Camberwell or Kingston for graphic design?
Hoping someone can offer a little advice. I’ve got unconditional offers from both Kingston and Camberwell for Graphic Design, Kingston has been voted the best course in London for GD but UAL has an awesome reputation around the world. Working abroad would be a bonus for me after graduating…. I’m also a mature student if anyone has experience being in their 30s at either uni?
Thanks!
Thanks!
Reply 1
Hi there @Jonjayevans9 , congratulations on receiving offers from both universities. I am a placement year BA Fashion student from Kingston School of Art and I would highly recommend visiting us on one of our Open Days if you have not already done so 🙂 The highlight of Kingston for me would be our amazing open access facilities that are open to anyone from any course 🤗 (such as the 3D workshop and Printmaking Studios). Having the opportunities to experiment with analogue techniques like screen printing, book binding, lithography to modern technologies like 3D printing, metal etching and metal engraving are one of the joys of being at art student at Kingston. Feel free to ask me any questions about life in Kingston 🙂
Useful Links:
KSA Open Access Workshops
My first time screen printing at uni
Zhi En
(Kingston Student Rep.)
Useful Links:
KSA Open Access Workshops
My first time screen printing at uni
Zhi En
(Kingston Student Rep.)
(edited 1 year ago)
Reply 2
Both are good courses. The perceived reputation of either course will make no difference to your career prospects at all.
Attending Open Days will give you a clearer idea of what's best for you. If you have, then have a look at the work that their graduates produce, then choose the course that aligns with the kind of work you want to make.
My personal opinion is that Kingston has a broader outlook, allowing students to explore theoretical/experimental work as well as the more commercial side of the subject.
Attending Open Days will give you a clearer idea of what's best for you. If you have, then have a look at the work that their graduates produce, then choose the course that aligns with the kind of work you want to make.
My personal opinion is that Kingston has a broader outlook, allowing students to explore theoretical/experimental work as well as the more commercial side of the subject.
Have you looked at grad shows for each?
D&AD awards/entries for the last few years?
D&AD awards/entries for the last few years?
Reply 4
A few years ago, a graduate from Kingston told me they were actively discouraged from doing D&AD briefs by their tutors. I don't think Camberwell do competition briefs at all.
Original post
by insidedesignerA few years ago, a graduate from Kingston told me they were actively discouraged from doing D&AD briefs by their tutors. I don't think Camberwell do competition briefs at all.
Did they say why they were discouraged? I've always found it a really useful way to get an insight into the sort of work different courses support/produce
Reply 6
I can't remember exactly what they said. I suspect the tutor was trying to suggest that doing self-directed briefs would be a better option, but the person i spoke to said they were quite dismissive and did the D&AD brief anyway without any advice from their tutors.
More generally, a lot of graphic design academics really don't like D&AD New Blood briefs. Partly because of their commercial focus, believing University is for personal expression and that graphic design (quite rightly) isn't just a tool to sell stuff to people. Partly because of the nature of the briefs in recent years, being at the mercy of whatever sponsors D&AD can get.
However, for the vast majority of students/graduates/professionals - graphic design is a commercial profession, and giving D&AD briefs a go is a really good way of working on realistic projects, and testing yourself against the best students from around the world.
With a few exceptions like CSM, all the good courses get their students to do competition briefs (such as ISTD) so it is a good way to compare courses (particularly when you compare award wins to cohort size) but for graphic design at least - D&AD isn't the barometer it used to be. It's still the gold standard in ad land though.
More generally, a lot of graphic design academics really don't like D&AD New Blood briefs. Partly because of their commercial focus, believing University is for personal expression and that graphic design (quite rightly) isn't just a tool to sell stuff to people. Partly because of the nature of the briefs in recent years, being at the mercy of whatever sponsors D&AD can get.
However, for the vast majority of students/graduates/professionals - graphic design is a commercial profession, and giving D&AD briefs a go is a really good way of working on realistic projects, and testing yourself against the best students from around the world.
With a few exceptions like CSM, all the good courses get their students to do competition briefs (such as ISTD) so it is a good way to compare courses (particularly when you compare award wins to cohort size) but for graphic design at least - D&AD isn't the barometer it used to be. It's still the gold standard in ad land though.
Reply 7
Congratulations! Did you apply for undergrad or masters ?
Reply 8
Original post
by Jonjayevans9Hoping someone can offer a little advice. I’ve got unconditional offers from both Kingston and Camberwell for Graphic Design, Kingston has been voted the best course in London for GD but UAL has an awesome reputation around the world. Working abroad would be a bonus for me after graduating…. I’m also a mature student if anyone has experience being in their 30s at either uni?
Thanks!
Thanks!
Hello,
Congratulations on your offer to study at UAL, I'm sure both options are great but as a UAL rep, I can share what to expect at Camberwell. As a UAL student, you will notice that it is well known in the creative industries and can offer great opportunities as a result through well connected industry experts as guests and internships. The resources across campuses are also top quality so you will be encouraged to learn and use industry standard equipment to elevate your work.
You can also expect a great student lifestyle with many opportunities to connect with not just your course but the wider UAL student body as you will have access to all the campuses. There are societies to join as well as socials organised by the uni to enjoy and get to know your peers.
I wish you the best with your decision.
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