Encounters: Contextual and Theoretical Studies Symposium

Free and open to all.

Explore what preoccupies undergraduate students in the Design School in 2026, at the CTS Symposium, where final year students across all undergraduate Design courses will take us through some bold and thought-provoking topics.

CTS enables students to become confident in the research, analysis, critique and presentation of complex theoretical ideas and contexts linked to their emerging art and design interests. Students are introduced to a range of ideas and practices that help them map a landscape of cultural and social issues and concerns, and it supports them in locating themselves and their creative work in that landscape.

The CTS Symposium is a live event, showcasing selected research projects from across the three programmes that make up the Design School. Students will talk about and showcase their work and share the insights they gained through their contextual and theoretical research.

The agenda is as follows:

2pm – 2:15pm: Hello and welcome

2:15pm – 3:30pm: Branding and Design Innovation Panel

Nadine Min-Yi Fahmy, Chiara Treptow, Hana Abdinasir, Hunter Mitchell, Vedamsha Kadali, Chelsea Laylo

3:30pm – 3:45pm: Break

3:45pm – 4:30pm: Graphic Design Communication Panel

Isabella Chiara Vicco, Emma Warren, Youbin Lee

4:30 – 5:30pm: Illustration, Design & Visual Communication Panel

Alya Tay, Cynthia Boyce, Rakhel Ojinnaka, Tallawah Smith

5:30pm – 6:00pm: Closing remarks and General Discussion

The event is free, and everyone is welcome to come and hear what students are interested in and learn from the expertise they’ve gained through their research.

About Shows 2026

London College of Communication educates and inspires the next generation of fearless creative communicators.

Across a series of exhibitions, events, online showcasing, as well as engagement with industry, audiences are invited into our diverse, energetic, and welcoming community, in spaces that promote collaboration and radical thinking.

Our graduates are equipped with the skills, confidence, and visionary ambition to transform the future and leave a meaningful mark on the world.

Shows 2026 is your opportunity to explore their creative output, across world-leading courses in Design, Media and Screen.

Find out more about Shows 2026.

Accessibility:London College of Communication strives to provide an inclusive and accessible environment for our students and visitors. If you have any specific access requirements for an event or exhibition, please contact us by email (events@lcc.arts.ac.uk) or phone (020 7514 8498) in advance of your visit so that we can make any necessary preparations or adjustments.

For full access and route guides for our building, please view our AccessAble accessibility guide.

Visitor Advisory: Exhibitions at London College of Communication often address a range of social issues and mature themes.

Spaces can include loud sounds, low lighting, scent, flashing imagery and immersive digital environments. Some visitors may find certain content or sensory experiences distressing or uncomfortable. Viewer discretion is advised.

Find us: London College of Communication is located close to central London in Elephant and Castle. The College is based on a single site within easy reach of various parts of the city, and is well-served by Underground, bus and rail networks. Find out more about getting here on Find Us page.

Important filming and photography notice:Please note that filming and photography may be taking place at this event. Both bigger crowds, smaller groups and individuals may be captured on camera. All imagery and footage may at some point be published on the College website, social media channels, and in print.