Top UK universities such as Oxford , Cambridge , Edinburgh and UCL are ranked among the top arts and humanities universities according to the QS World Rankings. The country is known for offering thousands of arts courses such as psychology, political science, international relations, economics, fine arts and more! In addition to a high-quality education , students have access to numerous volunteer jobs, internships, and research opportunities. Many universities offer guaranteed scholarships and scholarships to support international students planning to continue their studies in the UK after 12th Arts!
As an Indian student, I find it difficult to decide to study courses in UK after 12th Arts. So what makes UK art universities different from Indian ones?
- Great Britain is a center of arts and culture. The country has the largest number of museums, art exhibitions and art courses in the UK, giving practical experience as much importance as theory.
- Britain’s rich history, diverse political landscape and stunning economic and media system are ideal for humanities students who want to gain a dual perspective beyond theory.
- There are top art universities in the UK and taking courses in the UK after 12th art at one of these universities will earn you a high salary after graduation.
- The UK accounts for 4% of research worldwide, which says a lot about the quality of education provided at UK art universities.
- UK universities offer great opportunities for international students such as international exchange programs where students gain global exposure and experience while studying.
- UK universities are also known for their sandwich courses, which allow them to undertake internships as part of their curriculum.
- Another reason to take various courses in the UK after Year 12 for art students is the opportunity to explore Europe and travel across the historically, politically and culturally diverse continent.
- Scholarships are another reason to study in the country. Students can receive a variety of scholarships, fellowships and research grants to support their education.
Must Read: Best Education Systems in the World – Top 20 Countries
Qualification requirements
To be eligible to study courses in the UK after 12th Arts, you must meet the following minimum requirements:
- You must be 18 years of age or older to apply.
- Minimum 65% in 12th Arts (varies from university to university)
- SAT /ACT exam (minimum score depends on the course you choose)
- TOEFL / IELTS to prove your English language proficiency (the minimum amount depends on the university you are applying to).
IELTS is accepted not only in the UK, but also in 140 other countries as evidence of English language proficiency. In a non-English speaking country, we recommend that every Indian student wishing to study abroad take this test. Here are some tips on how to pass the IELTS English test!
Be sure to read: documents required for admission to UK universities
How to apply?
Applications for post-Y12 Arts courses in the UK are made through the UCAS (Universities and Colleges Application Service) online portal. There are a number of required documents required throughout the process. We have provided the list below and please make sure you have it before filling out your application.
- Sheets with 10 and 12 marks (certified)
- 2 letters of recommendation
- Proof of funds through bank statements
- Proof of English language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL)
- Declaration of intent
If you are taking a course that requires a portfolio, such as fine art, make sure you have a digital PDF copy ready.
Must Read: UK SOP
Top Arts and Humanities Universities in the UK
The UK is a hotspot for Indian students wanting to study art after 12th grade. Five of the world’s top 20 arts and humanities universities are located in the UK. So, if you are looking for courses in UK after 12th Arts, you can choose any of the universities below:
| University name | QS World University Rankings for Arts and Humanities (2024) | Overall rating |
| University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK | 2 | 96.9 |
| University of Oxford, Oxford, UK | 3 | 96.8 |
| UCL, London, UK | 10 | 88.3 |
| University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK | 12 | 88.2 |
| King’s College London, London, UK | 22 | 83.6 |
| Durham University, Durham, UK | 42 | 81 |
| London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), London, UK | 43 | 80.7 |
Must Read: Find out which universities in the UK accept Duolingo
Best Courses in UK after 12th Arts
There are many arts and humanities courses in the UK that international students can study, such as drama, film studies, archaeology, language, history, political science, architecture, fine arts, literature and so on.
Most popular courses in UK after 12th Arts for Indians:
- Bachelor of English Language and Literature
- Bachelor of Music
- Bachelor of Drama and Theater
- Bachelor of Creative Writing
- Bachelor of Fine Arts
- Bachelor of Psychology
- Bachelor of Film Studies
- Bachelor of Archeology
- Bachelor of Political Science
- Bachelor of Public Policy
- Bachelor of Global Affairs
- Bachelor of History
- Bachelor of Philosophy
- Bachelor of Sociology
- Law
- Bachelor of Economics
Read also: UK universities without application fees
Bachelor of English Language and Literature
The BA in English Language and Literature provides the student with the opportunity to improve their reading skills as well as take a deeper look at written classics. This is a three-year full-time program that all Indian art students choose after graduating from high school. The average tuition fees can reach up to Rs. 18 lakhs per annum at the University of Manchester and up to 31 lakhs per annum at the University of Oxford. The best university offering a BA in English Language and Literature is the University of Oxford , which has the largest English department in the United Kingdom.
Bachelor of Music
If you want to become a professional music educator or technician, the Bachelor of Music is an ideal option among other courses in the UK after 12th Arts. The course requires an understanding of the history of world music and how it has developed over the years. Along with theory, the curriculum also includes practice on the instrument. Cambridge University is considered one of the best in the UK for studying music. The average tuition fee is Rs. 29.58 lakhs per annum. To be eligible for this course, an Indian student will need a grade of 90% or A1.
Worth reading: How to become a music journalist?
Bachelor of Drama and Theater
Home to William Shakespeare and 1,100 active theater companies, the BA Drama and Theater is one of the UK’s prestigious post-12th Arts courses. This three-year undergraduate program is designed for all theater lovers who consider the stage to be their second home. This course teaches production, directing, theater performances, acting and everything related to theatre. Although you can study for a degree in theater from independent drama schools, the best university for a BA in Drama and Theater is the University of Manchester. The average tuition fee is Rs. 18.21 lakhs per annum.
Must Read: Careers in Art and Drama
Bachelor of Creative Writing
Did you know that after completing Year 12 Arts in the UK you can study to become an author? The BA Creative Writing is a three-year course that will help you on your journey as a writer. It will help you in the field of journalism, education and even print media. Middlesex University, Northumbria University and the University of the West of England are top colleges for creative writing. The average tuition fee is Rs. 12-15 lakhs per annum.
Must Read: Creative Writing Courses in the UK
Bachelor of Fine Arts
Fine arts include areas of study such as photography, illustration, sculpture, painting, animation, film, printmaking and ceramics. If you want to pursue a career in any of the above fields. The Bachelor of Fine Arts and Diploma of Fine Arts are perfect for you! Oxford University and University College London are the top fine arts universities in the UK. The average tuition fee ranges from Rs. 25 Lakhs to Rs. 32 lakhs.
Must Read: What Can You Do with a Fine Arts Degree?
Bachelor of Psychology
One of the most sought after courses in the UK after 12th year in Psychology. A psychologist studies human behavior in various circumstances. Psychology graduates generally choose a PhD or Master of Philosophy degree after completing their bachelor’s degree. There are top research universities in the UK that will make it easier to apply to if you complete your BA in Psychology in the same country. University College London, the University of Edinburgh and King’s College London are leaders in the study of psychology after 12 Arts in the UK. The average tuition fee is Rs. 28 lakhs per annum for this three year course.
Must Read: Difference Between BA in Psychology and BA in Psychology
Bachelor of Film Studies
Film Studies is one of the most popular and exciting courses for beginners. The Bachelor of Film Studies is ideal for students who want to direct films, work in film editing and production. This degree will help you become a cinematographer, editor, sound effects director, and many other technical positions. What sets this course apart from other post-Y12 Arts courses in the UK is the opportunity to undertake internships with London film and media companies as part of the curriculum. The University of Leicester and King’s College London are some of the top colleges offering this course with an average tuition fee of 16 lakhs per year.
Must Read: Find out about the best film schools in the UK
Bachelor of Archeology
If you like to literally delve into the past, then this post 12th Arts course in the UK is perfect for you. Human evolution, ancient DNA and archaeological methodologies are discussed in the three-year undergraduate course in archaeology. The University of York, the University of Nottingham and the University of Durham are all highly ranked universities for the Bachelor of Archeology. The average tuition fee ranges from Rs. 15 to 24 lakhs.
Must Read: Archeology Courses
Cost of living and studying in the UK
One of the advantages of post-12th arts courses in the UK over commerce or science is the significant tuition fees. This automatically reduces the cost of living to a huge extent. Additionally, some art courses, such as Film Studies, require you to complete an internship in your final semester. This will help you cover small expenses such as food and travel.
The cost of living is explained in detail in the table given below:
| Category | Average cost |
| Tuition fee | Rs. 15-20 lakhs/year |
| Student visa cost | Rs. 35 141 |
| Accommodation | Rs. 40,000/month |
| Food | Rs. 15-20,000/month. |
| Study material (depending on the course) | 10–50,000 rupees per year |
| Travel | Rs. 3-5000/month |
| Utilities (Internet, gas, electricity) | Rs. 2-4000/month. |
Must Read: Reduce Cost of Living in UK as an Indian Student
Postgraduate studies
After completing your undergraduate degree in the UK after 12th year of arts, admission to a master’s or doctorate becomes easier. You will be sufficiently qualified to UK education standards. All you need to do is renew your student visa a couple of months before graduation.
You can study the following postgraduate programs after courses in the UK after 12 Arts:
- Master of English Language and Literature
- Master of Music
- Master of Fine Arts
- Master in Clinical Psychology
- MA Psychology
- Master of Theater and Performing Arts
- Master in Archeology
- Creative Writing PhD
Be sure to read: UK Student Visa Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Which course is most in demand in the UK?
Some of the best courses in UK are Computer Science, MBA, MBBS, Engineering, International Business, Finance, Law, Architecture, Fashion Design and Interior Design.
Is the art direction successful?
The scope of art is very wide. There are several job prospects for Arts students and graduates in India and around the world.
3 Which art stream is best?
The choice of the best art subjects will depend on the student’s interests and preferences. Some of the major arts subjects include History, Geography, Political Science, English, Economics, Psychology, Sociology, Physical Education, Hindi, Sanskrit and others.
We hope we have covered all the popular courses in UK after 12th Arts. Are you planning to study in the UK during the January intake? Register for a free session today and get a profile assessment from our Leverage Edu experts!
