RCA summer schools 2024

Royal College of Art (RCA) summer schools from May to August 2024 attract a global mix of artists, critical thinkers, curators and writers from over 60 countries.

This summer, join us at the number one university for art & design internationally (QS World Subject Rankings 2015-2023). 

Courses include:
Present Futures: Virtual and Augmented Reality in Art 
May 9–13, 2024 (on campus, London)

An introduction to the fascinating world of immersive technologies and their effect on contemporary art and its institutions, delivered in collaboration with Acute Art.

“It gave me an understanding of the varied landscape of immersive tech… It’s given me a jumpstart into my current projects working on immersive art experiences for self-discovery.” —Anne Hsu, University Lecturer UK. Book now, final places!

Typography 
June 4–28, 2024 (online)

Develop your typographic expertise in an open and experimental environment, under the expert guidance of Adrian Shaughnessy. 

“A must for graduates just starting in their career to seasoned professionals seeking a refresh or new direction in their careers.” —Jonny Knight, Design Director UK. Book now, final places!

Art and Design Portfolio Development 
June 27–July 13, 2024 (online)

Develop a distinctive progression portfolio tailored to your continuing educational and professional journey in art and design, with a multi-disciplinary team of staff from the RCA Graduate Diploma. 

“It opened my eyes to the depths of nuance and expertise that developing a portfolio can involve!”  —Daniel Nielsen, Sculptor USA. Applications open, early bird discount ends April 15!

The Graphic Novel: Visual Storytelling
July 1–23, 2024 (online)

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

“The course encourages you to deeply explore your instincts for the story you wish to tell… It was a much-needed exercise to free myself from the trappings of prescribed storytelling techniques.” —Adzlynn Fizra, Art Director Singapore. Book now!

Curating Contemporary Art and Design: Theory and Practice
July 8–19, 2024 (online)

Discover contemporary art and design curatorial thinking and practice, with sector-leading guests and a multi-disciplinary academic team. This year’s course theme is ‘Curating After the Internet: New Media and Digital Cultures’.

“This course has really shed light on the many ways well established curators/writers/artists have developed a curatorial practice in their work.” —Sara Almutlaq, Curator Saudi Arabia. Applications open, early bird discount ends 15 April!

Architecture Summer School
July 15–19, 2024 (on campus, London)

An intense and immersive programme offering an engaging mix of design studio experience, visits, expert talks and portfolio-making.

“It allowed me to fully experience collaborative design processes through not only the interaction with the course leaders & tutors, but also the visits with industry leaders, RCA’s academic and recent alumni.”  —Mai Thi Nguyen, Consultant Switzerland. Applications open, early bird discount ends April 15!

Contemporary Art Summer School
July 22–August 9, 2024 (online)

A practice-led introduction to the study and practice of contemporary art, structured around the development of your own self-motivated individual project.

“Meeting artists from all over the world, as well as the incredible leadership of Despina, was truly a wonderful experience. Each participant had a unique opportunity to progress in their own practice.” —Juliet Bankes, Artist UK. Applications open, early bird discount ends April 15!

Short courses at the RCA
Short courses at the RCA reflect the College’s unique studio-based learning philosophy with small class sizes, practical group work, rich interaction between students and academics and enhanced peer-to-peer networking.

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