Ravensbourne

Ravensbourne University London (formerly Ravensbourne College of Design and Communication) is a digital media and design university, with vocational courses in fashion, television and broadcasting, interactive product design, architecture and environment design, graphic design, animation, moving image, music production for media and sound design.

Ravensbourne was established in 1962 by the amalgamation of Bromley School of Art, Sidcup School of Art and Beckenham School of Art. It was originally at Bromley Common and later at Chislehurst and on the Greenwich Peninsula in Inner London, where it opened a new campus in autumn 2010. The college is named for the River Ravensbourne, which flows from Bromley Common to Greenwich.

Bromley School of Art opened in 1878 in a new building in Tweedy Road, Bromley that later became Bromley Library;[4] after the Second World War it became Bromley College of Art.[5] In 1959 it became Bromley Technical College after a merger with the Department of Furniture Design of Beckenham School of Art, which dated to the turn of the century as a technical school, had become an art school in purpose-built accommodation in 1908, and had expanded after the war with crafts trades.[6] In July 1962, the remainder of Beckenham School of Art merged with Bromley College of Art and Sidcup School of Art (founded in 1898 and by then also known as Sidcup Art College) to form Ravensbourne College of Art and Design.[1] In 1965 the college moved to Rookery Lane, Bromley Common.[6]{ That site had originally housed the Rookery, an 18th-century house that had been burnt out while in military occupation in 1946. As the college expanded it was unable to develop that site any further, as it was in the Metropolitan Green Belt. In 1975 the college moved most of its operations to a purpose-built building designed after lengthy consultation on 18 acres (7.3 ha) of private parkland on Walden Road, Chislehurst (51.4205°N 0.0537°E).[1][4] The Rookery Lane site was redeveloped for the Bromley College of Further & Higher Education.

Ravensbourne University London is a leading specialist institution celebrated for its cutting-edge programs in design, digital media, and creative industries. Situated in the vibrant Greenwich Peninsula, it emphasizes practical, industry-focused education that prepares students for dynamic careers in the creative economy. With a strong emphasis on innovation, technology integration, and collaboration, Ravensbourne stands out for fostering creativity and entrepreneurship among its students.

The university is particularly popular for its forward-thinking curriculum that blends traditional arts with emerging digital technologies. It attracts aspiring creatives from around the world who seek hands-on experience in state-of-the-art facilities, including motion capture studios, fabrication labs, and digital prototyping workshops.

Key Areas of Popularity

• Fashion and Textiles: Renowned for sustainable design practices and industry partnerships, Ravensbourne's fashion programs have produced influential designers featured in London Fashion Week.
• Digital Media and Animation: A hub for game design, visual effects, and interactive media, with graduates contributing to major studios like Pixar and BBC.
• Product and Industrial Design: Focuses on user-centered innovation, emphasizing prototyping and real-world problem-solving through collaborations with brands like Dyson.
• Broadcasting and Journalism: Equips students with skills in digital storytelling and multimedia production, boasting strong ties to the media industry.

In addition to its academic excellence, Ravensbourne is known for its research initiatives in areas like AI-driven design and immersive technologies. The university's alumni network includes award-winning professionals, and its events, such as the annual LCF x Ravensbourne Showcase, highlight student talent to global audiences.

Program Highlight	Notable Feature
BA (Hons) Fashion	Sustainable materials lab
BSc (Hons) Digital Animation	VR/AR integration
BA (Hons) Product Design	Industry placements

Overall, Ravensbourne's reputation for producing adaptable, tech-savvy creatives makes it a top choice for those passionate about shaping the future of design and media.