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Bridging borders - UAL SPdS and Paris College of Art

The group sit down for a meal in Paris
  • Written byStudent Communications
  • Published date 22 October 2026
The group sit down for a meal in Paris
Image supplied by Michelle Lin Branby

In March 2026, UAL School of Pre-degree Studies, Level 3 International Design, Media and Screen Foundation students and their counterparts at Paris College of Art were invited to respond to Transform, a brief drawn from the L3 DMS course, with each student bringing their own perspective, process, and visual language to the challenge. The result was a rich and diverse showcase of work that celebrated both individual voice and the power of cross-institutional creative exchange.

student work on table
Image supplied by Kasia Hamilton

Students who take the Level 3 International DMS course at SPdS gain experience across a range of digital media practices, including film, animation, photography, editorial design, interactive typography, game concepts and installation. The course teaches students to research, experiment and think critically and develops their ability to combine personal perspectives with wider social and global contexts.  An important part of the course is practising for the real world, by responding to realistic briefs which they might come across in degree studies or as professional creatives.

Students are encouraged to collaborate and to take the lead in producing independent, cross-institutional creative work which reflects on pressing global issues such as climate change, social belonging, mental health and systems of power.

Student standing by red design work on wall
Image supplied by Melody Tzeng, L3 DMS student (2025/2026):

The objectives of Transform were to explore how individuals, societies and environments evolve in response to cultural, political and technological change. Working independently within a shared project brief, students investigated the theme through one of four key areas - Climate Narratives, Identity and Inclusion, Care and Well-Being, and Political Concerns - combining personal perspectives with wider social contexts through research, experimentation and critical thinking. The brief included organising a mid-project collaboration exhibition, TRANSFORM, in Paris with Paris College of Art , where students  showcased their work in progress and gained experience in curating and installing a live, international exhibition, as well as seeing the work of their counterparts. The culmination of the showcase took place at the Open Studio Showcase at UAL SPdS, in June 2026.

Paris school of art door
Image supplied by Michelle Lin Branby

The Paris showcase featured an impressive range of artworks, reflecting the breadth of experimentation undertaken throughout the project. Visitors were invited to explore zines, visual essays, poetry in emotion, animation, photography, editorial design, screen prints, and cyanotypes — with work in progress and experimental pieces displayed alongside final outcomes, offering a transparent and honest window into each student's creative journey.

The event was warmly received by students and staff from both sides, generating genuine enthusiasm and a sense of shared pride in what had been achieved together. The quality of work on display was a reflection of the creativity, commitment, and collaborative spirit shown by everyone involved.

It was an absolute pleasure collaborating with the team. The showcase was truly a wonderful experience — it is lovely to know the students' creativity and commitment came through.

— Michelle Lin Braby, Course Leader of Level 3 International Design, Media and Screen
It was lovely to see the collaboration between our students and those from the Paris College of Art. The opportunity to spend time with a small creative cohort and experience a city through their eyes was inspiring. Equally rewarding was the chance to meet Paris College of Art President Linda Jarvin, and to exchange ideas and perspectives. A big thank you to the International Introduction to Design, Media, and Screen teaching staff, especially Curriculum Leader Michelle Lin Braby, for the invitation to attend.

— Amanda Jenkins, Dean of UAL School of Pre-degree Studies
I’m incredibly grateful to my school for giving me the opportunity to experience Paris. France was the first European country I visited outside of the UK, and this trip opened the door to a whole new perspective on European art, culture, and education. The thoughtfully planned activities each day made the experience both meaningful and enjoyable, while discovering Paris independently allowed me to truly experience its unique artistic spirit

— Lingxin Zhang, Level 3 International Design, Media and Screen student (2025/26)

Gallery

  • blue art work on wall
    Image supplied by Michelle Lin Branby
  • blonde student looking at display of work on wall
    Image supplied by Božena Connole, L4 CertHE student (2025/2026)
  • exhibition wall
    Image supplied by Bozena Connole, L4 CertHE student (2025/2026)
  • A poster created showing a cup of coffee with a man's face inside it.
    Image supplied by Bozena Connole, L4 CertHE student (2025/2026)
  • Michelle and Amanda looking at work on wall
    Image showing Course Leader L3 DMS,Michelle Lin Branby and Dean of UAL School of Pre-degree Studies, Amanda Jenkins, supplied by Hoachi Wang, L3 DMS student, (2025/2026)