Top Fields of Study in London: Finance, AI, Public Policy, and Design
London offers world-class education in finance, AI, public policy, and design. Learn why these fields thrive here, what you’ll study, job outcomes, costs, and how to get started.
When you’re looking for design schools London, institutions that teach visual communication, product development, and creative problem-solving across fashion, graphic, and spatial design. Also known as art and design colleges, these schools don’t just teach software—they teach how to think differently about the world around you. Whether you want to build brands, shape clothes, or redesign public spaces, London’s design scene is one of the most active in the world.
Many of these schools sit right in the heart of creative districts like Camden, Shoreditch, and South Bank. Royal College of Art, the world’s only entirely postgraduate art and design university, is a top choice for those serious about pushing boundaries. Meanwhile, Central Saint Martins, part of the University of the Arts London, is famous for launching fashion designers who redefine global trends. You’ll also find strong programs at London College of Communication, where graphic design, motion graphics, and user experience training happen alongside real industry clients. These aren’t just classrooms—they’re studios where your work gets seen by galleries, agencies, and brands before you even graduate.
Costs vary widely. Public institutions like UAL charge around £24,000 per year for international students, while some private colleges can go higher. But many offer scholarships, part-time work opportunities, and access to free studio space. You don’t need to be rich—you just need to show up, experiment, and keep building. The city itself is your classroom. Walk through Covent Garden and you’ll see student-led pop-ups. Visit a gallery in Soho and you might spot work from recent grads. Attend a design fair in Shoreditch and you’ll hear pitches from students who turned their final projects into businesses.
What sets London apart isn’t just the schools—it’s the network. Internships at Pentagram, Tate, or Burberry aren’t rare—they’re expected. Guest lecturers are often working designers who just finished a campaign last week. You’ll learn from people who’ve done it, not just read about it. And if you’re into sustainability, digital design, or inclusive branding, you’ll find courses that match. The city doesn’t just teach design—it demands it evolve.
Below you’ll find real posts from people who’ve walked these paths—whether they’re exploring free museum exhibits that inspire visual thinking, hunting down the best coffee shops to sketch in, or planning a weekend trip to see how architecture shapes urban life. These aren’t just travel tips. They’re clues to how designers in London think, live, and create. You don’t need to be enrolled yet to start learning like one.
London offers world-class education in finance, AI, public policy, and design. Learn why these fields thrive here, what you’ll study, job outcomes, costs, and how to get started.