Summer Study Abroad: Creative Computing

College
UAL Creative Computing Institute Level
No prior subject experience required

Explore the fusion of art and technology in this hands-on creative computing course. Using p5.js, you’ll learn programming fundamentals to create interactive and generative art, develop computational artworks, and experiment with machine learning.

Course introduction

This Creative Computing course will immerse you in the intersection of art and technology, introducing you to interactive and generative art through coding. Using p5.js, a JavaScript library for creative coding, you will develop fundamental programming skills while exploring contemporary computational art and interactive media.

You’ll experiment with code to create digital artworks, design interactive experiences, and engage with one of CCI’s specialisms—machine learning for creative practice. Through hands-on workshops, collaborative discussions, and playful experimentation, you’ll build a strong foundation in creative coding, leaving with a portfolio of projects to integrate into your artistic practice. No prior programming experience is needed.

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: TBC

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

Explore the intersection of art and technology in this creative computing summer course. Designed for artists, designers, and creatives, you’ll learn to integrate computer programming into your work through interactive and generative art. Using p5.js, a JavaScript library for creative coding, you’ll develop core programming skills while exploring contemporary computational art and interactive media. You’ll create artworks, design interactive experiences, and engage with one of the CCIs specialisms - machine learning for creative practice. No prior programming experience is required. The course emphasises hands-on learning through workshops, collaborative discussions, and experimentation. You will have gained a strong foundation in programming, along with a portfolio of projects ready to incorporate into your artistic practice.

Course overview

Week 1 Research - learning skills and techniques
Week 2 Development - applying skills and techniques
Week 3 Communication - refining outcomes and presentation skills

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?

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

Please ensure you bring:

Laptop
Webcam and microphone (optional, for interactive projects)
VSCode (Visual Studio Code) software
Google Chrome web browser

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

Visas and immigration

Check which visa you need and start planning your travels!
Image courtesy of UAL

Study at the Creative Computing Institute for a semester or full year

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

All Summer Study Abroad courses

Study from 3 to 8 weeks on one of our summer programmes.Study from 3 to 8 weeks on one of our summer programmes.

Computing components, 2021, UAL Creative Computing Institute, Photograph: Alys Tomlinson
Small robot on a large roll of paper, courtesy of UAL
Gabrielle Ngoo working with computing components in the Physical Computing Lab, 2021, UAL Creative Computing Institute, Photograph: Alys Tomlinson