Summer Study Abroad - Art History, Criticism and Communication

College
Central Saint Martins Level
No prior subject experience required

Explore the fields of art history, criticism, communication and fine art, as taught at Central Saint Martins College.

Course introduction

Join an exciting exploration of art through the Art History, Criticism, and Communication Summer Study Abroad programme at Central Saint Martins.

This Art History, Criticism and Communication course will assist you in contextualising and developing your ideas about art through an array of visual and critical lenses, from modernist art history to contemporary cultural theory and contemporary practice. As a group you will engage in activities to trigger creative links with London’s rich contemporary visual and material culture from gallery and museum visits to sessions working alongside professional artists, curators, writers and publishers. You will build a deeper understanding and working knowledge of contemporary art practice, as well as a key network of cultural resources and connections.

Dates and fees

Dates: 29 June 2026 – 16 July 2026
Fee: £2,630
Application deadline: 11 May 2026
Fee payment deadline: The full fee payment is due within 2 weeks of receiving your offer.
Duration: 3 weeks, with classes Monday to Thursday
Location: Central Saint Martins - Granary Square

Entry requirements

English requirements

You should be proficient in written and spoken English and be able to participate in group discussions and presentations. As a guideline we would expect you to have an English language level equivalent to IELTS score of 6.0. A certificate is not required.

Academic requirements

This course does not require any prior subject experience and is open to all levels. Students must be over 18 wanting an undergraduate-level of study.

Application requirements

When applying you will be required to provide us with:

A copy of your in-date passport. Your passport needs to cover the whole length of the course;

A 200-300 word personal statement. The personal statement should indicate why you plan to Study Abroad in London at UAL. You should also indicate why you would like to join the course for which you are applying.

Course details

Week 1: Through an immediate immersion in the cultural and creative capital of the city, you will engage with theoretical, historical and practical approaches to the understanding the contextual framework of art through the lens of the great metropolis of London.

Week 2: This mid-section of the course is dedicated to experimentation and the development of key skills for thinking, writing and speaking about art through a series of writing workshops. You will then produce a personal and critical response to a gallery exhibition.

Week 3: Your work will become part of a group-conceived and designed publication and you will explore how this publication can be exhibited at a final Study Abroad exhibition at Central Saint Martins.

Credits

This course is the equivalent to 4 US / 16 UK / 8 ECTS style credits. For more information check our credits and assessments page.
If you’re planning to claim credit towards your degree, be sure to check with your home institution before you apply. Please note that some institutions may have a different credit equivalence, please check this with your home institution.

Post-course

Study Abroad students receive a Record of Study 6-8 weeks after completion of their course. They will also receive a digital badge and downloadable certificate from Accredible after their Record of Study is issued. Badges can be shared in digital portfolios, used on CVs and added to social media profiles such as LinkedIn.

Why choose this course?

explore the fields of art history, criticism, communication and fine art, as taught at Central Saint Martins College.
meet like-minded individuals from around the world!
get involved in UAL life through social events and activities.
All courses are assessed and you'll receive a record of study at the end of the programme if you wish to request credit from your home institution.

Materials

You will be provided with a basic set of drawing paper, pens/pencils, and a sketchbook.

Summer Study Abroad Award

We offer two Summer Study Abroad Award for for two students on one of our 3-week Summer Study Abroad courses.

To be eligible, you must be 18 years or older, hold an offer to join one of our 3 week Summer Study Abroad courses, and be enrolled on an undergraduate degree programme outside the UK.

The award covers the tuition-fee only and depends on you successfully enrolling for the course. Our cancellation policy still applies.
Award winners will be asked to take part in promotional activities to promote Summer Study Abroad, including social media posts and takeovers, and blog writing.

Find out how to apply.

'Normal World', Gabriella Engdahl, 2021 BA Performance: Design and Practice, Central Saint Martins, UAL, Gabriella Engdahl, Normal World

Summer Study Abroad accommodation

Book to stay in 1 of UAL's halls of residences.
Study Abroad Summer Fashion Show, image by Jieying Shao

All Summer Study Abroad courses

Study from 3 to 8 weeks on one of our summer programmes.
Image credit: Ana Escobar

Visas and immigration

Check which visa you need and start planning your travels!
Design Management SSA

Study abroad on our degree programmes

Study alongside local degree-seeking students for 1, 2, or 3 terms and immerse yourself into UK student life.