Wimbledon College of Arts is one of six colleges that form the University of the Arts London (UAL). It’s based in the quiet south-west corner of London, in Wimbledon. The college is well known for teaching theatre and performance arts. It offers both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.
Contents
A College That Focuses on Theatre and Performance
This college doesn’t try to teach everything. It focuses only on what it does best—performance, set design, costume, and related skills. Students who study here learn how to design for stage, screen, and live shows. This means learning how to bring a script to life through costume, sound, space, and props.
You won’t find courses in business, computing, or general science here. Instead, you’ll find courses like:
- BA Theatre Design
- BA Costume for Theatre and Screen
- MA Theatre Design
- MA Puppetry
These courses mix hands-on practice with theory. You don’t just sit in a lecture hall. You work in real studios and performance spaces.
Part of the Larger UAL Network
Wimbledon College of Arts is part of UAL, which is a group of art schools in London. The other colleges include:
- Central Saint Martins
- London College of Fashion
- Chelsea College of Arts
- London College of Communication
- Camberwell College of Arts
Each college has its own focus. Wimbledon’s focus is theatre and performance. Being part of UAL means students can access resources across all six colleges. That includes libraries, workshops, and events.
Where the College Is Located
The campus is on Merton Hall Road. It’s in a green and peaceful area. This gives students space to think, create, and rehearse. It’s not far from Wimbledon Station, so it’s easy to reach from central London.
The setting is quieter than the main city areas. This is useful for students who want a focused place to study but still live in London.
Facilities That Support Practice
The college has strong workshop and studio spaces. These include:
- Performance studios
- Costume workrooms
- Lighting and sound labs
- Digital editing spaces
Students use these rooms for classes, rehearsals, and solo projects. You don’t have to wait until your third year to get practical. Practice starts early in every course.
Booking spaces is simple. There are student systems that help you choose when and where to book. Staff are around to support new students as they learn the ropes.
Small Classes, Strong Community
Wimbledon is not a large college. It has fewer students than most UAL colleges. This means classes are smaller. Students get more one-on-one time with tutors. It also means it’s easier to know your classmates and build lasting friendships.
Group work is common. So are shared projects with other UAL students, especially those in related fields like fashion or film.
What Makes Wimbledon Special?
It focuses on storytelling through design. Every class, workshop, and project ties into this. Whether you’re building a puppet, sewing a costume, or planning a set, the goal is the same—help the story come alive on stage or screen.
Some students go on to work in theatre. Others move into TV, film, or even events and live shows. You’ll learn skills that fit across many creative paths.
Wimbledon also has strong links with theatre groups and galleries. Students get chances to visit shows, attend talks, and meet real-world artists.
Open Days and Entry Requirements
If you want to study at Wimbledon College of Arts, you’ll need a portfolio. This is a collection of your work. It shows your ideas, skills, and style. You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to show clear thinking and creativity.
Open days help you see the campus and talk to tutors. These are held both online and in person. Book early—they fill up fast.
Courses ask for different grades depending on the level. Most require A-Levels or an access diploma. For postgrad courses, you’ll need a degree in a related subject.
Support and Services
The college has support staff for mental health, career advice, and learning help. You can also get help with housing, money, and finding part-time jobs.
UAL also runs workshops to teach soft skills like time management and teamwork. You’ll also learn how to present ideas, write clearly, and plan projects.
Life After Graduation
Graduates go on to work in many creative industries. Past students have worked with:
- National Theatre
- Royal Opera House
- BBC
- Netflix
Some work as freelancers. Others join big production houses. Some start their own design studios or work with schools and communities.
Final Thoughts
Wimbledon College of Arts is a good choice for anyone who wants to learn how to design for performance. It offers solid training in theatre arts, strong links with the industry, and a place to grow. Being part of UAL gives students even more chances to connect, learn, and show their work.
If you want to work in theatre, film, or performance design—this college is worth a serious look.
