Summer Schools
Join the RCA's summer schools. Experience the world's top university for art and design with our hands-on, creative courses for individuals and professionals from June to August.
Typography
Format: Online
Dates: 2—26 June 2026
Status: Bookings close 25 May 2026
“Typography is part science and part art” - Adrian Shaughnessy, Short Course Leader. This course provides you with the foundational principles of typography (the science) and the creative freedom to develop your own unique typographic expression (the art). Learn to make words not only legible but also visually compelling. If you are a visual designer, an illustrator, a communication designer or anyone looking to deepen your understanding of how type influences design then this course is for you.
Introduction to Animation: Contexts and Process
Format: Online
Dates: 1 — 18 June 2026
Status: Bookings close 25 May 2026
This inspiring course in animation practice and critical exploration will introduce students to hands-on animation experience alongside conceptual insights, fostering pathways to creativity and technical processes. Led by the RCA Animation MA programme, celebrating 40 years of boundary-pushing animation.
The Graphic Novel: Visual Storytelling
Format: Online
Dates: 6 — 30 July 2026
Status: Bookings close 26 June 2026
This course is an opportunity to explore your voice through sequential art. We will guide you through the critical elements of illustration, composition, tone, and pacing to help you craft a visual narrative that captivates your reader from the very first panel. Designed for illustrators, writers, and artists who want to create their own graphic novels, comics, or are looking to develop their illustration skills.
Curating Contemporary Art and Design
Format: Online
Dates: 6—17 July 2026
Status: Applications close June 2026
In this highly interactive live online course, you will develop your curatorial practice, build a professional network, and collaborate with peers. You'll engage with professionals at the forefront of their fields, exploring the latest developments in critical and curatorial practice. You'll leave with the confidence and a clear point of view needed to navigate the contemporary art and design world. If you are an artist, writer, curator, or professional in the wider art industries, this course is for you.
Architecture Summer School
Format: On Campus, London
Dates: 13 — 17 July 2026
Status: Applications close June 2026
Engage in an intense and immersive exploration of architecture, art, and design. This on-campus summer school will develop your core skills through observation, design studio experience, and expert-led lectures and visits. It's a hands-on experience designed to accelerate your understanding of the built world. Whether you are a student who is considering an architecture degree, an aspiring architect or a professional seeking an immersive design studio experience, this course offers you the chance to connect globally and to experience the RCA in person.
Contemporary Art Summer School
Format: Online
Dates: 13 — 31 July 2026
Status: Applications close June 2026
This three-week, live online, practice-led course provides a supportive environment for your self-led independent practice. Taught by RCA staff and supported by a broad range of prominent artists, academics, critics, and curators, you will develop your practice and gain insight into the study of contemporary art within the academic environment of the Royal College of Art. This summer school is for artists, recent graduates, and creative practitioners seeking to invigorate their practice or prepare for a new artistic direction.
Contact us
Get in touch with us if you'd like to find out more about this or any of our other short courses.
[email protected]