Summer Schools

We have been running summer schools at the RCA for more than six years and have attracted a global mix of participants from over 60 countries.

In 2024/25 we continue to deliver short courses on campus and live online with a keen focus on life long learning.

From becoming graduates of the RCA to setting up their own gallery, many of our participants successfully finish our courses ready to take the next step on their creative journey.

Royal College of Art summer schools 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 eighth 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 who have completed the summer schools have gone on to successfully apply to study on the Graduate Diploma and MA-Level courses at the RCA.

• Advanced-level lectures and seminars from RCA academic faculty.
• Notable guest speakers and professional practitioners connected to industry.
• Real-time interaction with the RCA course leaders to exchange ideas and receive feedback.
• Learn about the RCA's most recent case studies and practices.
• Opportunity to collaborate and connect with an international network of peers.
• Certificate of achievement on completion.

Our summer courses reflect our advanced level of teaching and are aimed at:

• Postgraduate or undergraduate students preparing for Master’s study
• Career changers or those interested in art and design
• Professionals seeking to develop specific knowledge and skills

Our summer schools are either in person on campus, or organised in synchronous sessions in a live virtual environment.

The delivery of online courses is rigorous and highly interactive.

In online short courses, participants:

• Engage with the RCA’s esteemed academics and facilitators via the audio and video conferencing service Zoom
• Access resources on the College's learning platform Moodle
• Work with peers in breakout rooms in real time using visual collaboration tools such as Miro.

In 2022 we celebrated the opening of the RCA’s new state-of-the-art research and innovation campus designed by Herzog & de Meuron in Battersea and the return of in person executive masterclasses and short courses.

'The top floor spaces have been specifically designed for the delivery of Executive Education. It's an incredible space with windows all around and 360 degree views across London – simply put, it's a really lovely, immersive, inspiring place to learn.'
– Hattie Allen, Executive Education Manager

7th Floor Executive Education event spaces in Battersea, London.

Our experts can develop custom summer courses and many of our existing short courses can be adapted, combined or customised for the particular needs of an organisation. The courses are ideally suited for groups of 15 to 30 or more participants.

Courses may be delivered online or at one of the RCA's central London sites, at your premises or other venues in the UK and internationally.

Please contact us to discuss developing a custom programme:

• Peter Christian, Head of Executive Education
• Hattie Allen, Executive Education Manager