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Summer Study Abroad - Graphic Communication Design
College
Central Saint Martins
Level
Open to all levels

At Central Saint Martins we encourage you to examine your role not only as a graphic designer but as a citizen of the world; you have the skills to communicate vital messages to the world, have an impact and be a catalyst for change.

Course introduction

At Central Saint Martins, Graphic Communication Design is seen as a diverse and multidisciplinary field. This approach involves exploring design from various perspectives that challenge traditional understandings of the discipline and embrace a more expansive definition of design practice.

On this 3-week Graphic Communication Design course, you will have the opportunity to engage a wide range of visual, critical, and craft-based practices, aligning with CSM’s undergraduate Graphic Communication Design programme. Throughout this exploration and experimentation, you will be encouraged to shape and position your own personal practice – fostering growth and development.

Dates and fees

This course is now full for 2025. Sign up for updates on Summer 2026.

Date: 30 June 2025 - 17 July 2025

Application deadline: 12 May 2025

Cost: £2,500

Time: Mon - Thu / 10am - 4pm

Duration: 3 weeks

Location: Granary Sq

Entry requirements

English requirements

You should be proficient in written and spoken English and be able to participate in group discussions and make 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.

More information on English language requirements and equivalencies.

Academic requirements

Students applying for this course are expected to be independent and highly motivated, preferably having completed one year at university (undergraduate-level study). Previous experience in the subject area is required for this course.

Course details

Drawing inspiration from the philosophy of the Bauhaus (German design school founded by Walter Gropius in the early 20th Century), your course will focus on three foundational Bauhaus principles within design practice: knowledge, craft, and skill.

Workshops will be led by practitioners and experts in their fields and help you gain confidence and skills in the different areas. Through participating and testing multiple modes of practice, you will reflect on your own emerging practice, helping to focus on specific interests and specialisms.

In addition to in-studio-making sessions, you will explore London and contextualise your work within the contemporary cultural landscape. Observations from these visits and the documentation of workshops will be collected to form a Practice Book. This Practice Book is the key outcome from the course and will be an active archive and designed documentation of process and practice-led work.

During final week you will print and produce the Practice Book and collectively build a small-scale exhibition environment to showcase the publications as the result combined work and efforts.

Credits

  • This course is the equivalent to 4 US style credits.
  • If you’re planning to claim credit towards your degree, be sure to check with your home institution before you apply.

Tutor information

Michela Zoppi is a London-based art director and graphic designer. She runs her independent practice and works as a design writer, researcher, and lecturer. Specialised in design for publishing, her practice engages with creative figures in art, architecture, design and fashion through conversations to redefine the boundaries and challenge the outcomes of communication, art direction and branding, and editorial design.

Katie Leigh Evans is a graphic designer and educator based in Brighton. Open Practice is the on-going partnership and design studio with Gabriela Matuszyck. As a studio they make visual languages for exhibitions, publications, websites and organisations. Katie is as an active part of the design community and since working for Studio 3015 and Fraser Muggeridge studio has had cultural clients such as Art on the Underground, the V&A, House of Illustration and It’s Freezing in LA. Research, editing and writing is a core part of their practice, and they have worked with the following magazines and publications; A Line Which Forms a Volume, TypeOne, and Eye Magazine. They lecture at the University of Brighton on the BA(Hons) Graphic Design course.

Why choose Graphic Communication Design?

During this intensive three-week course you will:

  • experience a taster of five Practices that make up the expanded field of Graphic Communication Design and the philosophy of Central Saint Martins
  • 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 bring with you to the first session: 

  • A laptop with Adobe Suite Software installed
  • A digital camera or phone with a camera
  • Notebook and writing equipment

Items can also be purchased from the college shop.

Summer Study Abroad Award

We offer a Summer Study Abroad Award for all 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.

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