Diploma in Professional Studies

Welcome to the Diploma in Professional Studies (DPS)

At Central Saint Martins we offer students the chance to work with an employer in a professional setting via an extended work placement, the Diploma in Professional Studies (DPS). This is an optional, experiential work-based learning opportunity where students can test, develop and exchange knowledge and skills in a professional context for an extended period.

Students taking the DPS work with organisations of every shape and size in the UK and internationally; micro and small-to-medium sized studios, laboratories, start-ups, NGOs and agencies, to multinational corporations and charities.

Flourish at CSM 2024 attendees: please take a minute to tell us about your experience.

Flourish at CSM is an event and exhibition to connect a new generation of CSM students with employers to shape the future. The programme is designed to share the benefits of previous student work placements and foster new mutually beneficial relationships.

Programme

12:30pm: Welcome and introductions

1:00pm: Industry spotlight and career exploration

1:45–2:45pm: Showcase and chance to meet students

2:45–4:00pm: Panel discussion with professionals from various industries discussing current trends, challenges and future of work

4:00–5:15pm: Panel discussion with alumni hearing about experiences on placements

5:30–7:00pm: Drinks

How is a student DPS placement useful for my organisation?

Organisations can work with a new generation of creative intelligence who bring a reputation for thought leadership and positive disruption. Our students are changemakers, with an aptitude for driving product, service, process and systems innovation and a readiness to grow and challenge their development within a professional environment. At this stage in their journey, students bring distinct perspectives shaped by the interplay between their CSM experience and skillset and their diverse backgrounds and life experiences.

Employers can boost competitiveness and future-proof their organisation by embedding students who are part of a socially engaged, diverse and inclusive community.

Central Saint Martins offers DPS placements across 5 programmes. If you are a student or employer interested in learning more about a DPS work placement, please get in touch with the relevant department.

What are the benefits for students?

Over 1,000 Central Saint Martins’ students complete DPS placements each year across fashion, textiles, jewellery, fine art, performance, ceramics and product and industrial design and receive an assessed University of the Arts London award. Students find this direct experience working inside an organisation helps them to expand their networks and collaborative capacity, consider new career pathways and develop their professional skills and confidence. A high number of Central Saint Martins students go on to take up graduate jobs with their placement companies.