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We believe that research is fundamental to the pursuit of academic excellence within a specialist university of the arts, and that a growing international research culture is central to our subject's development - to generate, communicate, and transfer knowledge.

The University for the Creative Arts at Canterbury, Epsom, Farnham, Maidstone and Rochester has significantly enhanced its research culture in recent years and our staff maintain a high profile at the forefront of their disciplines through exhibitions, publications, conferences, seminars and work with business and the community.

RAE 2008 confirmed our position as one of the top ten largest research communities in art and design. Overall the University's submission demonstrated 65% of research which was recognised internationally (2* and above). In addition, 30% of our submission was categorised as internationally excellent or world-leading.

Our research activities underpin the quality of learning and teaching, fostering an atmosphere of critical enquiry, and strengthening our academic profile nationally and internationally. Research activities cover the visual arts, architecture, media and communications, crafts and design, and can be practice or theory led, providing flexibility and freedom of expression for creative endeavour.

Within this section, you will find further information on our research activities including the Research Environment, Research Office, Research Centres, Research Clusters, Research Degrees, as well as our plans for the RAE2008. We hope these pages provide you with an insight into the diversity and strength of our research and our plans for the future.

Dr Seymour Roworth-Stokes
Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research & Development)