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Gain professional experience in London's creative industries

Study Abroad Semester with Internship

Study abroad for 13 weeks on the Study Abroad Semester programme at UAL in spring, followed by a 5-week creative internship in London. Choose from Central Saint Martins, London College of Communication or London College of Fashion.

Complete 13 weeks of study abroad at Central Saint Martins, London College of Communication or London College of Fashion, followed by a 5-week professional internship experience in London with our internship provider Arcadia Abroad.

The internship is available for the Spring Study Abroad Semester students only (not Integrated Study Abroad).

If you are a UAL student looking to study abroad, or an overseas student looking for exchange opportunities, please visit our Student Mobility page.

Two people looking at a computer screen
Paul Cochrane, CSM Summer Show | Photograph: Paul Cochrane

Why Study Abroad with Internship?

Through the Study Abroad with Internship programme, you can:

  • study for 13 weeks at University of the Arts London, the UK’s top institution for student start-ups.
  • gain industry experience through a 5-week professional internship in London.
  • develop practical skills while working alongside professionals
  • expand your global network.
  • build a strong foundation for a future career in the creative industries.

Dates and fees

UAL Study Abroad Semester dates

Dates: 18 January 2027 - Friday 16 April 2027

Semester break is week beginning 1 March 2027

Application deadline: 1 October 2026  
Fee payment deadline: 7 December 2026  
Fee: £12,430

Internship dates

Dates: 19 April - 21 May 2027

Application deadline: 1 October 2026  
Fee payment deadline: 7 December 2026  
Fee:  £2,797

Total fees: £15,227

  • The Semester with Internship programme is delivered as part of UAL’s Study Abroad offer and includes an assessed internship component delivered in partnership with Arcadia Abroad.
  • Students will study at UAL before undertaking an internship as part of the overall programme structure.
  • The internship forms an integral part of the academic programme and must be undertaken for credit approved by your home institution.
  • The fee does not include housing.

Choose your course

Start your creative journey in London

Are you wondering how the Study Abroad with Internship programme can support your future career in the creative industries?

Here are answers to some of the common questions we receive about studying abroad with an internship.

How the Study Abroad with Internship works

The Study Abroad with Internship programme runs for 18 weeks in London during our Spring Semester. You will study at University of the Arts London for the first 13 weeks on one of our Study Abroad Semester programmes. After the semester ends, you will complete a 5-week internship in London while completing a professional internship module. Note: the Internship is not available for students joining the Integrated Study Abroad programme.

Placements are matched to your interests, skills and area of study where possible.

Throughout the programme, you’ll receive academic and professional support to help you develop skills, build industry connections and prepare for your future career.

The internship is unpaid and usually runs 4- 4.5 days per week (total placement hours 180 hours).

When it takes place

The Study Abroad with Internship is available in the Spring Semester only. You will need to complete the full 13-week Study Abroad Semester at UAL to progress to the 5-week internship. Check our dates, deadlines and fees.

Accreditation for Study Abroad with Internship

For the 13-week study semester at UAL, you will take a combination of classes with a minimum of 12 US credits / 48 UK credits / 24 ECTS, and a maximum of 14 US credits / 56 UK credits / 28 ECTS.

Your home university must agree to the credit transfer. Some institutions may have a different credit equivalence, please check this with your home institution. For more information check our credits and assessments page.

You will receive a Record of Study and digital badge following successful completion of the UAL programme.

On completion of the internship placement and academic module, you will gain an additional 3 US credits / 12 UK credits / 6 ECTS. The internship placement credit is awarded via your placement provider, Arcadia Abroad. Your home university must agree to the credit transfer.

How internship placements are arranged

London is a hub for institutions across the arts and creative sector. Support will be provided by our internship provider, Arcadia Abroad, on how to apply for the best placement type for you.

Placements include a range of roles and industries across London. Placements will be confirmed in approximately mid-March.

Some examples of the types of fields / placement:

  • Advertising (for example, firm-based)
  • Arts (for example galleries, museums, theatre)
  • Business (for example SMEs and entrepreneurship)
  • Film & TV (for example production companies)
  • Graphic Design (provided applicants have relevant technical skills)
  • Hospitality (for example hotels, bars, restaurants)
  • Journalism & Publishing (for example publications or agencies)
  • Marketing (both as a placement and a field – for example in-house or agency)
  • Non-Government Organisations (for example not-for-profit, socially-focussed)
  • Politics (for example local councillor offices, political PR)
  • Public Relations (for example, agencies, client support)

Visa requirements for the programme

All students will require a Student  Visa route that will cover the duration of the full 18-week programme including the internship. More information on Study Abroad visas.

  • The Semester with Internship programme is delivered as part of UAL’s Study Abroad offer and includes an assessed internship component delivered in partnership with Arcadia Abroad.
  • Students will study at UAL before undertaking an internship as part of the overall programme structure.
  • The internship forms an integral part of the academic programme and must be undertaken for credit approved by your home institution.
  • Students must be sponsored by UAL under the Student Visa route for the full duration of the programme. The internship element is subject to the conditions of the Student visa.
  • Students are expected to fully engage with both the academic and internship elements of the programme.

Who is this programme for?

This programme is ideal for students currently studying outside the UK, who are looking for:

  • creative internships in London
  • fashion internships in London
  • design internships in London
  • arts internships in London
  • creative industries internships in London

The UAL Study Abroad Semester with Internship runs in the Spring Semester only. You will need to complete the full 13-week UAL Study Abroad Semester to progress to the 5-week internship.

The Internship option is not available for students joining the Integrated Study Abroad programme.

If you are a UAL student looking to study abroad, or an overseas student looking for exchange opportunities, please visit our Student Mobility page.

What the Internship module involves

Students will complete an Internship academic module alongside their placement, with in-person weekly class sessions scheduled concurrently.

The Internship academic module is designed to help you make the most of your internship experience. Through guided reflection and practical activities, you will:

  • Build a digital resume and portfolio
  • Set weekly personal development goals and track your progress
  • Reflect on your professional placement and learning
  • Strengthen your communication, collaboration and workplace skills

Where in London you will be based

You will be based at University of the Arts London, studying at one of UAL’s Colleges across the city. Teaching locations vary depending on your academic units.

Your internship will take place with a creative organisation based in London. Placements may be located in different parts of the city, reflecting the diversity of London’s creative industries.

London’s extensive public transport network makes it easy to travel around though as a big city, the average commute time in London varies.

How will this support my career in the creative industries?

The Study Abroad with Internship programme combines academic study with professional experience in London, one of the world’s leading creative cities.

During the programme, you will study at University of the Arts London while completing an internship with a creative organisation. This allows you to develop practical skills, gain insight into how creative businesses operate and build professional connections.

By the end of the programme, you will have developed industry knowledge, expanded your international network and gained experience that can strengthen your portfolio and support your future career in the creative industries.

Questions? Email us

studyabroad@arts.ac.uk

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