Explore top summer programs in arts, design, and architecture.
The following compilation presents a selection of distinguished summer schools in the fields of arts, design, and architecture for 2027. 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.
Choosing a summer school
Compare age requirements, campus locations, dates, duration and published fees. Check the subjects available and whether accommodation, meals and activities are included. Providers may hire university or school facilities independently; confirm who runs the programme and what the fee covers before applying.
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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.
Compare current published courses by provider, campus, ages, dates and price.
| Course | Provider | Campuses | Ages | Dates | Price | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Academic Discovery (10–12) | Academy Royale International | Marlborough College | 10-12 | 11 Jul – 17 Jul 2027 | £2,295 per week | 1–4 weeks |
| Architecture (13-15 years old) | Atlas Summer Courses | Oxford University Colleges | 13-15 | 27 Jun – 10 Jul 2027 | £5,495 – £9,995 per session | 14 days |
| Architecture & Design in New York for Ages 15-18 | Immerse Education | Barnard College | 15-18 | 27 Jun – 10 Jul 2027 | £7,495 | 2+ weeks |
| Advertising | Oxbridge Academic Programs | Peterhouse College, Cambridge, Cambridge University Colleges | 13-15 | 10 Jul – 23 Jul 2027 | See course | See course |
| Faculty of Art & Design at Dukes Cambridge | Summer Boarding Courses | Sancton Wood School | 14-17 | 28 Jun – 26 Jul 2027 | From £4,995 residential / £3,995 non-residential (2 weeks) | 2 or 4 weeks |
| Art (Elective) | ISSOS | St Andrews University | 13-18 | 30 Jun – 21 Jul 2027 | £7,900.00 | 3 weeks |
| Law, Politics and International Relations for Ages 16-19 | Oxbridge Summer Scholars | Oxford University Colleges, Cambridge University Colleges | 16-19 | 6 Dec – 19 Dec 2026 | December: £6550 | July-August: £6950 | 2 weeks |
| Experience Creative Writing Academy | Oxford Scholastica Academy | Oxford University Colleges | 15-18 | 4 Jul – 17 Jul 2027 | £7,495 | 2 weeks |
| Architecture | Reach Cambridge | Cambridge University Colleges | 14-18 | 4 Jul – 31 Jul 2027 | £6,295.00 - £18,495.00 | 2, 4 or 6 weeks |
| Engineering, Design and Sustainability | Sapphire Education | University of Bath | 14-18 | 4 Jul – 17 Jul 2027 | £4,950 | 2 weeks (13 nights) |
| Art and Digital Design (15-17 years old) | St Clare’s Oxford | Oxford | 15-17 | 27 Jun – 11 Jul 2027 | Residential £3,980; non-residential £2,610 | 2 weeks |
| Business Entrepreneurship in a Changing World | Lady Margaret Hall University of Oxford | Oxford University Colleges | 19+ | 28 Jun – 16 Jul 2027 | £4,384.00 | 3 Weeks |
Compare published best arts, design & architecture summer schools 2027 by provider, campus, age range, dates and price. Fees are published summaries: check the currency, session length and accommodation inclusions on each programme page. Confirm exact age eligibility, availability and the teaching venue with the provider before booking.
| Programme | Provider | Campuses | Ages | Dates | From Price | Courses Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| World Leading Oxford & Cambridge Academic Summer Schools for Ages 12 to 18 Live and study in a historic Oxford or Cambridge college this summer. Academy Royale International’s two-week... | Academy Royale International | Oxford University Colleges, Cambridge University Colleges | 12-18 | 4 Jul – 14 Aug 2027 | £7,995 | 46 courses |
| Authentic Oxford & Cambridge Experience for Teens & Young Adults Authentic Oxford & Cambridge Experience by Atlas Summer Courses immerses high school students in diverse acade... | Atlas Summer Courses | Oxford University Colleges, St Hilda’s College | 13-24 | 27 Jun – 31 Jul 2027 | £5,495 – £9,995 | 53 courses |
| Academic Insights in Oxford & Cambridge University-style summer programmes in Cambridge and Oxford for ages 13–18, combining academic rigour, world-cl... | Immerse Education | Oxford University Colleges, University College London | 13-18 | 27 Jun – 14 Aug 2027 | £5,995 – £7,495 | 64 courses |
| The Oxford Tradition Summer School for Grades 10-12 Oxford residential study for grades 10-12, available as one two-week session or a combined four-week program a... | Oxbridge Academic Programs | Pembroke College, Oxford, Oxford University Colleges | 15-18 | 2 Jul – 30 Jul 2027 | $7,850 – $13,595 | 29 courses |
| Headington Oxford Summer School An academic and English summer school in Oxford for students aged 12 to 16, with six courses to choose from an... | Summer Boarding Courses | Headington School | 12-16 | 12 Jul – 9 Aug 2027 | £2,995 – £4,795 | 6 courses |
| Inspirational Cambridge Summer School for Ages 13-18 ISSOS at Cambridge is based in the extensive and beautiful grounds of The University of Cambridge, one of the... | ISSOS | Cambridge University Colleges | 13-18 | 5 Jul – 5 Aug 2027 | £7,900 | 9 courses |
| Transformational Academic Summer Programme in Oxford Exceptional learning experience in Oxford, blending immersive academics with practical, real-world challenges. | Oxford Scholastica Academy | Oxford University Colleges, St Thomas’ Oxford | 12-18 | 4 Jul – 14 Aug 2027 | £6,995 – £13,690 | 12 courses |
| Inspiring Academic Summer Courses in Cambridge Transformative summer courses for teens, combining academic studies, cultural excursions, and growth opportuni... | Reach Cambridge | Cambridge University Colleges | 14-18 | 4 Jul – 14 Aug 2027 | £6,295 – £18,495 | 21 courses |
| Summer English, Leadership & STEM Programme for Juniors in Oxford The summer Juniors program offers English language learning, STEM exploration and leadership development for 9... | St Clare’s Oxford | Headington Rye Prep School | 9-15 | 11 Jul – 8 Aug 2027 | £2,220 – £5,355 | 4 courses |
| LMH Oxford Summer Programmes Experience Oxford University’s world-renowned tutorial teaching system, explore fascinating subjects with expe... | Lady Margaret Hall University of Oxford | Oxford University Colleges, Lady Margaret Hall | 19+ | 28 Jun – 27 Aug 2027 | £4,640 – £14,124 | 29 courses |
Personal guidance
Academy Royale International's Academic Discovery summer school gives students aged 10 to 12 a project-based summer at Marlborough College. You tackle a new big question every day, from life on Mars to extreme weather, combining humanities, arts and STEM. Since 2004, we've welcomed students from more than 175 countries.
Architecture for ages 13–15 in Oxford, with guided discussion, interactive classes and practice tasks.
Shape the future of spaces in New York, a city defined by architectural innovation and bold design.
Students assess the power of suggestion, persuasion, and product placement. Using a range of case studies and creative examples across all media, they explore early salesmanship, modern advertising, branding, and the increasing use of new media. Balancing creative skills with business acumen, they engage in branding exercises, interactive sales games, and the design and development of their own advertising campaign.
A two-week art and design faculty in Cambridge for students aged 14 to 17, covering visual language, design communication and creative development alongside English.
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.
Explore law, politics, philosophy and international relations through an intensive Oxford and Cambridge summer programme for ages 16–19. Debate questions of justice, power, governance and global affairs while developing critical reasoning and university-level academic skills.
Where better than Oxford to hone your skills in creative writing? Get inspired by the city that was home to Tolkien, Lewis Carroll and Philip Pullman. In this course, you’ll explore different genres and plot-types, learn about the importance of dialogue, and practise different techniques to hone your skills and ensure writing becomes a part of your daily routine.
