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Summer Study Abroad - Contemporary Fine Art Practice
College
Central Saint Martins
Level
Open to all levels

Explore London's contemporary art scene and learn an innovative and experimental approach to the making and development of your work.

Course introduction

On your 3-week Contemporary Fine Art Practice course you will develop a range of innovative and experimental approaches to the making and development of work. This is an interdisciplinary fine art course aimed at students with a strong commitment and an inquisitive approach to contemporary art practice.

The course will encourage you to work playfully in mediums that are appropriate to the concept of your project. You will be presented with short one-day workshop, working collaboratively, and a longer project designed to challenge you and encourage new ways of working. You will have the freedom to experiment with a range of disciplines, such as sound, video, performance, sculpture, installation and 2D and be asked to explore using non-traditional materials.

The course is studio and practice based and work on the projects is complemented by a programme of presentations and group discussions.  We focus on discussion during the course and talking about your work in the context of contemporary art practices. The course will assist you in developing practical, critical and conceptual skills. It will encourage your own development as an artist. You will also receive an introduction to London's contemporary art scene.  You will go on known gallery trips, to the harder to find London galleries.  These visits will complement and contextualise the work that you are making.

The course is aimed at students with a strong commitment and an inquisitive approach to contemporary art practice.

Dates and fees

Date: 30 June 2025 - 17 July 2025

Application deadline: 12 May 2025

Cost: £2,500

Time: Mon - Thu / 10am - 4pm

Duration: 3 weeks

Location: Granary Sq

Apply now for Summer 2025.

Entry requirements

English requirements

You should be proficient in written and spoken English and be able to participate in group discussions and make presentations. As a guideline we would expect you to have an English language level equivalent to IELTS score of 6.0. A certificate is not required.

More information on English language requirements and equivalencies.

Academic requirements

This course is open to all levels and is suitable for students over 18 wanting undergraduate-level study.

Course details

The course is studio and practice based and work on the projects is complemented by a programme of presentations, group discussions, critiques, gallery and Museum visits and talks from visiting arts professionals.

You will gain experience of working both independently and within groups to realise your outcomes, responding to open and concept-based questions, talking about your work in the context of contemporary art practices. The course will assist you in developing practical, critical, and conceptual skills necessary to encourage your own development as an artist.

Alongside developing work, the course will also encourage you to consider how works are displayed, curated, and interpreted, which will support your own final exhibition of work you produce and show as you complete your course.

  • Week 1 Research – investigation, learning skills and techniques
  • Week 2 Development - applying skills and techniques
  • Week 3 Communication - refining outcomes, discussing work, and presentation

Credits

  • This course is the equivalent to 4 US style credits.
  • If you’re planning to claim credit towards your degree, be sure to check with your home institution before you apply.

Tutor information

Fritha Jenkins is an interdisciplinary artist and a lecturer at Central Saint Martins. They have a Masters in Fine Art from Ruskin School of Art, Oxford University, a BA in Fine Art from Goldsmiths University and were a long-standing member of AltMFA, an artist led alternative art school. They’ve performed and exhibited widely including at ArtHouses Whitley Bay, Toynbee studios, Frans Hals Museum, Blenheim Walk Gallery, Chisenhale Dance Space, Modern Art Oxford and Supernormal festival.

Why choose Contemporary Fine Arts?

During this intensive three-week course you will:

  • experience a taster the practices that make up Contemporary Fine Art Practice and the philosophy of Central Saint Martins.
  • learn from tutors who are practicing artists, designers and communicators; benefit from access to specialist facilities at one of UAL’s six Colleges.
  • meet like-minded individuals from around the world!
  • get involved in UAL life through social events and activities.
  • All courses are assessed and you'll receive a record of study at the end of the programme if you wish to request credit from your home institution.

Materials

In previous years, students have found the following materials and equipment to be useful to bring with them:

  • Digital camera (or camera phone)
  • USB memory stick
  • Laptop/tablet
  • Sketchbook and pens/pencils
  • You will also be expected to bring photographs of your recent work to your first class.

A selection of art materials are provided on the course; additional art materials can also be purchased at a discounted price from the college shop.

The course does not have a bias towards a particular media or discipline, and encourages you to be concept-led, which means you could make anything, with anything. If you tend to work with specific materials or equipment, please bring these with you, where practical.

Summer Study Abroad Award

We offer a Summer Study Abroad Award for all of our 3 week Summer Study Abroad courses.

To be eligible, you must be 18 years or older, hold an offer to join one of our 3 week Summer Study Abroad courses, and be enrolled on an undergraduate degree programme outside the UK.

  • The award covers the tuition-fee only and depends on you successfully enrolling for the course. Our cancellation policy still applies.
  • Award winners will be asked to take part in promotional activities to promote Summer Study Abroad, including social media posts and takeovers, and blog writing.

Find out how to apply.

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Contemporary Fine Art Practice

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