth making sure that they get the message that things aren't good enough.
In the mean time, have a word with the second/third year tutors or students - even if you've not been introduced, everyone's nice and could perhaps help you out a little? I don't know how far it will make a difference with the obvious annoyances that come with the inflated course size, but second year was better, I found!
Regardless, I hope end up where you need to be next year!
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