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Who we are

Hand sketched charcoal drawing of CRC building from the from. Set on a peach background.

For more than 170 years, Hereford College of Arts has trained aspiring artists to make their mark on the world.

About us

Today the college is recognised as one of the UK’s leading institutions dedicated to providing students with outstanding arts education through an individual approach to teaching and discovery.

Our staff and alumni network extends across the world, spanning and connecting the disciplines of art, design, craft, digital media and performance. That community grows every year, and our two campuses are home to more than 600 students across Post-16, Foundation, Degree and Post Graduate courses - as well as a vibrant short course programme.

Our approach is underpinned by a true studio-based culture, where all students are encouraged to immerse themselves in their creative practice, feed their imagination and build a dynamic portfolio of interdisciplinary skills that will open up an exciting and fulfilling future for them. That is consistently reflected in National Student Survey scores, which rank HCA among the UK’s top degree providers, and in our Ofsted Outstanding rating.

Ingrained in history

Join our unique creative community

Truly independent

We are the only independent arts school in the Midlands offering courses from Post-16 level through to Masters degrees. 

We are proud of our identity as an arts school, and develop our programmes to benefit people not profits.

97.37

In the independent NSS survey our teaching staff were rated 97.37/100 for how good they are at explaining their subject. 

This is among the top scores in the UK and nearly 10% better than the sector average.

An alumni community 170 years' in the making

In 2023 and 2024 we have been celebrating 170 years of creative education in Hereford. 

As part of the programme of events, we have welcomed the likes of Martin Parr and Bob and Roberta Smith on campus for a series of free public talks that also brought together our thriving alumni community.

By studying at HCA, you will join a group of former students that includes Oscar winners and A-List fashion designers.

Forever looking forward

In 2025 we will launch a new five-year strategy for the college. 

This will outline a bold vision for driving the growth of the local creative industries, as well as opening up new courses areas in emerging creative fields. 

Outstanding

Our Post-16 and Foundation courses are rated as Outstanding in all categories. 

Our courses and our commitment to excellent teaching prepare students to thrive in the fast-growing UK creative industries, and beyond with students going on to successful career in areas like marketing and medicine.

We believe strongly on providing outstanding education, not just outstanding creative education.

Community, connections and beyond

Located on the border of England and Wales, between three Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, our campuses offer highly specialist workshop facilities and digital studios in an inspiring, historic setting. 

HCA is truly a community you can make your own, with the scale and support to thrive as a creative person, and the expert teaching and insight to guide you to become a truly original artist with the tools to explore and deliver material, social and sustainable change.

Connection is at the core of what we do as an institution and our links to other academic and civic institutions, as well as the creative industries, as essential to us confronting and overcoming many of the challenges faced by the college and the wider world. 

We are proud to be the home of CMYK Festival, Ferrous Festival and a series of free public talks that welcomes some of the UKs leading creative voices and thinkers to campus.

Our Five-Year Strategy

Our mission is to empower creativity and enrich the world through transformative arts education. In our 2024 - 2029 strategy, Principal Abigail Appletone MBE sets the college's course for the short term, and lays a foundation for long-term success. Read it in full using the link below.

What we believe in

Two heads (or more) are better than one. At HCA you will find plenty of chances to collaborate with one or multiple people and organisations. We offer opportunities to work with numerous external partners as well as students on other courses. For example, one of our students has collaborated with an innovative, open-source project and hand-built a bespoke recycled plastics extruder, from scratch. In this and many other projects, the onward possibilities are limitless.  Our students apply their knowledge, their diverse perspectives and complementary skills from different disciplines to help and inspire HCA peers across our arts college.

An unforgettable experience

Group of graphic and media design student at a showcase of their work

At HCA we’re proud to come from a long tradition of specialist arts schools where students have always been encouraged to be radical, questioning, and engage with big issues.

Abigail Appleton, Principal

Our promise to you

From our stunning location in the historic city of Hereford, in the picturesque county of Herefordshire, HCA delivers the full range of arts education. We offer specialist creative programmes on many levels: from short courses through to Further Education, Undergraduate and Postgraduate study.

At HCA you will quickly get to know the other students starting your course with you. You will be taught by passionate staff, who take the time to get to know you, understand your talents and are personally invested in your success.

HCA provides a unique, collaborative atmosphere where you can express and develop your ideas. Staff and students enjoy a dynamic conversation, where inspiration flows both ways.