 James Bond actor Pierce Brosnan is a former student |
A London college is applying for university status to become the only one in the country devoted entirely to the creative arts. The London Institute, which comprises five art and design colleges across the capital, wants to be recognised as the leader in its field.
It says a dedicated creative arts college would reflect the growing national importance of the arts in the UK.
London Institute alumni include author Sir Kingsley Amis, actor Pierce Brosnan and 1998 Turner Prize winner Chris Ofili.
The London Institute is an umbrella for Camberwell College of Arts, Central St Martins College of Art and Design, London College of Printing, Chelsea College of Art and Design and the London College of Fashion.
The college will have to undergo rigorous academic assessments before the Privy Council, in the name of the Queen, grants university status.
Bosses believe the granting of university status would recognise its position as the world's largest institution for art and design with a reputation for its research programmes and teaching.
The creative industries such as fashion, journalism and design is the third largest employer in London with more than 500,000 jobs and is a growing field.
Past students also include actors Alan Rickman, Colin Firth and John Hurt; director Mike Leigh; artist Antony Gormley and fashion designers Stella McCartney and Alexander McQueen.
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