Graphic Design Course at Hertfordshire Ranked Best in UK and Fifth Worldwide

The University of Hertfordshire has recently been acknowledged in the latest Rookies international ranking as the best UK creative school, a recognition affirming excellence in animation, concept art, games degrees and education on visual effects. The global ranking evaluates nearly 500 institutions from around the world and is a benchmark for creative media education. It places Hertfordshire ahead of the field.

Stephen Partridge, dean of the School of Creative Arts, explained that this success is not an isolated incident, but rather an outcome of several years of consistent achievement across the creative disciplines. He pointed out that the school continues to achieve superb results, showing students in the UK and across the globe that this is a prime place to study a creative degree and have a successful career. Neil Gallagher, a lecturer in 3D animation and games art, indicated that graduates were changing industries worth tens of billions of pounds just in the UK. He further explained that the alumni had work placements not only within gaming, animation, film and television, but also in sectors such as automotive, architecture, military training, simulation and entrepreneur‑led ventures, serving to assist the UK as a global leader in creative industries.

It was awarded as the best for 2D animation, concept art and VFX among UK universities and also ranked second nationally in games design and development. Among the four UK universities that made it to the global top 50, Hertfordshire secured the top place. It outshone the University of the Arts London by 25 places. According to The Rookies, 751 students from Hertfordshire participated in the competition categories, with over 93 per cent of creative arts graduates entering employment, a figure that attests to the bright future pathways for holders of a Hertfordshire creative arts degree.

This achievement adds to the growing list of successes already captured by the university. Earlier this year, its graphic design course was ranked the best in the UK and fifth globally by the World Brand Design Society Awards. The animation and games design programme was also named the best in the UK by The Guardian. These awards consolidate the claim that Hertfordshire is the foremost UK creative media university and a leader in design education. The creative accolades arrive at a time when creative education is becoming increasingly pivotal in the digital age. Industry‑standard animation education, concept art courses and evolving rendering technologies, such as Unreal Engine, are shaping global industries. The success achieved by Hertfordshire demonstrates wider trends in student portfolio quality and demand for graduates able to contribute to the UK’s creative economy.

The recognition shows how a UK creative university like Hertfordshire can add value to the overall national leadership of the country in entertainment and design. In fact, it shows the advantage of attending a top creative school in the UK, where students receive skills that will allow them to pursue a wide range of careers. This achievement is not only a milestone for the institution but also signals the importance of creative education in today’s digital age. It reinforces public interest in ensuring that universities strike an appropriate balance between academic excellence and relevance to industry, thus securing for the UK a global hub status in creative innovation.

Editor’s Note:

The acknowledgement of the University of Hertfordshire as the best creative school in the UK by The Rookies is a landmark and significant development for the institution and the entire higher education sector because it showcases how consistent effort, strong teaching and investment in creative disciplines can lead to international success. As Dean Stephen Partridge explains, this is not an overnight achievement. It is a reflection of the years of effort that have been put into animation, concept art, game design, and visual effects. The university has built a reputation for producing graduates who can deliver industry‑standard work. Graduates are ready to enter diverse fields. With more than 93 per cent of creative arts graduates securing employment, Hertfordshire has shown that academic success can match real career outcomes. The impact will carry over into the future. Graduates from Hertfordshire today already contribute to multi‑billion‑pound industries in gaming and film, architecture and simulation. It is the future of creative education in an increasingly digital age that shapes skilled professionals and makes the country a major player in design and entertainment. The award significantly heightens public interest in universities, emphasising the current need to merge academic distinction with practical industry relevance. 

Skoobuzz highlights that Hertfordshire is a prime example of this synergy, demonstrating how innovative creative education can cultivate both a strong reputation and tangible opportunities, thereby benefiting all stakeholders, including students, staff, and the wider economy, through innovation and excellence.

FAQs

1. Why was the University of Hertfordshire named the UK’s best creative school?

The University of Hertfordshire was recognised in the Rookies global school rankings UK for excellence in animation, concept art, games degrees, and visual effects (VFX) education. The ranking evaluates nearly 500 institutions worldwide and places Hertfordshire ahead of other UK universities.

2. What honours did Hertfordshire’s School of Creative Arts receive?

The School of Creative Arts was awarded:

• Best 2D Animation School in the UK

• Best Concept Art School in the UK

• Best VFX School in the UK.

It also ranked second nationally for game design and development, outperforming the University of the Arts London by 25 places in the global top 50.

3. How did the university leadership respond to the recognition?

Stephen Partridge, dean of the School of Creative Arts, explained that the success reflected years of consistent achievement across creative disciplines. He noted that Hertfordshire continued to deliver outstanding results, showing students in the UK and internationally that it was a premier place to study a creative degree and build a successful career.

4. What impact does this have on students and graduates?

The Rookies reported that 751 Hertfordshire students participated in competition categories, with more than 93 per cent of creative arts graduates securing employment. This demonstrates strong career prospects and highlights the university’s commitment to fairness, rights, and industry‑relevant procedures in creative education.

5. What wider achievements support Hertfordshire’s reputation?

Earlier this year, the graphic design course University of Hertfordshire was ranked best in the UK and fifth globally by the World Brand Design Society Awards. Its animation and games design programme was also named the best in the UK by The Guardian. These accolades consolidate Hertfordshire’s position as the best UK creative media university.

6. What are the broader implications for creative education in the UK?

The recognition reflects wider trends in creative media education in the UK, where industry‑standard animation education, concept art courses, and advanced rendering technologies such as Unreal Engine are shaping global industries. Hertfordshire’s success shows how universities can strengthen public interest by balancing academic excellence with industry relevance.

7. What future impact could this achievement have?

Hertfordshire’s graduates are already contributing to industries worth billions of pounds, from gaming and film to architecture and simulation. The accolade reinforces the UK’s position as a global hub for creative innovation and demonstrates the long‑term value of investing in creative education that supports both staff and students.