Skip to main content
Story

UAL x Zurich University of the Arts Summer Schools

Person reclining on a patterned rug outdoors, writing in an open notebook beside flowers, fruit and decorative objects.
  • Written byStudent Communications
  • Published date 18 March 2026
Person reclining on a patterned rug outdoors, writing in an open notebook beside flowers, fruit and decorative objects.
'3rabi: A Designed Dialect Journal', Amira Zurgani, 2025 BA (Hons) Graphic Communication Design, Central Saint Martins, UAL

UAL and Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK) announce the call for applications for 2 themed collaborative Summer Schools, taking place in August 2026, open to undergraduate students (non-graduating in 2026) across all Colleges and institutes at UAL.

Drawing on the strengths, expertise and learning from a long-established partnership between UAL and ZHdK, the 2026 Collaborative Summer Schools offer a rich, collaborative and future-facing learning experience through 2 programmes.

Summer Schools

City Dialogues: Re-Imagining Urban Futures through Artistic Practices
Theme: Arts and Society
3 - 7 August 2026, Berlin

Stitching the Code: Feminism, Labour and Technology
Theme: Arts and Technology
10 - 14 August 2026, London

For a full description of the 2 programmes, please refer to the Application Guide.

Why take part?

This is a valuable opportunity for UAL students to broaden their horizons and gain international experience. By taking part in these Summer Schools, students will have the chance to:

  • learn from leading tutors from UAL and ZHdK, drawing on a wide range of academic and creative expertise
  • engage and collaborate with students from ZHdK, building meaningful international connections
  • enhance their academic and creative practice through specialised courses, workshops and practice-based activities
  • strengthen their professional and intercultural skills
  • enrich their CV and portfolio with international experience and new creative work

Application process

The Collaborative Summer School application opens on 16 March 2026.

Students should apply by completing the Collaborative Summer Schools UAL and Zurich University of the Arts Application Form.

Applicants must provide:

  • information about themselves, their UAL course and College or institute
  • the Summer School they are interested in
  • responses to the application questions, which will be used to assess their application
  • an academic reference from their Course Leader

The application deadline is 10 April 2026 at 11pm GMT. Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted.

Funding and Application Guide

Successful applicants will receive a grant to support their participation in their preferred Summer School.

Details about the grant and eligibility criteria can be found in the Application Guide. The guide outlines the application process, selection criteria and key information about the grants.

Information session

Following the launch of the call for applications, an information session will take place via Microsoft Teams on 20 March 2026 from 2 - 3pm GMT.

If students are unable to attend, the session will be recorded and made available afterwards.

During the session, tutors will introduce the 2 Summer Schools and the Global Engagement team will provide guidance on the application process, selection criteria and available grants.

Contact

If you have any questions, please contact Vanessa Santoro, Global Projects Support Officer at UAL (v.santoro@arts.ac.uk).

About Zurich University of the Arts

Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK) is one of the largest art universities in Europe and a state-accredited public institution.

Its study and research activities span art education, cultural critique, design, film, fine arts, music, dance, theatre and transdisciplinary studies. Based at the Toni-Areal campus, ZHdK provides a vibrant environment for teaching, artistic practice, research, publishing and lifelong education, with a strong commitment to Open Access and Open Science.