International Summer School

Course Aims 

If you have already embarked on a creative direction this course will enable you to pursue your own ideas and interests further.  You’ll learn about UCA's content requirements for portfolios and how to build your own portfolio as you move forward in your creative career.  

You’ll experience a broad range of art, design, and media activities, enabling you to develop an insight into where your creative skills lie and what you enjoy.  It is a perfect preparatory course if you're considering further creative art and design study.   

Course Overview   

The structure of this course will develop your visual language in both 2D and 3D and your ability to turn what you see and think into images, objects or other visual statements.   

The nature of the course will vary slightly for each individual depending on the way in which you explore your own individual creativity and therefore is structured appropriately across two weeks to suit your developing portfolio of work.   

Through drawing, you will explore figures, artifacts, and locations and learn how drawing can be used to tell stories and explain ideas.  You’ll be guided in keeping a sketchbook during the course, recording what you see, where you go, and what you think.  There will be workshops in simple printmaking and photo-media techniques to develop your practical and creative skills.

At the end of the course you will: 

• be able to explore your potential within a wide range of art and design disciplines, and a range of different artistic processes 
• be able to confidently experiment, research and document your creative progress 
• have increased confidence in discussing and presenting your research and practice in a visual format 
• possess the foundations to continue creating beyond this course 
• have developed a unique project in your portfolio for future application.

*Pathway details may be subject to some changes as planning is finalised. 

Course Aims 

During this course you will explore the creative and technical principles of film production for various platforms and social media outlets.  From storyboarding and script writing, to lighting, camerawork and post production, it will provide a comprehensive overview of the key skills needed to pursue a variety of moving image media career paths.  

You will be using industry standard technology and taught by our experienced academics and technical tutors.   

Week One 

You will be introduced to the ideas, processes and skills needed to develop an idea from pre-production and experience a film shoot.  You will learn the essential principles of lighting, sound and framing, as well as operating the film and sound equipment yourself, to develop your confidence in film production.   

Week Two 

Working in a small group, you will be challenged to produce a short film with a research portfolio of visual material and the recording of the creative process informing this production. 

At the end of the course you will: 

• be able to demonstrate a wide range of multimedia techniques utilising appropriate industry standard equipment 
• have produced a short film 
• have developed a unique project in your portfolio for future applications. 

*Pathway details may be subject to some changes as planning is finalised.

Course Aims 

Aimed at students who are just starting out in their graphic design or illustration career, or anyone with a developed interest in these areas, our Graphic Design and Illustration pathway gives you the opportunity to establish your own personal style and learn how to reflect it within your work.   

This course will introduce you to graphic design and illustration fundamentals including; colour and composition, image and typography, printing and binding.   

You will explore a range of approaches to making – from hands-on analogue processes like screen printing and letterpress, to digital processes using Adobe Photoshop and InDesign for digital print.  You will also be based in our graphic design studios, using traditional processes and the latest technology, taught by our experienced academics. 

Week One 

You will be introduced to considerations fundamental to graphic design.  This will include an introduction to colour and composition through both analogue and digital processes.  You will conclude the week developing your ideas for the content of a publication through digital processes such as Photoshop and InDesign.   

Week Two 

You will be introduced to typography and image production through screen-based and analogue processes (including letterpress and screen print).  You will use some of the work you produced in week one adding and overlaying type.  You will manipulate your images in Photoshop and produce layouts in InDesign, then you will output your designs using a Risograph.  You will complete the week learning book binding skills appropriate to resolution of your publication.   

At the end of the course you will: 

• have developed your typography and image production skills 
• have developed your letterpress, screenprint, Photoshop and InDesign skills 
• have developed a unique project in your portfolio for future applications.

*Pathway details may be subject to some changes as planning is finalised.

Course Aims 

Whether you already have some prior knowledge or are looking to learn the basics, during this programme, you will be able to work to create a truly unique design of your own.  You will create content that is individual and personal.  Visual research, experimentation, idea development and high-quality presentation skills will underpin everything you do.  This will result in a portfolio for application to study progression, employment or self-development.   

Fashion & Textiles is suitable for those with a keen interest in fashion design and textiles or related fashion subjects with the goal of applying to an undergraduate or post graduate fashion related course.  The course can also benefit students who have previously studied or worked in fashion who are looking to update their portfolio and invest in their personal development.   

Over the course of the two weeks, you will design and produce a length of printed fabric from which you will then make an original garment of your own design, as well as developing your fashion folio.   

Week One 

You will be introduced to a range of creative processes and techniques to help you develop ideas based on a given theme.  Combining experimental drawing, mark making, colour and surface quality and cyanotype, you will explore ideas for one-off printed textile designs.   

There will be a demonstration of digital and hand dye sublimation technology after which you will be able to try a combination of collage, free hand painting, drawing and resit techniques using disperse dyes ready for the dye sublimation printing directly onto fabric.  

Week Two 

Using your length of fabric, you will create a three-dimensional garment, using a given creative cutting technique.  Your tutors will work with you to give you an understanding of how fabric, colour and form work together, and will teach you basic machine skills to enable you to interpret your ideas.   

Once your garment is complete, you will consider its final ‘look’ and capture this in a studio photoshoot.  The culmination of the course will be an exhibition of your garment with supporting work.   

At the end of the course you will: 

• be able to explore key concepts in fashion design and textile  
• have developed your skills in fashion illustration including drawing the fashion figure 
• have created, photographed and styled your own fashion garment 
• have developed a unique project in your portfolio for future applications   
• have the use of reflection and self-evaluation as learning tools. 

*Pathway details may be subject to some changes as planning is finalised.

Course Aims 

You will explore some fundamental principles of interior architecture and design.  Over the course of the two weeks, this will enable you to design and construct some simple structures.  Consideration of the relationship to the human body, material and physical presence will feature.  When you have completed your structures, you will photograph them in preparation for the final exhibition.   

Week One 

You will be introduced to a range of creative processes and techniques to help you develop your design thinking.  Combining drawing, photography and basic 3D assembly, you will explore scaled ideas for a simple structure in response to a particular design challenge.  

Towards the end of the week you will move up in scale to start testing the detail of component parts of your design, including its purpose, stability, material, connection junctions, texture, colour, pattern, communication and expression.   

You will continue to develop basic skills to support your project process, notably basic hand built assembly.  At the end of week one you will have created a range of interior architecture and design test explorations to help define your project direction.  

Week Two   

You will focus on completing a finished structure at full scale, drawing upon, editing and developing the component studies from week one.  The finished structure might take the form of an interior element eg. furniture, product design, interior architectural feature or be a small architectural structure in its own right.    

Once your structure is complete, you will consider its key qualities and capture this in a photoshoot. The culmination of the course will be an exhibition of your interior architecture and design project with a portfolio documentation of supporting work.   

At the end of the course you will: 

• understand and be able to put into practice the principles of interior and architectural design 
• have developed a 3D model 
• have taken part in practical workshops and themed projects 
• have developed a unique project in your portfolio for future applications.

*Pathway details may be subject to some changes as planning is finalised.

Course Aims 

This course will enable you to further develop your creative management skills and business acumen, supporting your professional development in your preferred creative industry.  It will help you understand the link between creativity, business and design.  

Over the two weeks through a series of lectures, workshops and a creative industry project you will develop the core skills of creative business and critical thinking and apply these to your own experience and creative business proposal and pitch. 

Week One 

You will explore the creative industries as a whole sector. Throughout you will be considering the documentation of macro and micro influences within business and how context, analysis, innovation and culture can impact these.   

You will be introduced to the concepts, theories and models utilised in marketing and communications.  You will learn to understand the importance of the consumer relationship, which is the focus of marketing and business strategies, as well as creative researching and thinking techniques which will support these strategies.  

Week Two 

You’ll explore major trends and changes that impact the study of how consumers behave with a focus on the creative industries and the purchasing of creative goods and services such as fashion, music, cosmetics, beauty, films, media, toys, furniture, and interiors.  

To encourage your experimentation, creativity and enterprise, you will take part in creative workshops using extensive facilities, which are available to all students and supported by our skilled technicians. 

At the end of the course, you will be given guidance in presenting a SWOT analysis based on consumer relationships. 

At the end of the course you will: 

• possess improved marketing and business strategies skills 
• have developed confidence in creative business and critical thinking 
• be able to deliver a business presentation. 

*Pathway details may be subject to some changes as planning is finalised.

Course Aims 

For anyone who wants to improve their English before starting a creative arts degree in the UK, this two-week course will provide you with key vocabulary and skills to begin your degree course with confidence.  The course will help you broaden your range of art & design-related vocabulary and equip you with the language and skills you need to critically analyse a work of art and present your work to an audience.    

Week One 

You will learn the descriptive vocabulary used to talk about a piece of art, such as a photograph, film or painting.  You will learn a wide range of descriptive language so that you can talk in detail about the various components of an artwork, such as colour, shape, texture and pattern. 

Week Two 

You will be given the opportunity to put your language into practice both in the classroom and on the weekly study trips.   

You will learn how to apply language to critically analyse a piece of art and how to compare and contrast works of art, such as fashion collections, photographs or films.   

Finally, you will further develop your skills by learning how to give a presentation in English, employing the language that you have learned during the course to give a presentation to your group.    

At the end of the course, you will take home your copy of the course handbook with all the language you have studied, and a video of your end-of-course presentation.     

At the end of the course you will: 

• have increased your English vocabulary and descriptive language in art and design 
• have improved your English language skills in the context of art, design, fashion and communication 
• have learned vital academic skills, including critical thinking, writing reports, essays, presentations and research. 

*Pathway details may be subject to some changes as planning is finalised.

As well as the wealth of knowledge that you will gain through your academic programme, UCA knows that it is of interest to be able to experience and enjoy some of the main features of living in the South of England.  Therefore, students will explore and experience the UK’s diverse cultural heritage during three day trips to some of England’s most historic and culturally important cities where you will have the opportunity to visit museums, royal palaces, cultural venues and landmarks.

LONDON:

The dynamic capital of England and the largest city in the United Kingdom.  There is so much to see and do, from visiting museums and art galleries, touring our historical, world-famous sights such as the Tower of London, London Bridge, Westminster Abbey or Buckingham Palace or taking in a West End Show to endless shopping along Oxford Street, Camden Market or Piccadilly Circus and a wide variety of restaurants.  You will be spoilt for choice!  You may even want to pop back at the weekends. 

We will arrange small group activities for you to choose from to ensure you get to see and experience London as you want to, we will also include free time for you to spend as you wish before departure. 

For students aged 18 years and over, if you wish, when the group returns from London, you can stay on and make your own way back to Farnham by train – if you decide to do this, you will need to purchase your own train ticket, but the Summer School team can help you to plan your trip back in advance if required. 

BRIGHTON:

A vibrant and creative coastal city bringing together the traditional English seaside with a modern quirky twist!  Famous across England for its fun and diverse shopping, you will find something here that suits your style!  You will be able to eat traditional English fish and chips on the pebble beach, an ice-cream on the pier and have plenty of free time to enjoy exploring ‘The Lanes’ where you can find many art, craft and antique shops, you can also find unique clothing and jewellery shops for some alternative souvenirs to take home - we’re sure you will find something you love! 

OXFORD:

Famous for its world-renowned University, Oxford is also a beautiful city which is easily identifiable by its Gothic and Baroque style of architecture and offers a more stereotypical view of English culture.   

Our trip to Oxford will comprise of a walking tour of the city before moving on to Bicester Village, a well-known shopping outlet village where you will be able to shop your favourite designer brands at a reduced cost!  

*Whilst we do not intend to, trip locations can be subject to change.  You will be notified prior to the start of the programme if any changes are required 

We are pleased to welcome all students to our International Summer School.  You will need to have at least a basic knowledge of your chosen academic programme.

All courses and activities will be delivered in English, therefore to ensure you are able to get the most out of your academic experience and your time in the UK, we ask that you have a basic proficiency of listening and speaking in English.

UCA will support you in many aspects whilst you are in the UK.  We are offering:

• a free airport pick up and drop off service to and from Heathrow airport at the start and end of your programme.
• free wifi available on campus and in your accommodation.
• providing information about local events/ activities to help you plan and enjoy your free time.
• information on local international food shops if required.
• an emergency phone service to a member of the Summer School team upon arrival in the UK.
• out of hours security service for your accommodation.

Included in your fee is a meet and greet service from the airport where you will be met by a member of UCA’s Summer School team and directed to a pre-arranged coach to be taken to your accommodation on campus. 

On the day you are required to move out of your accommodation, a coach will collect you from campus and drop you back at Heathrow Airport. 

Further details about this service will be shared later in the year.  

If you decide to travel outside of the dates and times that we are offering the service, you will be required to make and pay for your own arrangements.  The Summer School team can assist you with planning this. 

Visas

Before leaving home, it is your responsibility to research and implement your own visa requirements, make sure you are fully aware of the process involved and have the visa in place ready for your departure date.

Flights and Travel

The cost of the International Summer School does not include flights. You are responsible for booking your own flights to and from the UK as well as airport transfer to and from your accommodation. Information on local taxi providers can provided upon request.

Deadlines

As an attendee of UCA's International Summer School, there will be a couple of forms that you are required to complete prior to your arrival in the UK.  These will be sent to you as needed.  Please ensure that you complete and return these to us by the given deadline so that no delays are caused to you in the process. 

If you have any questions, please contact us on summerschool@ucreative.ac.uk 

Packing

Whilst we always hope for a lovely hot summer in the UK, temperatures can vary from day-to-day usually with a high of 21 degrees Celsius (70 degrees Fahrenheit).  We would suggest that you bring clothing with you that you can layer up so that you can adjust according to the temperature throughout the day.   

Keeping in mind that on your study trips you will be doing a lot off walking, you will want to make sure that you are comfortable at all times.  Most pubs, bars and other evening venues in the UK have a casual dress code so if you wish you go into the town in the evening, you will only need to wear dress wear if you choose to, this is not a requirement in most establishments.  Below is a list of items that we would suggest you bring with you:  

• comfortable shoes for study trips  
• casual comfortable clothing that you can layer  
• thick jumper/lightweight jacket/coat for evenings and cooler days 
• a waterproof coat/umbrella (just in case!) 
• sunglasses/sunhat for long periods in the sun 
• bag that will be comfortable to carry around with you on study trips.  We would recommend a backpack with padded straps 
• re-usable water bottle.  There are plenty of places around campus where you can refill 
• UK travel adaptor plug.  The UK uses three pronged plugs with 230 volts. 
• personal toiletries and towels for shower.  Hand towel will be provided. 
• hairdryer 
• some cash.  Everywhere in the UK accepts card payments so you will only need to bring a small amount of cash with you if you inform your bank that you will be travelling overseas.  You may wish to have a small amount of cash on you for study trips as some smaller independent boutique shops may prefer cash payments, but this will be rare. 
• personal electronics and chargers.  We can provide you with a sim card for use with your phone while you are in the UK.  

If you forget anything, please note that all essential items are readily available in the UK and the area in which you are staying has plenty of shops where you will be able to purchase these items.  

While you are attending our International Summer School, we are keen for you to see what it’s like to be a full-time student at UCA, therefore as well as the study trips, we have also arranged a schedule of optional evening activities for you to attend.  The activities will be held in the Student Union event space on campus and in the town.  Activities will include pub quizzes, karaoke, bingo, games and movie nights. 

We want you to be able to truly experience what it is to be a student at UCA and it’s a great opportunity to be able to spend time with your fellow students away from the classroom.  

Further details of our full evening activities schedule will be shown here shortly.  

You will be staying in our new, state of the art accommodation based on our Farnham campus with easy access to the town centre. This self catered accommodation, consists of a single occupancy bedroom, each with its own private en-suite facilities including sink, toilet and shower and hand towel.  Bedrooms will also have a bed (with bedding including light-weight duvet and cover, pillow and cover and fitted sheet), wardrobe, desk and chair.  The accommodation also has a shared living and kitchen area where you can mix and relax with your fellow flat mates. 

The shared kitchen area will be stocked with cutlery, crockery and some essential cooking utensils in case you wish to self-cater during your stay. 

The cost of the accommodation is included in your fee and the additional bedding set and kitchen essentials will be supplied at no extra cost.