Diploma Show FAQs

A Degree Show is a public exhibition showcasing the final projects of graduating students from art and design programs. 

It's a culmination of their academic journey, presenting their creative work to the public, industry professionals, and potential employers.

HCA's Degree Show is a big moment for our entire creative community - showcasing the diversity of creative talent, inspiring other students, and bringing our wider network of artists, designers and creative professionals together.

Staged throughout the ground floor of our College Road campus, the show is fully accessible. 

A small number of larger-scale installations may be located outside - and be harder to access for some - however can be viewed from other fully-accessible areas.

If you have any specific questions about accessibility, you can contact our team by emailing outreach@hca.ac.uk before your visit.

The Degree Show is attended by thousands of visitors every year - and we do as much as we can to ensure opening hours are flexible enough to accommodate as many visitors as possible.

In 2025 we will be running late openings on Wed 11 June (closing at 7pm) and Thurs 12 June (closing at 5.30pm - to allow visitors to attend a free artist talk at 6pm).

The show will also be open on Saturdays from 10am - 3pm.

We can offer guided tours of the exhibition for schools parties or young arts groups. 

Tours will be led by exhibiting students or course teams who can help young people understand the work, and answer any questions they have about studying an arts degree.

To discuss availability and book a group tour, contact Outreach Manager Ella Broughal at outreach@hca.ac.uk.

There is plenty of free on-site parking. 

The College Road Campus also has bike parking, a Beryl Bike zone, and a bus stop close to the campus entrance.

Yes, refreshments will be available from our campus cafe during the exhibition. Please note that external drinks may not be permitted inside certain exhibition spaces.

The Private View on Friday, 6 June is an invitation-only event for friends, family, and stakeholders. 

If you're a creative or educational professional interested in attending, please reach out to the Outreach team at outreach@hca.ac.uk.

Absolutely! Many pieces are available for purchase or commission. Purchases are made directly with the artists, ensuring they receive full proceeds. 

If you're interested in a piece, feel free to ask the artist or a staff member wearing a lanyard. Some works may be marked with coloured stickers to indicate they've been sold. 

Read our guide here for more tips and advice on buying or commissioning work.

• Engage: Interact with the artists, ask about their work, and provide feedback.
• Purchase: Buy or commission artwork directly from the artists.
• Share: Promote their work on social media platforms.
• Connect: Offer opportunities, collaborations, or mentorship.

The Degree Show and Diploma Shows are a great opportunity not only for younger students to see a wide range of work - but alos to interact with artists and here more about their journey and their process.

Educational visits and guided tours can be arranged - but availability is limited. Please contact the Outreach team at outreach@hca.ac.uk to schedule a visit - or to be included on in. upcoming CPD or networking events for creative education professionals.