Summer Study Abroad

College
London College of Communication Level
No prior subject experience required

An immersive course where you will understand and apply processes, tools, and mindsets to understand and apply design led research, future thinking and strategic problem solving in the fields of branding, design, innovation and enterprise. Design isn’t just about objects and artefacts – it’s about problem solving and enabling and instigating change.

Course introduction

On this 3-week course, you will apply three design management cornerstones of process, facilitation, and strategy to address complex design challenges with empathy, insight, agility, ethics, and contextual intelligence.

You will be introduced to some of the most contemporary practices in Design Management with tools that you will learn to apply to a variety of real life uses, including business model canvas, systems thinking rich picture tool, culture maps, empathy maps and user journey mapping.

Each day will be spent working with theory and practice – we learn by doing – and there will be opportunity to collaborate, work collectively on creative activities together to apply your learning in practice.

We will also be looking at organising for innovation and will apply contemporary design management practice to better understand contemporary marketing and branding, entrepreneurship and problem-solving in business and leadership, global cultures, innovation, and sustainability.

Dates and fees

Dates: 20 July 2026 – 6 August 2026
Fees: £2,630
Application deadline: 1 June 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: London College of Fashion* - Carpenters Road

*Although this is a London College of Communication course, in summer 2026 it will be located in the London College of Fashion building.

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

This course is taught through a series of lectures, seminars, and collaborative studio roundtables by expert practitioners and academics.

Design management stems from industrial design in the 1950s, through to architecture and computing science in the 1960s to social design in the 1970 and latterly marketing and brand management in the 1990s and early 200os. In the digital and post-digital era, design management has embraced design thinking and thinking in systems. Design management is a creative process driven activity that isn’t just a job title: it’s a holistic outlook than enables, and instigates, enterprise and innovation.

We will apply three design management cornerstones of process, facilitation, and strategy to address complex design challenges with empathy, insight, agility, ethics, and contextual intelligence. Together offer a creative and experiential approach to the study and practice of design, problem-solving, business and leadership, global cultures, innovation, and sustainability. We understand that finessing a multidisciplinary and process-driven technique is the route to success.

Our key themes are design research, understanding organisational structures, thinking in systems, providing creative economy analysis, future thinking, applying human and planet centred design principles, inclusive design, strategic thinking, and creating enterprise & innovation through design.

Teaching and independent study time hours:

Our Summer Study Abroad courses offers 20 taught hours (per week) built into the schedule, 60 taught hours in total. As a frame of reference, Study Abroad recommends between 20-30 hours in total for additional independent / self-directed study time (average 7-10 hours per week) to further develop ideas and realise project ambitions.

Each of our 3-week Summer Study Abroad courses are developed at undergraduate level 4, although they are still open to all learners. Courses may suit a creative in the early stages of their career, or individuals looking to develop new skills and processes, (delivered in taster format), as well as those wishing to build on community and networking opportunities.

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 project-based and inclusive learning environment which will provide you with a taster of BA & MA design management courses at London College of Communication.
Discuss, deconstruct, and create new ways of looking at problem solving.
Apply design thinking tools to real world scenarios.
Learn from tutors who are practicing in the field.
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

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 scholarships cover the tuition-fee only and depend on you successfully enrolling for the course. Our cancellation policy still applies.
Scholarship winners will be asked to take part in promotional activities to promote Summer Study Abroad and the scholarship scheme.

Find out how to apply

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

Integrated Study Abroad

Study alongside local degree-seeking students for 1, 2, or 3 terms and immerse yourself into UK student life.
Study Abroad Summer Fashion Show, image by Jieying Shao

Summer Study Abroad

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

Student story: Emma Rubinson

A student's experience of the Summer Study Abroad: Textile Design and Advanced Fashion Design courses.
Design Management SSA

Visas and immigration

Check which visa you need and start planning your travels!