Book an open day

Name: Hereford College of Arts
Price range: $

Chat to students. Tour the campus. Drop in on some free workshops. Our Open Days are a great way to get a feel for what makes HCA special.

A creative community you can make your own

Whether you want a deep dive on your subject with a course leader, some free portfolio or application advice, or just to explore at your own pace - our Open Events have got you taken care of.

When you love what you do, you want to share it. Once you're on campus we want you to feel able to ask anyone anything about HCA. Students and course leaders can help paint the picture of what it's life to live and study in Hereford, while other staff will be on-hand to assist with advice on everything from the application process to financial aid.

Find upcoming dates and tips below - or select your study level from the yellow menu bar for FAQs and an idea of what to expect from an Open Event.

Upcoming Open days

College Road Campus

Degree Level Open Day - Saturday 28th September 2024

9:30am - 3:30pm

28 September 2024 - 28 September 2024

College Road Campus

College Level Open Day - Saturday 19th October 2024

10:00am - 3:00pm

19 October 2024 - 19 October 2024

College Road Campus

Foundation Diploma in Art & Design / Portfolio Open Day - Saturday 2nd November 2024

11:00am - 3:30pm

2 November 2024 - 2 November 2024

degree show 2024 - two students standing with Head of School of Materials and Design, Delyth Done

College Road Campus

Degree Level Open Day - Saturday 2nd November 2024

9:30am - 3:30pm

2 November 2024 - 2 November 2024

Personal Tours

You might find that you can't make any of our Open Day dates, or you might prefer a quieter experience.

If that's the case, you can book on to a Campus Tour. These are a lighter-touch introduction to campus life and happen on set weekdays throughout the year. On a Campus Tour, students will give guide you around the campus, and you will have the chance to meet course leaders and get some dedicated time in their studios to find out more about the course.

Support staff can also talk you through anything from our approach to supporting student wellbeing, to making an application.

Campus Tours are currently only available for degree and MA students - however we will do what we can to accommodate all students, so please reach out about availability if you are a prospective Post-16 or Foundation student. Just email outreach@hca.ac.uk.

Open Day tips

1. Hydrate

At any Open Day, you can be on your feet for a while, or feel like you've talked yourself out. Swing by Ed's café for a coffee, or some water, or just a quiet 5 at any point. There's no medals for attending every session. It's about what's right for you.

2. Ask a few questions

Every one who comes to HCA is an individual. What's most important to you, might be less important to someone else. Try to ask about about the things you care about, or want more detail on - even if that's approaching someone for a 1-on-1 chat after a group session.

3. Have some fun

Our Undergraduate Open Days include a programme of drop-in workshops so you can have a play with some new kit, and get to meet other students who are visiting. They're a great way of breaking up your day and keeping your creative side well-fed.

4. Fun for all the family

Everyone's welcome at our Open Events. Friends, family, carers - with so much to take it, it can help to have extra eyes and ears on the day. Even if they are just driving you, we would love to welcome them to campus as well.

5. Get the inside track on application

Open Events are a great chance to talk to the same people who will be looking at your application. Whether you want to get involved on a portfolio development session, jump in on a How To Apply Q + A - or just ask staff for some guidance, Open Events can really help you get a sense of what to include in your application.