Design & Creative Arts

Bachelor’s

A bachelor’s is usually a four-year degree, and you often take a broad mix of courses before you declare a major.

Master’s

Master’s programs commonly run one to two years, depending on the program and whether it includes a thesis or internship.

After you graduate

OPT gives up to 12 months of work at each degree level. Graduates of degrees on the DHS STEM list can apply for a further 24 months (STEM OPT). New OPT fees proposed by DHS in October 2026 are not in effect.

BFA and MFA programs are studio-intensive, and an MFA often takes two years or more. If OPT length matters to you, ask for the program’s CIP code and check it against the DHS STEM list.

Bachelor’s

Three years in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, four in Scotland. A placement (sandwich) year, where offered, adds a year in industry.

Master’s

A taught master’s usually takes one full-time calendar year. Integrated master’s degrees (MEng, MSci) take four years, five in Scotland.

After you graduate

Graduate Route: 2 years if you apply on or before 31 December 2026, 18 months if you apply on or after 1 January 2027, and 3 years after a PhD.

Art and design MA programs are usually one year. In official UK data this field covers Design, and creative and performing arts, plus Architecture, building and planning.

Bachelor’s

Bachelor’s degrees take three to four years. Colleges also offer diplomas (two to three years) and certificates (one to two years).

Master’s

Master’s degrees take one or two years after a bachelor’s. Co-op programs add paid work terms in your field.

After you graduate

A post-graduation work permit (PGWP) of up to 3 years. Bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral graduates are exempt from the PGWP field-of-study rule; college programs must be in an eligible field.

Universities and art and design schools offer BFA, BDes and MFA programs; colleges offer diplomas in applied design fields. College programs must be in an eligible field of study for a PGWP.