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Study Abroad

Summer Study Abroad - Contemporary Fine Art Practice

Summer Study Abroad - Contemporary Fine Art Practice
College
Central Saint Martins
Level
No prior subject experience required

Explore London's contemporary art scene and learn an innovative and experimental approach to the making and development of your work.

Course introduction

On your 3-week Contemporary Fine Art Practice course you will develop a range of innovative and experimental approaches to the making and development of work. This is an interdisciplinary fine art course aimed at students with a strong commitment and an inquisitive approach to contemporary art practice.

The course will encourage you to work playfully in mediums that are appropriate to the concept of your project. You will engage with one-day workshops, working collaboratively, and a longer project designed to challenge you and encourage new ways of working. You will have the freedom to experiment with a range of disciplines, such as sound, video, performance, sculpture, installation and, 2D as well as exploring non-traditional materials.

The course is studio- and practice-based, with project work supported by presentations and group discussions.  The course places a strong emphasis on discussion and on presenting your work within the context of contemporary art practice. You will develop practical, critical, and conceptual skills, and be supported in your growth as an artist. The programme also offers an introduction to London’s contemporary art scene, including visits to both well-known institutions and lesser-known independent galleries. These trips will enrich and contextualise the work you produce.

The course is aimed at students with a strong commitment and an inquisitive approach to contemporary art practice.

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

The course is studio- and practice-based, with project work supported by presentations, group discussions, critiques, gallery, external visits and talks from visiting arts professionals.

You will gain experience of working both independently and within groups to realise your outcomes, responding to open and concept-based questions, and talking about your work in the context of contemporary art practices. The course will assist you in developing practical, critical, and conceptual skills necessary to encourage your development as an artist.

Week 1 Research – investigation, learning skills and techniques
Week 2 Development - applying skills and techniques
Week 3 Communication - refining outcomes, discussing work, and presentation

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?

  • experience an introduction to the practices that shape Contemporary Fine Art and to the ethos of Central Saint Martins.
  • learn from tutors who are practicing artists, designers and communicators.
  • 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.

Please ensure you bring:

  • A laptop
  • Camera or smartphone
  • USB memory stick
  • Photographs of recent work

The course does not have a bias towards a particular media or discipline, and encourages you to be concept-led, which means you could make anything, with anything. If you tend to work with specific materials or equipment, please bring these with you, where practical.

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.

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    Summer Study Abroad accommodation

    Book to stay in 1 of UAL's halls of residences.

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    Visas and immigration

    Check which visa you need and start planning your travels!

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Contemporary Fine Art Practice

  • Image credit: Adam Razvi
  • Image credit: Adam Razvi
  • Image credit: Adam Razvi
  • Image credit: Adam Razvi

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