UAL Chelsea or Kingston or KABK?

I applied graphic design course of those schools and got offers from them. I'm wondering where to go because they are really amazing schools. Chelsea of UAL is really high ranked in QS, but KABK (The royal academy of arts in the Hague) is also top in the Netherlands and the graphic design department is very famous there. Furthermore, I saw that the Kingston's graphic design recently ranked no.1 in London. Where should I go?

Reply 1

Kingston Reps

Official Rep

15

Original post by cji5652

I applied graphic design course of those schools and got offers from them. I'm wondering where to go because they are really amazing schools. Chelsea of UAL is really high ranked in QS, but KABK (The royal academy of arts in the Hague) is also top in the Netherlands and the graphic design department is very famous there. Furthermore, I saw that the Kingston's graphic design recently ranked no.1 in London. Where should I go?

Hi @cji5652

Firstly congratulations on your offer! I don't study graphics here at Kingston, but I do study fashion promotion and communication and so have used some of the facilities and met students who do study graphics. So I though I would just share with you what I know the course and facilities to hopefully help you make a decision.

As you said graphics is no.1 in London at Kingston and Kingston School of art is also no.1 in London for art and design. I think a big part of it is the facilities and environment that Kingston offers. I recently visited the graphics floor at the school of art campus (Knights Park) and it felt like such a creative environment and calm space to get work done, spaces for both collaboration and independent work. I would say the whole campus has this great atmosphere, there is a river running next to the campus and lots of great facilities, like rooms with mac's and printers, perfect for graphic students.

There are lots of workshops, such as print rooms, photography studios, woodworks and so much more that any student can use no matter what they are studying. So you can really experiment with a range of mediums, to create interesting outcomes. If you have not already it would be great to come and have a look for yourself on our next open day on Saturday 27th April.

Graphics students have also done some really fun fundraisers in the student union bar this year, with student DJ's performing to raise money for the course and students. There was fun themes such as everyone wearing primary colours to the event, so it seems like the course has a nice atmosphere.

I hope this helps and if you do have any more questions don't hesitate to ask :smile:

-Grace (Kingston Rep)

Reply 2

insidedesigner

7

Here is my semi regular reminder to ignore rankings. The data that feeds into them is largely disconnected from the things that actually make a course right (or wrong) for you.

UAL (as an institution) is always high up in the QS rankings, primarily because of it's size but also because it has some genuinely world-beating courses. The GD course at Chelsea is pretty good, but it's no better than many others within the South East. However, it might be perfect for you if you want to live in London. If you like the work the students do, the staff, the briefs etc - then it could be a great choice.

Kingston is another good option.

However, i'd go to KABK out of those options. It produces outstanding graduates.

The biggest difference is the location. The Hague is a relatively small, clean, modern place by the sea. London is a massive, multicultural, dirty but exciting city with all the pros and cons that come with it.

Reply 3

alm.design

3

Original post by cji5652

I applied graphic design course of those schools and got offers from them. I'm wondering where to go because they are really amazing schools. Chelsea of UAL is really high ranked in QS, but KABK (The royal academy of arts in the Hague) is also top in the Netherlands and the graphic design department is very famous there. Furthermore, I saw that the Kingston's graphic design recently ranked no.1 in London. Where should I go?

I'm also in pretty much the same situation but I'm in Y12 and plan on doing a foundation year before university. I'd appreciate if you could let me know which one you go with in the end! I'm from London but I'm getting citizenship for an EU country this year, so I'll be able to study for wayy cheaper in a country in the EU.

Reply 4

cji5652

OP

2

Original post by alm.design

I'm also in pretty much the same situation but I'm in Y12 and plan on doing a foundation year before university. I'd appreciate if you could let me know which one you go with in the end! I'm from London but I'm getting citizenship for an EU country this year, so I'll be able to study for wayy cheaper in a country in the EU.