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UAL Online

Frequently Asked Questions

Textile design with multi-colours
Textile design with multi-colours
Madison Mcglennon, 2019, BA (Hons) Textile Design, Chelsea College of Arts, UAL | Photograph: Alys Tomlinson

Read about online study, teaching, support and more.

Online study

Explore UAL Online’s flexible learning options, from entry points to work commitments.

When can I start?

You can choose to start in January, May or September each year. The courses are delivered part-time, online.

How long will I study for? 

Our online courses offer the flexibility of three award options, so the length of your studies depends on the award you choose.

  • A Master’s (MA) will take a minimum of 2 years, and a maximum 4 years.
  • A Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) will take a minimum of 1 year 4 months, and a maximum 3 years 4 months.
  • A Postgraduate Certificate (PgCert) will take a minimum of 8 months and a maximum 2 years 8 months.

You’ll study part-time, approximately 21 hours per week. Our online learning model allows you to take breaks between units if continuous study isn't suitable for you.

How long does each unit take to study? 

Each unit is delivered over 14 weeks with a short break at the end of each unit.

Can I complete a Master’s while in full-time employment?

Absolutely! Our online, part-time courses are designed for busy people, allowing you to balance your studies with full-time employment or other life commitments.

Will a degree certificate from UAL be recognised globally?

University of the Arts London (UAL) is a recognised degree-awarding body regulated by the Office for Students (OfS). UAL has an established global reputation for academic excellence and is considered one of the leading institutions for art, design and creative education. Degree certificates from the University of the Arts London (UAL) are widely respected internationally.

However, our degrees are awarded and regulated in the United Kingdom. While many countries and professional bodies accept UK qualifications, recognition is not automatic everywhere and rules differ by country, profession, and employer.

If you plan to use this qualification for employment, professional licensure, immigration, or further study overseas, you must ensure that it meets the specific requirements of the country or organisation concerned (for example, your national Ministry/Department of Education, a professional regulator, employer, or embassy/consulate) to realise your chosen outcome.

Teaching and support

Discover the learning offerings at UAL Online and the support you’ll receive along the way.

How is teaching delivered? 

There will be weekly live sessions where you can engage with your tutor. Our course units combine a balance of tutor-led engagement and self-directed study.

You can read more about how you’ll learn.

You will be supported throughout your studies; however, a high level of self-management, discipline and independence will be required throughout the course as should be expected at Master’s level study.

What if I can’t make the live sessions?

If you can’t attend the live sessions, they will be recorded, and you can easily catch-up by accessing the recording on Moodle.

What support do I receive throughout my studies? 

You’ll receive support from the moment you express an interest in an online course, right through to graduation.

If you have any questions before enrolling, we encourage you to reach out to our team of Recruitment Advisors, who are here to assist you and help you with your application. You can do this by completing the form on the course page.

Once you’ve enrolled, you’ll have access to our Student Success Team. They’ll help you with any questions you have related to your course or learning platform. They’re available by email and phone and will get back to you within 24 hours (Monday-Friday GMT).

Discover how the Recruitment Team and the Student Success Team can help you.

You’ll have regular interactions with course tutors through live sessions and webinars. They are will also provide feedback on your assignments.

Funding your course

Find all the details on how to fund your UAL Online MA course.

How much are the fees, and when are they due? 

Details of your course fees can be found on the relevant course page. Tuition fees are paid in instalments on a pay-per-unit basis as you progress through your chosen award.

To secure your place on a course, you’ll be asked to pay a deposit, which is equal to and credited towards the first unit.

We also offer 20% progression discounts to all UAL graduates starting a postgraduate course at the University in 2025/26. This applies to any student (home or overseas) who has already successfully completed a residential undergraduate, postgraduate or study abroad course or a UAL Online Master's degree.

How do I pay for my course?

Payments can be made online using a credit or debit card, or by bank transfer.

How much is a deposit?

To secure your place on a course, you’ll be asked to pay a deposit, which is equal to and credited towards the first unit.

Read the full UAL Online Fees policy.

Graduating as an online student

On graduating from UAL Online, you’ll join our community of Alumni.

Will my certificate state that I studied online?

When you graduate, you’ll receive your postgraduate degree certificate. It will not include any reference to online study.

Your award certificate will be from University of the Arts London and will state the name of the course that you studied, for example ‘MA Fashion Business’. It will not include any reference to online study.

Will I have a graduation ceremony? 

You will have the option to take part in a graduation ceremony in London if you’d like, where you’ll have the chance to meet your peers and tutors in person. If you can’t attend, we will post your certificate to you.

More to explore

  • A woman sitting on a sofa reading a book
    Babett Kürschner, 2021 BA Public Relations, London College of Communication, UAL | Photograph: Alys Tomlinson

    Courses

    View our online courses

  • Close up photo of hands typing on a laptop
    Babett Kurschner working on a laptop, London College of Communication, UAL | Photograph: Alys Tomlinson

    Application process

    Read our step-by-step guide