Semester Exchange
Why go abroad?
Going abroad as part of your degree is an exciting, once in a lifetime experience. As well as experiencing another culture, it's also a great chance to build a global network. Studies have shown that students who study abroad were:
- More likely to gain a 1st or 2:1 degree.
- More likely to secure a graduate job 6 months after graduating.
- More likely to receive a higher wage, upon starting work.
Source: Universities UK Gone International: rising aspirations report.
Speak with one of our Global Ambassadors to find out how you can benefit from an international experience.
Who can go abroad?
Not all degree programmes offer semester exchanges. Check with LCF Global if you can go on exchange as part of your degree.
To be eligible for a semester exchange, you must:
- Be in your second year of study at undergraduate level by the time the exchange takes place. Note that you will apply in your first year.
- Be enrolled, and in full-time attendance at UAL.
If you don't meet the requirements to go on exchange, you can consider going on a Short Term Programme.
When you can go abroad
Semester exchange happens in the second year of an undergraduate degree. When you can go, and how long you can go for, will depend on your course.
Where can I go?
Each degree which offers semester exchange has their own set of exchange partners. Check with LCF Global which exchange partners your degree program has.
Some of LCF's exchange partners* include:
- Fashion Institute of Technology, New York, USA
- Politecnico di Milano (Polimi), Milan, Italy
- LIM College, New York, USA
- RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia
- Istituto Europeo de Design (IED), Milan, Italy
- University of Borås (Swedish School of Textiles),Borås, Sweden
- Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU), Toronto, Canada
- Amsterdam Fashion Institute (AMFI), Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Design School Kolding, Kolding, Denmark
*Partners are subject to change.
How to apply
You will apply for a semester exchange in Year 1 and LCF Global will advertise to degree programs with the exchange offering by the end of Block 1.
The international application deadline for semester exchange at LCF is:
- 31 January (unless advised otherwise).
Student stories
Anna Betz, BA (Hons) Buying and Merchandising, Semester Exchange at Toronto Met University, Toronto, Canada
My exchange in Toronto was such an amazing experience. I met so many friendly Canadians, and I was honestly surprised by how welcoming and open everyone was. I made some great friends, and I had the best time both at TMU and outside of university. TMU is super student-focused, which made settling in and studying there really easy. One of the best parts of my exchange was getting to travel—I got to visit Montreal, Ottawa, and even went to the U.S. (New York and Miami). Toronto itself is an incredible city, with so much to do. I loved going to the Art Gallery of Ontario, exploring different neighbourhoods, and even checking out some national parks. And, of course, the parties and celebrations were so fun—Halloween and Christmas in Canada were definitely highlights! Overall, my time in Toronto was unforgettable, and I’d 100% recommend going on exchange to anyone thinking about it.
Emily Wang, BA (Hons) Buying and Merchandising, Semester Exchange at RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia
Had an unforgettable exchange at RMIT in Melbourne Australia! The tutors were amazing, the uni schedule gave me the perfect balance of study and exploring, and I made some lifelong friends. From beach days and the zoo to amazing food and city adventures, Melbourne has it all. I'd definitely recommend it!
Min Goi, BA (Hons) Buying and Merchandising, Semester Exchange at LIM College, New York, USA
I had an amazing experience during my exchange at LIM College in New York City. During my time there, I was under the guidance of amazing tutors with industry experience and got to attend trade shows and studio tours. It was also an amazing time living in the heart of New York City. I would recommend going on exchange if given the chance.
Matilda Brown, BA (Hons) Design and Development, Semester Exchange at AMD Berlin, Berlin, Germany
I had the most memorable experience at AMD in Berlin! I completely fell in love with the city and the people there, it was such a hub of culture and creatives. The uni there became my home and the other students felt like old friends very quickly. There was never a moment of boredom, the city offered so much life and inspiration, from art to lakes and great parties followed by Sundays at busy flea markets. It was the most fulfilling experience, I couldn't recommend it more.