The following compilation presents a selection of distinguished summer schools in the fields of arts, design, and architecture for 2026. These programs are offered by reputable organizations known for their commitment to fostering creative talent and providing a rigorous educational experience. Each institution brings a unique focus and methodology, catering to aspiring artists and designers seeking to enhance their skills and knowledge in a collaborative environment.
A broad selection of programmes is available, varying in depth, workload and course design across providers.
Arts, design, and architecture summer schools emphasize a multidisciplinary approach that blends theory with practical application. Students engage with a diverse curriculum that often includes critical analysis, historical context, and contemporary practices. Unlike typical school settings, these programmes encourage creativity and individual expression while maintaining rigorous academic standards. Faculty members, often comprised of industry professionals and experienced educators, facilitate discussions that challenge students to think critically and innovate. The academic value lies in the integration of conceptual understanding with skill development, fostering a holistic learning environment.
The structure of summer school programmes varies in intensity, ranging from immersive full-day workshops to more relaxed half-day sessions. This flexibility allows students to manage their time effectively while balancing project work with independent research. Classrooms typically foster a collaborative atmosphere, encouraging peer-to-peer feedback and mentorship from instructors. Students are often tasked with hands-on projects that require creative problem-solving and critical thinking, resulting in a dynamic educational experience. Overall, the blend of structured learning and personal exploration creates an enriching environment for aspiring artists and designers.
These summer schools cater to a wide range of participants, attracting individuals from various backgrounds and levels of expertise. Whether a novice eager to explore their creative potential or an experienced artist seeking to refine their skills, the environment is designed to support diverse aspirations. Participants can expect to engage deeply with the subject matter, regardless of their prior experience, as the focus is on personal growth and artistic development.
The uniqueness of these summer schools lies in their ability to combine academic rigor with a vibrant creative community. While some programmes may prioritize technical skill development, others may focus on conceptual exploration or interdisciplinary collaboration. This diversity provides students with the opportunity to choose a programme that aligns with their personal interests and career aspirations. Furthermore, the emphasis on project-based learning ensures that students can produce tangible work, often culminating in a showcase, which sets these programmes apart from more traditional educational settings.
Observed fees for current intakes start from £0, with total cost shaped by duration, accommodation and subject intensity.
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Last updated: 27/01/2026
| Course | Provider | Subject | Location | Duration | Fees | Short Description | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Film Studies in London for Ages 15-18 | Immerse Education | Media, Arts | London | 2+ weeks | 7495 | Explore cinematic arts in London, a city that has inspired and produced countless film masterpieces. | View |
| Creative Writing: Writing Paris (Oxbridge in Paris) | Oxbridge Academic Programs | Creative Writing, Arts, Literature | Paris | 4 weeks | $9,995 | In this course, students explore Paris as a city full of stories – drawing inspiration from the city in order to broaden their writing skills. Instructed by professional authors, students will polish their writing skills as they produce new works inspired by visits to Hemingway's favorite cafe, Beckett's tomb, and the Luxembourg Gardens. | View |
| Creative Industries in San Francisco for Ages 15-18 | Immerse Education | Arts, Business, Creative Writing, Design, Media, Entrepreneurship | San Francisco | 2+ weeks | 7495 | Discover how art, design, and innovation intersect in San Francisco’s thriving creative scene. | View |
| Architecture & Design (Cambridge) | Oxford Royale | Architecture, Arts, Art, Design | Cambridge | 2 Weeks | 6995 | Experience the Architecture & Design Summer School at Oxford Royale Cambridge, where students explore the University of Cambridge’s iconic buildings, art, and museums. Learn core architectural principles, practice technical drawing and model construction, and build a professional portfolio. | View |
| Film Academy for ages 12-15 (Oxford) | Oxford Royale | Media, Arts, Creative Writing | Oxford | 2 weeks | 6995 | Create, edit, and screen your own short film at the Oxford Summer School Film Academy for ages 12-15. Using professional equipment and Final Cut Pro, you’ll learn screenwriting, storyboarding, filming, and editing on location in Oxford. | View |
| Creative Writing (16-17 years old) | Oxford Summer Courses | Creative Writing, Arts, Humanities | Oxford | 2 Weeks | 6995 | The Creative Writing summer school at Oxford Summer Courses, designed for 16-17 years old students, provides tutorials and is priced from £6,995. | View |
| Film Academy for ages 16-18 (Oxford) | Oxford Royale | Arts, Media, Creative Writing | Oxford | 2 weeks | 6995 | Create, edit, and screen your own short film at the Oxford Summer School Film Academy for ages 16-18. Use professional HD cameras and editing tools like Final Cut Pro, and learn screenwriting, storyboarding, and location scouting in historic Oxford. | View |
| Photography MINOR ONLY (The Oxford Experience) | Oxbridge Academic Programs | Arts, Media, Creative Writing, Design | Oxford | 4 weeks | $12,495 | Photographers of all levels of expertise spend much of their time in the field, pursuing assignments designed to improve their landscape, portraiture, art, and fashion photography skills. Students exhibit their best work at the end of the program. | View |
| Fashion (Oxbridge in Paris) | Oxbridge Academic Programs | Fashion, Arts, Design | Paris | 4 weeks | $9,995 | Using the city's fashion resources, students are introduced to the history and modern processes of haute-couture. They become acquainted with the main facets of the business – from factory floor to boutique – visit some of the most famous houses as well as their artisanal suppliers, and learn the basics of clothes and accessory design. | View |
| Architecture in Oxford for Ages 13-15 | Immerse Education | Architecture, Arts, Design, Humanities | Oxford | 2+ weeks | 7495 | Begin your architectural journey in Oxford, where centuries of design inspire future innovators. | View |
| Liberal Arts | Reach Cambridge | Arts, Humanities, Sciences, Social Sciences, STEM | Cambridge | 2, 4 or 6 weeks | £6,295.00 – £18,495.00 | Dive into your academic passion through a diverse journey in Liberal Arts, exploring both familiar and new horizons | View |
| Art (Elective) | ISSOS | Art, Arts | St Andrews | 3 weeks | 7900 | The ISSOS Art programme will help students to see that there is art in everything around us by exploring different types of art forms. Let your imagination run free this summer and explore your creative talents. | View |
| Film & Animation in Tokyo for Ages 15-18 | Immerse Education | Arts, Art, Creative Writing, Design, Media | Tokyo | 2+ weeks | 7495 | Unleash your creativity in Tokyo, the vibrant heart of anime and a global powerhouse in film production. Click to learn more. | View |
| Art and Digital Design in Oxford (15-17 years old) | St Clares | Art, Arts, Design | Oxford | 2 Weeks | 3575 | Improve your Art and Digital Design skills this summer | View |
| Architecture, Heritage, and Urban Planning | Lady Margaret Hall University of Oxford | Architecture, Arts, Humanities, History | Oxford | 3 Weeks | 4384 | How can we see cities and their buildings as a means of understanding history and society? In this course you will examine the everyday built environments of cities in Britain (and beyond). | View |
| Architecture (Oxbridge in Barcelona) | Oxbridge Academic Programs | Architecture, Arts, Design | Barcelona | 4 weeks | $9,995 | Barcelona is an architect's dream: from the city's ancient Gothic Quarter, to Gaudí's spectacular Modernismo. Students will discover two thousand years of urban development, from Roman ruins to FC Barcelona's majestic new stadium, while learning how to transform their own ideas into models. | View |
| Advertising and Media (Oxbridge in New York) | Oxbridge Academic Programs | Arts, Business, Marketing, Media | New York | 4 weeks | $11,495 | In the home of Mad Men and Times Square's billboards, SoHo and NoHo’s cool side, students discover the power of creativity, big ideas, and product placement. Scouting the city for case studies and creative examples, they explore how different types of traditional advertising, social media, viral marketing, pop-ups and experiential events are transforming the game. | View |
| Architecture in Cambridge for Ages 13-15 | Immerse Education | Architecture, Arts, Design, Humanities | Cambridge | 2+ weeks | 7495 | Discover the principles of architecture in Cambridge, a city where centuries-old buildings stand alongside cutting-edge design. | View |
| Fashion & Design in New York for Ages 15-18 | Immerse Education | Fashion, Design, Arts, Business | New York | 2+ weeks | 7495 | Create cutting-edge fashion in New York, a trendsetting capital of style and design innovation. | View |
| Art History (16-17 years old) | Oxford Summer Courses | Art, Arts, Humanities | Oxford | 2 Weeks | 6995 | The Art History summer school at Oxford Summer Courses, designed for 16-17 years old students, provides tutorials and is priced from £6,995. | View |
