Student diversity
We are proud of our diverse student communities. We are committed to ensuring UAL is an inclusive and supportive environment for everyone.
The Equality Act 2010 and University's Strategy (2022-2032) sets out our commitment to promote equality, diversity and inclusion of:
- age
- disability
- gender reassignment (gender identity)
- marriage and civil partnership
- pregnancy and maternity
- race
- religion
- sex
- sexual orientation
- caring responsibilities
- socio-economic background.
Get support
Painting by Paula Caffrey, BA Illustration and Visual Media, London College of Communication, UAL Student services
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Peng Chen, Show backstage, Banking Hall Togetherall
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Kehkashan Khalid, MA Visual Arts Fine Art Digital, Camberwell College of Arts Language development
If English is your additional language, get help you with the language skills you need to be successful on your course.
Peng Chen, Show backstage, Banking Hall ArtSU
Confidential support independent from the university. You can also become part of student communities by joining societies based on culture, faith, welfare, and other categories.
Student representation, collaboration and partnerships
Student Union
Our Student Union Sabbatical Officers represent students in strategic forums, committees and groups, including:
- Champions Forums
- Race Equality Charter Self-Assessment Team and Student Working Group.
ArtsSU connects our community with over 120 student societies in areas such as faith, culture, welfare and more.
Creative Shift
A community that believes in shaping diversity in the Creative industries and provides opportunities to enhance students’ personal and professional development.
- Gain access to diverse industry contacts.
- Work on co-created projects and live briefs.
- Develop skills within a collaborative environment.
Find out more about Creative Shift and how you can get involved.
Decolonising Arts Institute
UAL has a Decolonising Arts Institute, working to challenge colonial and imperial legacies, disrupt ways of seeing, listening, thinking and making in order to drive cultural, social and institutional change. Currently working on two major projects:
- Transforming Collections: Reimagining Art, Nation and Heritage, in collaboration with the Creative Computing Institute and Tate among 15 UK partners.
- 20/20, bringing together 20 emerging artists of colour and 20 UK public art collections, leading to 20 new permanent acquisitions.
Projects
Anti-Racism Strategy
In 2021 we committed to an Anti-Racism Strategy consisting of 10 clear key objectives, with consultation from staff and students, to work to embed anti-racism at UAL.
Race Equality Charter
UAL is applying for the Race Equality Charter Bronze Award, the charter mark provides a framework to achieve anti-racism in both our student and staff bodies.
Religious Observance and Festivals Calendar
UAL has a customised Religious Observance and Festivals Calendar available on Outlook to raise awareness of religion and belief festivals. UAL has also developed a Clash Diary that supports staff to avoid timetabling clashes with major religious observances and festivals. This can be accessed internally by staff on Canvas.
Awareness days
UAL aims to celebrate and promote equality, diversity and inclusion. We are committed to ensuring that all students are supported, respected and celebrated. We take part in major events such as Pride in London, LGBTQ+ History Month, Black History Month and Disability Awareness Month in addition to other key awareness days.
Policies and guidance
Training
Prevention of harassment and sexual violence
Please be aware that the module includes scenarios that discuss rape and sexual assault. We recommend being in a safe space when you complete the module and considering if there is any support that you might want or need.
Short online training module aims to start a conversation about what sexual consent means and challenge myths surrounding sexual violence.
Note - you have to be existing staff or student to access the training.
For further information, guidance and advice around equality, diversity and inclusion at UAL, please get in touch with the Diversity team via diversity@arts.ac.uk.