Summer schools in Curating, Contemporary Art, Portfolio Development

Royal College of Art summer schools from June to August 2023 attract a global mix of artists, critical thinkers, curators and writers from over 60 countries. The RCA was recently ranked number one university for art and design for the ninth consecutive academic year in the QS World University Rankings. 

We provide unparalleled opportunities to access teaching, researchers, guest practitioners and facilities, as well as collaborate and connect with an international network of peers.

The short courses reflect the college’s unique studio-based learning philosophy with small class sizes, practical group work, rich interaction between students and academics, enhanced peer-to-peer networking and a certificate of achievement on completion.

Whether you’re looking for a step-change in your career, transforming your practice with world class thought-leaders, or are considering embarking on one of our MA Programmes, the summer schools offer a snapshot of studying at the College. 

Previous students that have completed the summer schools have gone on to successfully apply to study on the Graduate Diploma and MA-Level courses at the RCA.

Join us online at the RCA this summer! Early bird discount until April 30, 2023!

Courses include:
Art and Design Portfolio Development Short Course
Develop a distinctive progression portfolio tailored to your continuing educational and professional journey in art and design, live online with a multi-disciplinary staff team of the Graduate Diploma at the RCA. 

Dates: June 29–July 15, 2023, applications open. Early bird discount until April 30, 2023!

“Not only do you learn how to create the best portfolio, you also learn how to shape your future around art. This was a priceless experience with the top professionals in the industry.” Sun hi Moon, USA.

Contemporary Art Summer School
A practice-led live online introduction to the study and practice of contemporary art, structured around the development of your own self-motivated individual project.

Dates: July 24–August 11, 2023, applications open. Early bird discount until April 30, 2023!

“Meeting artists from all over the world and the incredible leadership of Despina was truly a wonderful experience. Each participant had a unique opportunity to progress in their own practice.” Juliet Bankes, UK.

Curating Contemporary Art and Design: Theory and Practice Summer Course

Discover contemporary art and design curatorial thinking and practice, with sector leading curators, researchers and writers, live online with a multi-disciplinary team of the MA Curating Contemporary Art at the RCA.

Dates: July 10–21, 2023, applications open.

“I have truly gained a deeper understanding and appreciation of curating contemporary art and design in different cultural areas, whilst considering inclusivity, sustainability and how to respond to current themes and societal problems.” Priya Odedra, UK.

Architecture Summer School
An intense and immersive architecture summer school offering design studio experience, visits, lectures and skills training, on campus in London.

Dates: June 30–July 10, 2023, bookings open. Early bird discount until April 30, 2023!

“The Architecture Summer School has truly been a fruitful experience. It allowed me to fully immerse in the intellectuality of the architect and interior design prospect through not only the interaction with the course tutors, but also the visits with industry leaders, RCA’s academics and recent alumni.” Mai Thi Nguyen, Switzerland

The Graphic Novel: Visual Storytelling

Unleash your imagination and master new methods of self-expression via visual storytelling, live online under the expert guidance of RCA tutor Professor Andrzej Klimowski.

Dates: July 3–26, 2023, bookings open. “A fantastic experience, open and pragmatic! The innovative processes explored are key to unlocking an exciting and experimental visual narrative practice.” Stephen Dunne, Ireland.

Creative Reuse in Architecture and Interior Design
Discover untapped opportunities for creative reuse of materials, buildings, and sites in the built environment, live online with a multi-disciplinary staff team from the School of Architecture at the RCA.

Dates: July 13, 14, 20 & 21, 2023, bookings open. Early bird discount until May 14, 2023!