Exceptional Fine Arts Program for High Schoolers at University College London
Banner Fine Art Uc London
University College London Campus, UK

Exceptional Summer Pre-College Fine & Digital Arts Program for High Schoolers at University College London Campus

age icon 15-18 years old

time icon 2 weeks

book icon Weekly hours: 20

See Dates

Session Dates

Choose your preferred session from the options below and submit your details in order to complete your booking.

June - Day

Start 6/28/2026
End 7/11/2026
Duration 2 Weeks
Price £5,995

June - Boarding

Start 6/28/2026
End 7/11/2026
Duration 2 Weeks
Price £7,495

July - Day

Start 7/12/2026
End 7/25/2026
Duration 2 Weeks
Price £5,995

July - Boarding

Start 7/12/2026
End 7/25/2026
Duration 2 Weeks
Price £7,495

July - Day

Start 7/26/2026
End 8/8/2026
Duration 2 Weeks
Price £5,995

July - Boarding

Start 7/26/2026
End 8/8/2026
Duration 2 Weeks
Price £7,495

Course Description: Exceptional Summer Pre-College Fine & Digital Arts Program for High Schoolers at University College London Campus

🎨 Fine Art Summer Programme | University College London | Ages 15–18

Unlock Your Creativity in the Heart of London ✨

This career-focused Fine Art programme at University College London offers teens the chance to explore art history, practice modern techniques, and develop their creative portfolios in one of the world’s most inspiring cultural capitals.

Through hands-on workshops, real-world projects, and exclusive industry visits, students will gain the knowledge, confidence, and skills to step into the art world—whether as a creator, curator, or innovator.

***

📚 What You’ll Learn

Example Modules

  • Art & Ideas 🖼️

    Explore art movements from Classical Culture to Post-Colonialism, and study thinkers like Plato, Freud, Darwin, and Marx to understand how history has shaped art.

  • Modernist & Post-Modernist Art 🌀

    Trace contemporary works back to modernist experimentation. Discover the most influential artists of the era and their impact on today’s art scene.

  • Visual Analysis 🔎

    Learn the tools of interpretation, from semiotics and iconography to Marxism and non-European aesthetics.

  • Contemporary Issues 🌍

    Debate current challenges in the fine art world, developing your voice and ability to articulate creative ideas clearly.

  • Photography 📸

    Refine your vision by studying light, colour, and texture, experimenting with photography techniques, and analysing professional works.

  • Sculpting 🗿

    Learn realist sculpting techniques including the Sinclair Method, from creating a figure armature to sculpting lifelike forms.

  • Drawing & Painting 🎨

    Express creativity across landscapes, figures, and animals, experimenting with new mediums while sharpening your artistic style.

  • Installation Art 🏛️

    Explore immersive installations in London’s galleries and develop your own large-scale artistic concepts.

***

🌟 Unique Industry Insights

  • 🎭 Workshops at the Saatchi Gallery

  • 🖼️ Tour & hands-on session at the Whitechapel Gallery

  • 🤝 Network with professionals in the fine art and design industries

***

🖌️ Develop Your Creative Portfolio

  • Build a portfolio of your work—ideal for university applications

  • Receive two 1:1 portfolio coaching sessions with expert tutors

  • Get personalised feedback to showcase your creative strengths

***

🎯 Key Facts

  • Average class size: 7 students

  • Maximum class size: 12 students

  • ✅ 1:1 Career Coaching

  • ✅ Detailed Career Development Plan

  • ✅ Professional development workshops

***

🌍 Activities & Excursions

Enjoy an exciting cultural and social programme alongside your academic study:

  • 🏛️ Visit London’s most iconic landmarks

  • 🌙 Explore a world-famous museum after dark

  • 🎭 Watch an award-winning West End theatre show

  • 🛹 Try new skills at an indoor skate park

  • 🏟️ Experience regeneration at the Olympic Park

  • 🎉 Graduation party & prizes

Evenings include quiz nights, talent shows, and dinners out at top London restaurants like Hard Rock Café.

***

🏡 Accommodation – Live in Central London

Stay at Astor College, UCL’s student residence in Fitzrovia:

  • Modern, comfortable single bedrooms (standard & en-suite)

  • Communal lounges, outdoor courtyard, and study spaces

  • 🍽️ Breakfast & dinner included daily (dietary needs catered for)

  • Used year-round by University of London students

  • Common rooms with pool tables & quiet areas for study

***

✈️ Travel & Transfers

  • Arrival: Sunday (2–4 pm check-in)

  • Heathrow Airport Transfers:

  • Pickups at 11:00, 14:00, 17:00 on arrival day

  • Return transfers at 07:00 & 12:00 on the final Saturday

  • Pastoral team meets students at Heathrow & escorts them to campus

  • £100 each way (bookable after enrolment)

  • Alternative arrivals: Taxi option available with Addison Lee 🚖

💡 Pocket Money: We recommend £80/week for lunches & souvenirs.

***

🎓 What’s Included

  • 🏡 13 nights in central London accommodation

  • 🍴 Breakfast & dinner daily

  • 📚 30 hours of academic sessions from subject experts

  • 🎨 Real-world project workshops

  • 🎯 1:1 Career Coaching + Career Development Plan

  • 🖌️ Portfolio development sessions

  • 🏛️ Industry visits (Saatchi, Whitechapel & more)

  • ✨ Cultural excursions & activities

  • 🍽️ Formal dinner at a top London restaurant

  • 🎉 Graduation ceremony & certificate

  • 📸 Mentor family photograph

  • ✅ Comprehensive summer school insurance

***

🔥 This Fine Art Summer Programme is the perfect launchpad for teens passionate about creativity, history, and the future of art.

Activities

  • Ice-Breaker Games
  • Quiz Night
  • Game Show
  • Tennis/Football
  • Talent Show
  • Lates Dinner at Hard Rock Cafe
  • Graduation Party & Prizes

Accommodations

  • Students will reside at Astor College, UCL’s student accommodation in Fitzrovia, central London.

  • Astor College features modern communal lounges, an outdoor courtyard, and open plan dining areas.

  • Provides a comfortable base for attending workshops, industry visits, and social activities.

  • Accommodation includes single bedrooms, both standard and en-suite.

  • Access to common rooms and social spaces with pool tables and quiet study areas, perfect for downtime.

  • Breakfast and dinner provided by experienced catering teams in the accommodation.

  • Catering staff familiar with various dietary requirements.

  • Students with food allergies should speak to staff at mealtimes for allergen information.

  • Dietary information is shared with catering teams prior to student arrival.

  • During term time, the accommodation is used by University of London undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Excursions

  • Visit iconic London landmarks
  • Explore a world-famous museum after dark
  • Learn new skills at an indoor skate park
  • Catch award-winning theatre on the West End
  • Experience exceptional urban regeneration at the Olympic Park

Transportation

  • Arrival Time: Participants should arrive between 2 pm and 4 pm on the first Sunday of the program, with registration and accommodation showings upon arrival.

  • London Heathrow Airport Transfers: Shared airport transfer service available from Heathrow Terminal 3 directly to Cambridge/Oxford colleges. Pastoral team to meet participants at any Heathrow terminal and escort to Terminal 3.

  • Transfer departures at 11:00, 14:00, and 17:00 on arrival Sunday; return transfers to London Heathrow Airport depart at 07:00 and 12:00 on the final Saturday.

  • Transfer Fee: Available for booking post-enrollment at £100 each way.

  • Detailed information is provided closer to the program date, including contact numbers.

  • Alternative Arrivals: For those arriving at different airports or by other means, details are in the Welcome Pack sent after enrolment confirmation.

  • Optional taxi service available with Addison Lee (Travel to and from the program is not included in the participation fee.)

Lesson Plan

  • 40 hours of academic sessions from subject experts
  • Visits to leading industries
  • Real-world project workshops
  • 1:1 Career Coaching
  • Average class size of 7, maximum class size of 10 students
  • Detailed Career Development Plan from your personal coach

Develop Your Creative Portfolio

  • Create a portfolio showcasing creative work from your chosen subject.
  • Portfolios highlight skills and accomplishments, crucial for university applications.
  • Benefit from two 1:1 sessions with an expert tutor for portfolio development.
  • Receive personalized advice and feedback to enhance your portfolio.

Unique Industry Insights

  • Undertake a self-led tour and participatory workshop at the Whitechapel Gallery.
  • Explore art workshops at the Saatchi Gallery, known for showcasing emerging artists.

Sample Modules

Module 1: Art and Ideas

  • Explore major art movements and scholarly personalities influencing art history.
  • Develop critical understanding of art evolution including Classical Culture, Enlightenment, Romanticism, Post-Colonialism.

Module 2: Modernist and Post-Modernist Art

  • Examine the histories of contemporary art from Modernism to Post-Modernism.
  • Study influential modernist and postmodern artists and their impacts on art.

Module 3: Visual Analysis

  • Learn methods of visual analysis and interpretation in art.
  • Delve into semiotics, iconography, gender, Marxism, and non-European aesthetics.

Module 4: Contemporary Issues

  • Engage in debates within visual arts, exploring current fine art issues.
  • Develop skills to articulate ideas effectively on contemporary art topics.

Module 5: Photography

  • Enhance creative vision through understanding elements like light, color, and texture.
  • Practice photography techniques and analyze professional works.

Module 6: Sculpting

  • Learn hands-on sculpting techniques, including the Sinclair Method.
  • Create figure armatures and explore professional realist sculpture skills.

Module 7: Drawing and Painting

  • Refine artistic skills in drawing and painting through practical exercises.
  • Experiment with various materials and mediums including landscapes, figures, and animals.

Module 8: Installation Art

  • Study immersive installation artworks and their spatial engagement.
  • Gain understanding of installations and develop personal installation art ideas.

Sample timetable Career insights 2024

Sample Tutors

Konrad H:

  • MArch I from Harvard GSD (2020), BSci in Architecture from UCL (2014) with First Class Honours.

  • Attended Harvard on a Merit Scholarship and as a Fulbright Flagship Scholar.

  • Worked at Snohetta Oslo, Kengo Kuma Tokyo, and KPF NYC.

  • Combined a broad work experience with a multi-disciplinary approach to architecture (having for example worked as an archeologist in Greece) which allowed him for teaching architecture as both a professional and theoretical subject that can allow for a broad range of interests.

Guest Speakers from Previous Summers:

  • Abi Oyepitan - Former Olympian: A two-time Olympian and Commonwealth Gold and Silver winning track and field athlete.

  • Dr Lynda Shaw - Neuroscientist & entrepreneur: A journey in personal development - how to create your own set of tools to fast track success

  • Dr Nigel Warburton - Philosopher, author & journalist: How do great people find answers to deep and meaningful questions?​​

Extras

  • Transfer Fee: £100 each way.

  • Pocket Money Advice: Money we recommend that participants bring £80 per week to cover lunch each day, plus any souvenirs that they may wish to purchase. Various banks and ATMs are available throughout Cambridge, and Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted.

Security

  • This program is accredited by British Accreditation Council (BAC)

  • Meets global standards for academic provision and student welfare

  • Top priority for participant safety

  • Staff undergo enhanced background checks and safeguarding training

  • Participants assigned to a “Mentor Family” of 10 students

  • Mentors offer support, advice, and share their experiences

  • School management and supervision is managed by senior, experienced College Managers in Cambridge, Oxford, London, and Sydney

  • College Managers trained to Level 3 Safeguarding standards

  • Resident summer team and college personnel supervise sites 24/7

  • Encourage student independence within safe boundaries

  • Team supervision ensures safe and rewarding experience

Video

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