Creative Degrees for Mature Students: LCCA and VCAD Courses in Fashion, Games, Graphic Design and Business (2026/27)
Quick answer
If you want a creative degree but don't have A-levels, two London colleges accept mature students (21+) on work experience. Both cost £9,790 a year, covered by Student Finance for eligible home students.
- LCCA (London College of Contemporary Arts): fashion, games design, graphic design, hospitality and business, in Whitechapel and Tower Hill. Intakes in February, June and October.
- VCAD (Victoria College of Arts and Design): fashion, graphic design and business for creatives, with degrees from Arts University Plymouth, in London (Canary Wharf) and Manchester. Intakes in November, February and June.
LCCA courses
Foundation Year degrees (4 years)
BA Business Management and Entrepreneurship; Fashion Management and Marketing; Fashion Media and Promotion; Computer Games Art; Computer Games Design; Hospitality Management and Leadership; Graphic Design; Fashion. These are taught at Whitechapel.
Other routes
- 3-year degrees: BA Computer Games Art and Computer Games Design.
- Foundation degrees (2 years): FdA Applied Business Management; FdA Hospitality and Event Management.
- Top-ups (1 year, £9,760): Fashion, Fashion Media and Promotion, Fashion Management and Marketing, Hospitality Management and Leadership, and Business Management and Entrepreneurship. These are taught at Tower Hill.
LCCA entry
- Foundation Year: GCSEs, A-levels, a Level 3 Diploma or an equivalent overseas qualification. Or, if you're 21+, 2+ years' work experience (or a P60 and 3 payslips).
- Graphic Design and Fashion: you need a portfolio to enter Year 1.
- Interview: a 15–20 minute video interview. You'll be sent sample questions beforehand.
LCCA timetable
- Weekdays: 2 days a week (1 on campus, 1 online), 9:30am–5:30pm.
- Evenings: 2 evenings a week, 5pm–8:30pm.
- Weekends: 2 days (1 on campus, 1 online).
VCAD courses (Arts University Plymouth)
- CertHE Business and Management for Creatives (1 year)
- BSc (Hons) Fashion Media and Marketing with Foundation Year (4 years)
- BSc (Hons) Fashion Design with Foundation Year (4 years)
- BSc (Hons) Graphic Design with Foundation Year (4 years)
VCAD entry
- Qualification route: 72 UCAS points, or a 60-credit Level 3 qualification (overseas qualifications are accepted).
- Age 21+ without qualifications: a detailed CV showing at least 2 years in a customer-facing, managerial or supervisory role, plus a recent payslip, P60 or accountant's letter if you're self-employed.
- Under 21: a Level 2 qualification (for example GCSEs) plus at least 1 year's UK work experience.
- English: B2 level, for example GCSE English grade 4/C, IELTS 5.5, Level 2 Functional Skills or VCAD's own English assessment.
- Portfolio: needed for Fashion Design and Graphic Design. It can be a 1–2 minute video or audio recording, or a simple digital portfolio made in Word, Canva or PowerPoint.
- Interview: all applicants are interviewed.
VCAD timetable
- CertHE: 1 day online and 1 day on campus.
- Fashion Media and Marketing, and Graphic Design: 1 day on campus and 1 day of self-study.
- Fashion Design: 2 days on campus.
- Weekday or weekend options for most courses, but not for Fashion Design or Graphic Design.
Student finance
Home students can usually get a Tuition Fee Loan for the full fee and a Maintenance Loan. See mature student finance eligibility.
Apply with free support
We'll help you choose between LCCA and VCAD, put your portfolio together, and handle your application and student finance. Our service is free.
Frequently asked questions
Can I do a fashion or graphic design degree without A-levels?
Yes. If you're 21 or over, LCCA and VCAD accept around 2 years' work experience instead of qualifications, plus a portfolio for fashion and graphic design.
What portfolio does VCAD need?
For Fashion Design and Graphic Design: a 1–2 minute video or audio recording, or a simple digital portfolio of images and writing made in Word, Canva or PowerPoint.
Where are LCCA and VCAD?
LCCA is in London (Whitechapel and Tower Hill). VCAD is in London (Canary Wharf) and Manchester.
Who awards VCAD degrees?
Arts University Plymouth.
Can I study in the evening or at weekends?
LCCA offers evening and weekend timetables. VCAD offers weekday or weekend options for most courses, except Fashion Design and Graphic Design.