london historic buildings sunset big ben
London, England

Fine Arts, Media and Communications (UAL)

Study Program

Dates

-

19 weeks

Costs

Credit

12 - 16 semester hours

18 - 24 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Apply Now

Request Information

Contact Us

Tentative Dates

-

12 weeks

Costs

Credit

12 - 16 semester hours

18 - 24 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Contact Us

Tentative Dates

-

40 weeks

Credit

12 - 16 semester hours

18 - 24 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Contact Us

Tentative Dates

-

23 weeks

Credit

12 - 16 semester hours

18 - 24 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Contact Us

Overview

Bring your passion for fine arts, media, communications, and related fields to London, England’s exciting and historic capital! In the Fine Arts, Media & Communications program, you’re in store for a full semester of practical learning at CIEE's partner school, the University of the Arts, London (UAL). Through UAL’s Integrated Study Abroad program, you’ll take classes at one of UAL’s six colleges alongside British and other international students. You may even enroll in an optional internship at a local British company alongside your academic courses to round out your academics and gain real-world global work experience abroad. 

Outside the classroom, all your courses will be complemented with co-curricular activities and excursions organized by CIEE beyond the city to enhance classroom learning and provide intercultural understanding. Join us during your time at UAL to experience all England’s most famous city has to offer! 

Please note: During the spring semester only, students enrolled in this program will have a four-week break following their first teaching block before returning to class for their final exhibitions and assessments.

Unique Experiences

EXPLORE THE CITY SIGHTS

aboard one of London’s infamous red double-decker buses

ENJOY THE FILM INSTITUTE

on the banks of the river Thames, which always runs events that open to students

VISIT MUSEUMS AFTER DARK

like the Natural History Museum for a full “Night at the Museum” experience (complete with dinosaurs)

857

ART GALLERIES

300+

LANGUAGES SPOKEN IN LONDON

33

DISTRICTS

Experience
  • London students by double decker bus
  • London FDGF fellows at street market

Your Destination

London has a history stretching back to the Romans, four World Heritage sites, leading museums, and plenty of green spaces. A contemporary global city, London is home to nearly nine million people from all around the world. A major financial center and leading hub for the arts, London has many eclectic neighborhoods to discover.  

CIEE London is within walking distance of all the tourist highlights of the city, but it is also tucked away in the university district. Located in a beautiful Georgian square just moments from the British Museum and 10 minutes from Trafalgar Square and its art galleries, CIEE London boasts a lounge, café, and study areas. It is right in the heart of central London and the perfect place for exploring the city. In the Center, you are a 10-minute walk from the British Library, a 15-minute walk from seeing the free-ranging pelicans in St James’ Park, and a 20-minute walk to the London Eye. Our students walk, take the bus, or ride London’s Underground tube. 
 
CIEE wants all our students to feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed while studying abroad. Local CIEE staff have provided details about conditions and cultural attitudes that students with specific identities might encounter in London. 

The Culture

London student group in Chinatown

Excursions & Activities

  • Take day trips with CIEE to Oxford, Cambridge, Bath, and Brighton  
  • Participate in a secret London tour to Brick Lane, Brixton, and Chinatown  
  • Enjoy jazz nights, poetry readings, and steel panning workshops  
  • Attend mixer events, meals out, and theatre trips

Program Blogs

From CIEE

3 Favorite Food/Dessert Spots in London

By College Study Abroad Ambassador at CIEE

By: Abigail Sekyere London is a place filled with so much culture and diversity! Because of this there are lots of food options from traditional English food, ethnic food to... keep reading

From CIEE

3 things I love about London

By College Study Abroad Ambassador at CIEE

By: Abigail Sekyere 1. I really loved how walkable London was. My friends and I would often walk around to places that we wished to go because everything was pretty... keep reading

From CIEE

CIEE Study Abroad Housing Options: Everything You Need to Know

By College Study Abroad at CIEE

If you’re considering a study abroad program, it’s likely that you’re also thinking about your housing options! While you’re anticipating exciting courses and foreign country exploration, having a better understanding... keep reading

Housing
Academics

Academics

This program is designed for students who enjoy practical learning and are particularly interested in fine arts, media, communications, business, and related fields.  

University of the Arts, London (UAL) was established in 2004. It drew six colleges under its umbrella, each of which had its own beginning in the 19th century. UAL now has 19,000+ students both homegrown and international and it is world ranked at #2 for Art and Design. UAL’s six colleges include Central Saint Martins, London College of Communications, London College of Fashion, Chelsea College of Arts, Camberwell College of Arts, and Wimbledon College of Arts.  

Students attending the program may be able to elect to supplement their UAL courses with Contemporary Britain, a CIEE course taught at CIEE London.

Please note: Some UAL pathways will not provide 12 U.S. credits in the Fall semester. Students should check their credit load carefully and then elect to take Contemporary Britain at CIEE London to meet the credit requirements of the program.  

During the spring semester only, the first teaching block is followed by a four-week break. Students then return to class to prepare for their final exhibitions and assessments.  

GPA

3.0

Language Requirements

There are no specific language requirements for this program.

Additional Requirements

To be considered, students must have completed one year of undergraduate study at their home institution and they can study at UAL on this program for a single semester or a whole year.   

Please refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.

Requirements

Students select their chosen college of study from the six available at UAL. Then, from that college's offering, they choose an academic pathway. Students take any mandatory courses and elective options, including CIEE electives, to achieve 12-16 U.S. credits. 

Please Note: During the Fall term, students take a total of 12-15 U.S. credits. Some UAL pathways will not provide 12 U.S. credits in the Fall semester. Students should check their credit load carefully and then elect to take CIEE course Contemporary Britain at CIEE London to meet the credit requirements of the program. 

Program Credit

  • Spring Term: 12-16 U.S. semester/18-24 quarter credits.  
  • Fall Term: 12-15 U.S. semester/18-22.5 quarter credits 

Course Credit

  • UAL Courses: 1-2 U.S. semester/1.5-3 quarter credits; 40-80 notional hours  
  • CIEE Courses: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact hours

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.

Academic Culture

At UAL, students will notice striking differences in the British model, which is less structured and requires students to take more responsibility and initiative. The CIEE staff supports students as they adapt to this new style. Teaching methods include a blend of lectures, group seminars, and practical work, and tutorial support is available for all students. CIEE’s courses combine in-class work with co-curricular excursions that develop the students’ intercultural understanding and promote their immersion in their host culture.

Class Format

Classes at UAL are typically scheduled Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Most courses combine lectures with excursions and visits to industries as part of the work of the class. Courses taught at CIEE London are typically for CIEE students only, and attendance is strictly enforced both for classes and required co-curricular excursions. Students should expect an average of two hours of preparation required for each hour in class. Instruction is supported and augmented online with our learning management system, Canvas.         

Grading

Assessment for UAL varies by course and department but usually is based on a combination of assignments and exams. Some classes require group work and presentations, allowing students to work closely with peers. The U.S. grading scale of A-F is used for CIEE classes. Students are graded on the basis of attendance, class participation, homework, individual project work, presentations, and examinations. Learning outcomes assessment is continuous through personal reflections, evaluation feedback, self-assessment, and requirements as set out in course syllabi.

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.

Language of Instruction

English

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.

Courses

Course Information

Social Sciences

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Students need to choose a pathway, among several dozen pathways available, and take the mandatory course(s) in that pathway. In addition to any mandatory course(s), students also select elective courses to fulfill their course load.    

The list below sets out all the disciplines offered at UAL. Each discipline has its own portfolio of courses. Once the student has selected their chosen discipline and College, they can then select the courses they would like to study.  

UAL and CIEE London is on hand to offer advice on this, and students should consult the following website to browse options within each discipline: Undergraduate courses | UAL (arts.ac.uk)  

  • Art
  • Design 
  • Architecture
  • Photography
  • Multimedia design 
  • Theatre 
  • Film 
  • Television 
  • Performance 
  • Drama 
  • Fine Art 
  • Business and Management 
  • Creative Computing 
  • Curation and culture 
  • Multimedia and arts technology 
  • Journalism, PR & Publishing 
  • Textiles & Materials 
  • Communication & Graphic Design 

Each of these options has their own array of modules to choose from: 

For select courses, students are required to submit a portfolio of work. This may be art, fashion designs, multimedia projects, pieces of journalism, short films, etc. There is significant guidance available for prospective students on UAL’s website.  

Students are encouraged to discuss their choices with their home institution advisor and CIEE prior to applying.  

Note: This course listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party. The courses, as described, may be subject to change as a result of ongoing curricular revisions, assignment of lecturers and teaching staff, and program development. Courses may be canceled due to insufficient enrollment.
"(GI)" denotes courses that originated at CIEE's Global Institutes and that are offered at multiple CIEE sites.

Scholarships

Scholarships & Grants

CIEE offers scholarships and grants annually to help students like you make your study abroad dream a reality.

Students who apply to this program are eligible for the following scholarships and grants:

  • Ping Scholarships for Academic Excellence
  • CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant
  • MSI Grant
  • Trailblazer Grant

To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application.

Learn more about scholarships

Dates & Fees

Dates & Fees

You get more for every dollar when you study abroad with CIEE, because our high-quality programs include everything from excursions to insurance. There are no hidden charges, and no disappointing surprises when you arrive.

Program

Application Due

Start Date

End Date

Fees & Housing

Program Spring 2024 19 weeks Application Due Deadline Passed Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $29,950
Program Fall 2024 12 weeks Start Date * End Date * Fees & Housing $27,950
Program Academic year 2024-2025 40 weeks Start Date * End Date *
Program Spring 2025 23 weeks Start Date * End Date *

*Dates for this program are provided as tentative dates. Please consult with your study abroad advisor to confirm dates before purchasing your flights.

To help you budget, keep in mind that students are responsible for the cost of international airfare, local transportation, books and supplies, visas, and personal expenses. In addition, your college or university may charge additional fees for study abroad, or may require you to receive a transcript via CIEE's School of Record, which carries an additional fee of $500.

Program Fees

CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.

Participation Confirmation = $300*

Educational Costs = $22,456**

Housing = $7,000

Insurance = $194

Total Fees = $29,950

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Meals not included in program fee = $1,568

International Airfare = $1,250††

Local Transportation = $600

Books & Supplies = $200

Visa Fees = $0†††

Personal expenses = $250††††

Total Costs = $3,868

Optional Housing

CIEE accommodation options are detailed in the Housing section. Based on availability, Select or Select Plus Housing can be chosen during the application process for an additional fee:

Select Housing Fee = $750^

Financial Aid

CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

*non-refundable

**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

For groceries if you plan on making your own meals, budget more money if you plan on eating out regularly.

††round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure

†††Unless a student is completing an internship, there are no visa fees for academic programs under six months in the UK for US-passport holders. US-passport holders stay in the UK on a Visitor visa.

††††$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries

^first-come, first serve, based on availability

Program Fees

CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.

Participation Confirmation = $300*

Educational Costs = $21,956**

Housing = $5,500

Insurance = $194

Total Fees = $27,950

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Meals not included in program fee = $1,073

International Airfare = $1,250††

Local Transportation = $600

Books & Supplies = $200

Visa Fees = $0†††

Personal expenses = $220††††

Total Costs = $3,343

Optional Housing

CIEE accommodation options are detailed in the Housing section. Based on availability, Select or Select Plus Housing can be chosen during the application process for an additional fee:

Select Housing Fee = $750^

Financial Aid

CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

*non-refundable

**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

For groceries if you plan on making your own meals, budget more money if you plan on eating out regularly.

††round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure

†††Unless a student is completing an internship, there are no visa fees for academic programs under six months in the UK for US-passport holders. US-passport holders stay in the UK on a Visitor visa.

††††$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries

^first-come, first serve, based on availability

Program Fees

CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Financial Aid

CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

Program Fees

CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Financial Aid

CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

What's Included

Tuition

Housing

Pre-departure Advising

Advising before you depart to set goals and answer questions

Optional on-site airport meet-and-greet

Orientation

Introduction to your program plus practical information about living in your host city

On-site Staff

Full-time program leadership and support in your city

Cultural and/or Co-curricular Activities

Excursions and/or Study Tours

Travel Protection

CIEE iNext travel protection

24/7 emergency on-site support

Staff

Our Staff

Mark Simmons

Center Director

Mark Simmons has an M.A. in History from the University of Aberdeen and a postgraduate degree in Administrative and Information Management from Napier University Edinburgh. 

Seán O’Donnell

Student Life Manager

Seán O’Donnell studied Anthropology at Goldsmiths – perhaps that’s why he is so good at working with students as they explore and study with us in London! He has worked...

Get Started Steps

Get Started

Here’s what you need to do to take the next steps:

1

Start an Application 
You're one step closer to an amazing study abroad experience!

2

Connect With Your Campus Study Abroad Office 
Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad. 

3

Contact Us 
Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.

Request Info