Guide
Apply to creative courses at university or college
As an ACES participant, this guide will lay out how to approach applying for a creative course
Updated on 24 August 2026
College applications
You apply to college directly on the college's website.
Applications open and close at different times, and places might be filled on a first come-first served basis. To ensure you don't miss out you can usually sign up for notifications from the college to inform you when applications open.
University applications
Applications to all courses at university are made via UCAS
Your school or college will be able to guide you through what you need to do to register and begin.
You might be able to access support from Lift Off too.
You can choose up to 5 courses to apply to - these might all be at different universities, or some might be at the same. It's up to you, but be careful about applying to 2nd year courses if you don't have the right qualifications.
In your UCAS application you will be asked to provide personal information, a record of your grades and achievements to date and a personal statement about what you want to study and why.
Your application will also contain a reference from your guidance teacher, giving further information about your suitability for the course and predicting your future exam grades.
The UCAS application deadline is in January.