Creative Direction Short Courses

The process of creative direction is key to helping brands tell their stories and promote products to the right audiences. Our range of short courses are designed to enhance your knowledge and skills in this exciting industry. Learn about crucial topics related to creative direction such as branding, fashion media business and editorial styling.

Choose from 1-week courses to those spanning across several weeks, courses are suitable for every level, all designed with appropriate class sizes, so tutors can help each individual improve their knowledge and get to the next level.

Courses include:

Access to UAL's state-of-the-art studio spaces and facilities
Set lessons and assignments
Tutor feedback
Chance to meet like-minded students from all over the world
Group feedback and/or critique sessions
A certificate of attendance

If you need help finding the right course please do not hesitate to get in touch. Our Customer Service Team Coordinator is available to answer specific questions: ualshortcourses@arts.ac.uk.

Short courses in London

Communication and graphic design

Art Direction Short Course

£740

Learn the skills and processes to become a Professional Art Director, from idea generation to delivering effective visual communication.

Level - Beginners
Dates - 8 November 2025 to 22 November 2025
Schedule - Saturdays

Journalism, PR, media and publishing

Art Direction for Advertising Short Course

£320

Develop your skills in visual communication and create compelling advertising campaigns.

Level - All levels welcome
Dates - 15 December 2025 to 15 December 2025
Schedule - Monday

Communication and graphic design

Creative Direction Short Course

£800

Learn how to become a Creative Director. Suitable for learners from Fashion, Architecture, Advertising and other creative backgrounds.

Level - Intermediate
Dates - 8 December 2025 to 12 December 2025
Schedule - Monday to Friday

Fashion styling and make up

Editorial Styling and Creative Direction Short Course

£2880

Launch your fashion creative direction career. Learn editorial styling, media and image creation. Direct shoots and build a digital portfolio. Gain insider industry knowledge.

Level - Beginners
Dates - 1 December 2025 to 19 December 2025
Schedule - Monday to Friday

Online short courses

Communication and graphic design

Creative Direction for Digital Media Online Short Course

£590

Develop your understanding in creative direction for digital media and online platforms. Learn to analyse, apply strategies and gain practical insights.

Level - Beginners
Dates - 8 December 2025 to 12 December 2025
Schedule - Monday and Wednesday to Friday

Communication and graphic design

Design for Art Direction Online Short Course

£910

Learn to create strong visual narratives. Explore contemporary art direction methods. Generate ideas using mixed media, typography, illustration, and video.

Level - All levels welcome
Dates - 8 December 2025 to 12 December 2025
Schedule - Monday to Friday

Fashion communication

Art Direction For Fashion Short Course

£800

Create compelling visuals for brands, tell stories and make emotional connections. This is a practical, fast-paced course led by industry experts. Available both on campus and online.

Level - All levels welcome
Dates - 15 December 2025 to 19 December 2025
Schedule - Monday to Friday

Photograph: Sean Hawkey, UAL Short Courses

Unlocking creativity: art direction in the fashion industry

This week we hear from art director and short course student, Natalia Lareo. Natalia recently took our Art Direction for Fashion Short Course and Fashion Styling Online Short Course to expand her knowledge in this area.
What is magazine creative direction?

Magazines are everywhere – embedded into our everyday lives, but what exactly goes into creating a magazine? With the insight of industry expert Giulio Mazzarini, a UAL short courses tutor and London based creative director and photographer – we’re delving into what magazine creative direction is, and how you can get started as a creative director yourself in visual communication design!
Mood boarding and story boarding for art directors - Giulio Mazzarini

Join Giulio Mazzarini live as he talks about the benefits of creating unique mood boards and storyboards and will give essential tips and advice on the best formats and strategy to create effective presentations. 22 June, 12pm
Revitalise your passion for Art Direction for Fashion

We spoke with Art Direction for Fashion student, Daniel Collins, to find out how the course helped him revitalise the passion for his creative practice.