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Middlesex Univeristy vs London Metropolitan University for Fine Arts?!

Hi! URGENT! So I am a British Citizen currently live in Cyprus doing my 3rd year of my Bachelor Degree in Fine Arts at a college, however, due to certain circumstances, I have to transfer back to London to finish my last year. The course I am applying for is a 'top up' course, which means I'd graduate in 2026 with a BA Hons degree. I have two choices that I've been accepted to: London Metropolitan University and Middlesex University. I've had an interview with a member from London Met, and have had a campus tour, so I've had a feel for it and I like it, however I couldn't get in touch with Middlesex for a campus tour, and wasn't asked for an interview, so I know less about Middlesex Uni. However, I've walked around the public building and the grounds, and have seen the Grove Building (the Art Building) but I cant get a proper feel for it, although I love the grounds. I've heard that London Met had financial issues in the past and isn't recognized internationally as much as other Unis. I wanted some opinions from any students - past or present - who can give me their thoughts on which University out of the two listed above that they attended, the pros and cons, their honest opinion and any other information I can receive which can form my decision!! Thanks!
Original post
by AaliyahE_
Hi! URGENT! So I am a British Citizen currently live in Cyprus doing my 3rd year of my Bachelor Degree in Fine Arts at a college, however, due to certain circumstances, I have to transfer back to London to finish my last year. The course I am applying for is a 'top up' course, which means I'd graduate in 2026 with a BA Hons degree. I have two choices that I've been accepted to: London Metropolitan University and Middlesex University. I've had an interview with a member from London Met, and have had a campus tour, so I've had a feel for it and I like it, however I couldn't get in touch with Middlesex for a campus tour, and wasn't asked for an interview, so I know less about Middlesex Uni. However, I've walked around the public building and the grounds, and have seen the Grove Building (the Art Building) but I cant get a proper feel for it, although I love the grounds. I've heard that London Met had financial issues in the past and isn't recognized internationally as much as other Unis. I wanted some opinions from any students - past or present - who can give me their thoughts on which University out of the two listed above that they attended, the pros and cons, their honest opinion and any other information I can receive which can form my decision!! Thanks!

Hello! Full disclosure - these are not universities I went to or particularly have much familiarity with, so apologies if this is not the answer you were looking for.

Is there one you feel like you're leaning towards more? What do you think about the work produced by those universities' graduates, is it in line with the work you enjoy making? Have you looked at their course modules, are they in line with what you would expect - is there one you think you might enjoy more? It might be worth trying to make a pros/cons list. It also looks like both universities have a service like UniBuddy where you can talk to current students, which might be valuable to you.

https://www.mdx.ac.uk/student-life/chat-with-students/
https://www.londonmet.ac.uk/contact-us/talk-to-a-student-ambassador/

In terms of the universities' international recognition, I think people who have never lived in the UK are probably unlikely to know that much about either - I get the impression abroad it's really only the most famous universities that people are likely to know of, since they are the ones that get the most press. I think particularly in your case I wouldn't worry too much about it - the most valuable thing for your situation is that you're able to complete your degree despite changes in circumstances and get the qualification, as that will almost definitely help you (especially when it comes to getting approved for visas in the future etc, where having a formal qualification can be particularly valuable.)

Reply 2

Original post
by AaliyahE_
Hi! URGENT! So I am a British Citizen currently live in Cyprus doing my 3rd year of my Bachelor Degree in Fine Arts at a college, however, due to certain circumstances, I have to transfer back to London to finish my last year. The course I am applying for is a 'top up' course, which means I'd graduate in 2026 with a BA Hons degree. I have two choices that I've been accepted to: London Metropolitan University and Middlesex University. I've had an interview with a member from London Met, and have had a campus tour, so I've had a feel for it and I like it, however I couldn't get in touch with Middlesex for a campus tour, and wasn't asked for an interview, so I know less about Middlesex Uni. However, I've walked around the public building and the grounds, and have seen the Grove Building (the Art Building) but I cant get a proper feel for it, although I love the grounds. I've heard that London Met had financial issues in the past and isn't recognized internationally as much as other Unis. I wanted some opinions from any students - past or present - who can give me their thoughts on which University out of the two listed above that they attended, the pros and cons, their honest opinion and any other information I can receive which can form my decision!! Thanks!

Hi! I saw your message and wanted to share my personal experience to help with your decision. I actually studied my bachelor’s at Middlesex and then went on to do my master’s at London Met, so I have experienced both universities first-hand.

One of the biggest differences I noticed is the campus culture. At London Met, there is a really strong sense of community and inclusivity. I have felt genuinely part of the university and supported every step of the way, whether through social opportunities, academic support, or the general atmosphere. In comparison, my experience at Middlesex felt more separated, and I did not feel as connected to the wider university.

The support at London Met has been great, especially as someone with a visual impairment. Everything I have needed, whether academic adjustments or wellbeing support, was available on campus and handled efficiently. I have also found the lecturers to be particularly engaged. They take real interest in their students’ progress and are approachable when extra help is needed.

Although my degree was in marketing, I have friends in Fine Arts and have seen the standard of their work. The course seems to offer a lot of creative freedom, and the final-year projects I have seen have been really impressive.

Another thing that stands out is the diversity of students. You meet people from all over the world, and I actually met my best friend during orientation, which really added to my experience. I also joined the social media ambassadors team, which was a separate opportunity offered by the university, and it gave me hands-on experience alongside my studies.

I hope this gives you a bit more insight and helps with your decision. Best of luck with your next steps.

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