International Summer School

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International Summer School

A cobblestone street lined with historic brick and stone buildings curves uphill, with a wrought-iron fence and greenery on the left and a vintage-style streetlamp on the right under a partly cloudy sky.

Two young women sit at a table, smiling and working together on an activity with cards. Other people are seated and engaged in similar activities in the background. The setting appears to be a classroom or workshop.

Create. Experiment. Explore.

Norwich University of the Arts’ International Summer School brings together ambitious young creatives for an intensive, studio-based programme delivered in one of the UK’s most inspiring creative cities. Over two dynamic weeks, students immerse themselves in hands-on making, critical thinking, and collaboration — supported by expert tutors, specialist facilities, and a vibrant international community.

Whether you are exploring creative disciplines for the first time or preparing for future study in art and design, the International Summer School offers a unique opportunity to experience university-level creative education in action.

Programme overview

The International Summer School is a two-week, full-time, immersive programme combining:

Subject-specific studio practice
Creative workshops and technical inductions
Tutor-led critiques and project development
Cultural visits and city-based activities
A final exhibition and showcase

Students work towards a resolved creative outcome, documenting their ideas, experimentation, and reflections through sketchbooks and digital platforms.

Programme dates

International Summer School 2026: 9 – 23 August 2026

Creative pods (Subject Pathways)

Students enrol into one specialist creative pod, each led by academic staff and delivered in dedicated studios:

Pod A: Product Design

Explore user-centred design, materials, prototyping, and speculative futures through hands-on experimentation.

Pod B: Graphic Design

Develop visual communication skills through typography, image-making, and concept-driven design processes.

Pod C: Illustration

Investigate narrative, image, and storytelling using traditional and digital illustration approaches.

Pod D: Animation and Games

Experiment with character design, world-building, animation, and interactive media using industry-standard tools.

Pod E: Fashion and Textiles

Explore fashion thinking, textiles, print, and material processes through studio-based making and experimentation.

Each pod follows a shared programme structure while allowing subject-specific focus, facilities, and creative outcomes.

Learning environment

The Summer School is based across Norwich University of the Arts’ city-centre campus, giving students access to:

Purpose-built design studios
3D workshops and fabrication spaces
Animation, games, and creative technology labs
Textile print and dye facilities
Photography and digital production studios

Learning extends beyond the studio, with Norwich itself acting as a living creative resource — rich in history, culture, independent galleries, and design-led businesses.