Key details
Date
- 4 June 2026
Read time
- 2 minutes
Experience the RCA’s studio-based learning philosophy live online and on campus this summer.
Taught by permanent RCA academic faculty, renowned practitioners and industry-connected guest speakers, these intensive summer schools are an opportunity to experiment with new channels and new platforms in an environment catered towards personal exploration and revitalisation of your practice.
Key details
Date
- 4 June 2026
Read time
- 2 minutes
Discover our summer school programmes
Whether you are an experienced creative professional looking to break free from habitual ways of working, a prospective student aiming to build a competitive portfolio for postgraduate study, or a creative individual exploring your full potential, our summer schools offer an unparalleled learning experience.
One of the hallmarks of RCA short courses is learning through doing. Participants engage with real challenges, interact within small classes, build lifelong professional relationships across a global community of peers from over 60 countries, and receive a RCA Certificate of Attendance upon completion.
Explore our upcoming summer schools and find the perfect match for you before applications close.
Curating Contemporary Art and Design
Format: Online
Dates: 6–17 July 2026
Status: Applications close 15 June 2026
In this highly interactive live online course, you will develop your curatorial practice, explore the latest developments in critical and curatorial frameworks, and collaborate with professionals at the forefront of their fields. This year's theme will explore creative and critical work in public space as an expanded curatorial practice.
Who it is for: Curators, artists, writers, researchers, and gallery or museum professionals seeking to navigate the contemporary art and design world with a clear, confident point of view. It is also highly beneficial for those looking to pivot into curatorial roles or expand their critical frameworks.
Architecture Summer School
Format: On Campus, London (RCA Kensington Campus)
Dates: 13–17 July 2026
Status: Applications close 29 June 2026
Engage in an intense, immersive, and hands-on exploration of architecture, art, and spatial design. This on-campus experience develops your core skills through observation, design studio practice, and expert-led lectures and site visits.
Who it is for: Prospective students considering an architecture or spatial design degree, recent graduates looking to sharpen their portfolio, and practicing professionals seeking an inspiring, hands-on studio experience to break out of their day-to-day routine.
Contemporary Art Summer School
Format: Online
Dates: 13–31 July 2026
Status: Applications close 29 June 2026
This three-week, practice-led course provides a highly supportive virtual environment for your self-led independent practice. Supported by prominent artists, academics, critics, and curators, you will expand your artistic vocabulary and gain deep insight into contemporary art study.
Who it is for: Fine artists, photographers, sculptors, performers, and creative practitioners of all disciplines. It is ideal for individuals looking to redefine their creative direction, experiment with new mediums, or prepare a comprehensive portfolio for postgraduate application.
The Graphic Novel: Visual Storytelling
Format: Online
Dates: 6–30 July 2026
Status: Bookings close 26 June 2026
Unleash your imagination and master new methods of sequential self-expression under expert guidance. We will guide you through the critical elements of illustration, composition, tone, and pacing to build engaging, picture-driven narratives.
Who it is for: Illustrators, writers, comic book artists, animators, and narrative enthusiasts. Whether you are a beginner looking to structure your first long-form comic project or an established creative looking to adapt your storytelling style, this course provides the framework you need.
Applications and bookings
A summer school is often the first step toward long-term impact. RCA short courses reflect the same rigorous postgraduate environment that has shaped global creative leaders for nearly two centuries. Our graduates go on to lead and influence many of the world’s premier global businesses and design studios—including Apple, Pentagram, IDEO, Burberry, Porsche, and Samsung.
Don't miss the opportunity to elevate your career, build your portfolio, or redefine your practice.
Applications and bookings close this June.
