Are the “best” design schools still the best?

For years, certain names carried a kind of creative mystique. Central Saint Martins. Falmouth. Norwich. If you met a designer from any of them, you would nod with quiet respect. These were the places known for shaping well rounded creatives who could think, make and question in equal measure.

But the design world moves quickly, and we found ourselves wondering whether that reputation still holds up today. The short answer is mostly yes. The longer answer is that it depends on who you ask, what you study and how you define “well rounded” in 2025.

Before talking about individual colleges, it is worth recognising the wider University of the Arts London network, which has become a creative ecosystem in its own right. UAL brings together six specialist institutions across art, design and fashion, including Camberwell, Chelsea, London College of Communication, London College of Fashion, Wimbledon and of course Central Saint Martins. As a group, UAL holds a strong and growing reputation, consistently ranking among the top creative universities in the world and drawing students who want breadth as well as depth.

While historic names like Central Saint Martins and Falmouth are still a big deal, the ‘best’ UK design schools in 2025 are often the ones that stand out in specific, high-demand fields. Universities that specialise in digital creativity, animation, and industry-focused product design are now top choices.

Central Saint Martins, perhaps the most famous of the group, remains a powerhouse. Its historic reputation still carries weight and the energy, experimentation and slightly chaotic brilliance are all very much alive. Some students love the freedom, others comment on the lively pace, but the school continues to produce designers who make noise in the industry. Falmouth, meanwhile, nurtures thoughtful, focused creatives in an environment that encourages exploration without the pressure of a big city. Norwich remains brilliant and continues to champion craft, curiosity and independence. After visiting multiple universities, our CEO Joseph Hedges summed it up perfectly: “After doing the full round, the one that stands out the most is Norwich.” Ask around and you will often hear the same trio praised as the strongest all round choices: Norwich, Falmouth and Ravensbourne.

Beyond the usual names, other schools are rising fast and in some cases outperforming long standing favourites in particular fields. The Royal College of Art continues to dominate postgraduate design and remains globally recognised for pushing boundaries. Loughborough has grown significantly in product design, supported by strong industry links and an emphasis on real world application. The University of Hertfordshire has gained attention after its School of Creative Arts was named the UK's Best Creative School by The Rookies, showing how seriously emerging universities are investing in digital creativity, animation and games. Glasgow School of Art also continues to impress, often ranking near the top for art and design and maintaining a strong reputation for innovation and craft.

Not every once loved university is keeping pace. Brighton surprised and disappointed many prospective students when they discovered that branding was missing from the curriculum, an unexpected gap for a school with such a well known creative heritage.

All of this points to a shift in what it means to be well rounded today. It is no longer only about ideas and craft. It is about understanding digital culture, working across disciplines, thinking sustainably and being able to adapt as quickly as the tools change. The schools gaining influence tend to be the ones preparing students for the industry as it is now rather than as it once was.

So yes, CSM, Falmouth and Norwich still shape strong designers. But the creative landscape is broader than ever and the most exciting designers today are not defined by the name on their degree. They are defined by how they use their skills, how curious they remain and how confidently they shape the world around them. That is the kind of designer the industry truly needs.

Final thoughts

The idea of a single 'best' design school is becoming less important. While established names like CSM and Norwich still produce amazing talent, the creative world has splintered. The best education prepares designers for the industry as it is today, focusing on digital skills, adaptability, and strategic thinking. At the end of the day, a strong portfolio is built on more than a university's reputation, it's built on a clear point of view and a plan for making an impact.

We’d love to know your perspective. Which design school feels strongest right now, and what is it doing differently?

FAQs

Is Central Saint Martins still a top design school ?

Yes, Central Saint Martins still has its reputation as a leading design school It remains a powerhouse within the University of the Arts London network and is known for an energetic and experimental environment. The school’s historic name carries a lot of weight, and it continues to turn out designers who make a real impact in the creative industry.

Which UK universities are best for product design and digital arts?

For product design, Loughborough University has a growing reputation, thanks to its strong industry links and focus on real-world projects. For digital arts, including animation and games, the University of Hertfordshire has gained a lot of attention, which shows how seriously newer universities are investing in specialised creative fields.

What skills are most important for design students today?

Aside from traditional craft and ideas, the most important skills for design students are adaptability and strategic thinking. Today's designers must understand digital culture, work across different fields, and think sustainably. The industry now values creatives who can use their skills to solve problems in a world that changes so quickly.

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By Yasmine Aghedar