Summer Study Abroad - Graphic Communication Design

College
Central Saint Martins Level
No prior subject experience required

At Central Saint Martins we encourage you to examine your role not only as a graphic designer but as a citizen of the world; you have the skills to communicate vital messages to the world, have an impact and be a catalyst for change.

Course introduction

At Central Saint Martins, Graphic Communication Design is seen as a diverse and multidisciplinary field. This approach involves exploring design from various perspectives that challenge traditional understandings of the discipline and embrace a more expansive definition of design practice.

On this 3-week Graphic Communication Design course, you will have the opportunity to engage a wide range of visual, critical, and craft-based practices, aligning with CSM’s undergraduate Graphic Communication Design programme. Throughout this exploration and experimentation, you will be encouraged to shape and position your own personal practice – fostering growth and development.

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 indicate why you would like to join the course for which you are applying.

Course details

Drawing inspiration from the philosophy of the Bauhaus (German design school founded by Walter Gropius in the early 20th Century), your course will focus on three foundational Bauhaus principles within design practice: knowledge, craft, and skill.

Workshops will be led by practitioners and experts in their fields and help you gain confidence and skills in the different areas. Through participating and testing multiple modes of practice, you will reflect on your own emerging practice, helping to focus on specific interests and specialisms.

In addition to in-studio-making sessions, you will explore London and contextualise your work within the contemporary cultural landscape. Observations from these visits and the documentation of workshops will be collected to form a Practice Book. This Practice Book is the key outcome from the course and will be an active archive and designed documentation of process and practice-led work.

During final week you will print and produce the Practice Book and collectively build a small-scale exhibition environment to showcase the publications as the result combined work and efforts.

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 a taster of five Practices that make up the expanded field of Graphic Communication Design and the philosophy of Central Saint Martins
learn from tutors who are practicing artists, designers and communicators; benefit from access to specialist facilities at one of UAL’s six Colleges.
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:

Laptop
Adobe Suite sofware installed
Camera or smartphone

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.
Student story: Studying Graphic Communication at Central Saint Martins

Lynette chats to us about her work as a designer and what it was like to study Graphic Design in London as a Study Abroad student at Central Saint Martins.
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.
Design Management SSA

Visas and immigration

Check which visa you need and start planning your travels!