Study Abroad | London

This 8-week summer program supports students as they develop their creative practice and gain insight into the diverse professional roles that shape the global fashion industry. 

All students complete the same six courses for a total of 12 U.S. semester credits. Through a mix of studio-based work, technical sessions, and critical reflection, participants build practical and transferable skills that are valuable for a career in fashion. 

Courses are taught by expert instructors who also hold active roles in the fashion industry, bringing real-world knowledge and current practices into the classroom. Their insights help students connect their creative ideas with professional expectations and industry standards. 

The program is delivered through a variety of formats, including specialist workshops, lectures, group work, discussions, and one-on-one guidance. The Contemporary Culture and Fashion Studies course provides an important foundation, introducing students to key London locations, cultural landmarks, and iconic sites at the heart of the British fashion community. Students draw inspiration from site visits, exhibitions, printed materials, and digital spaces as they explore fashion and applied design through a dynamic, fast-paced curriculum. 

Students engage with visual communication to strengthen critical research and thinking skills related to fashion imagery and visual literacy. They may collaborate in teams, manage projects, analyze trends, develop strategies, research buying cycles, and explore trend forecasting in relation to product development and profitability. As they interpret their creative ideas and develop design solutions, students also consider commercial constraints and the luxury market while creating bespoke design work and handcrafted pieces. With climate awareness central to UAL’s approach, students are encouraged to experiment with reuse, upcycling, and recycling materials throughout their creative process. 

As part of the application process for this program, students will submit a letter of recommendation from a professor or instructor, a personal statement and a portfolio of 5 recent images. Further details will be provided by the AIFS Abroad Program Advisor.  

This eight-week summer program at London College of Fashion introduces students to the global business of fashion, where creativity, strategy, and industry practice come together. 

All students complete the same six courses for a total of 12 U.S. semester credits. Through lectures, workshops, group work, and individual exploration, students build practical skills in areas such as marketing, styling, communication, trend forecasting, product development, and entrepreneurship. 

The expert teaching team includes instructors with direct experience in the fashion and creative industries. Their ongoing work as consultants, researchers, and freelance professionals ensures that student learning is informed by current industry practice and global trends. 

The program is delivered through a variety of formats, including lectures, group work, discussions, one-on-one guidance, and specialist workshops. The Contemporary Culture and Fashion Studies course provide an important foundation, introducing students to London locations, cultural landmarks, iconic sites, exhibitions, printed materials, and digital spaces. Throughout each dynamic, fast-paced unit, students engage with fashion business from multiple angles as they research, experiment, and explore a broad range of possibilities within the field. 

Students engage with visual communication to develop critical thinking skills related to fashion imagery and visual literacy. They investigate financially driven marketing strategies through a business of fashion lens and may collaborate in teams, manage projects, analyze trends, develop strategies, research buying cycles, and explore trend forecasting in relation to product development and profitability. Students also gain a comprehensive understanding of global luxury markets and business practices, including economic management, production, distribution channels, and consumer behavior. 

As part of the application process for this program, students will submit a letter of recommendation from a professor or instructor, a personal statement, and an example of a written piece of work. Further details will be provided by the AIFS Abroad Program Advisor.