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Frequently Asked Questions

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What short courses are there?

You can use the links on our homepage to browse courses by subject area or by session. For up-to-date details of upcoming courses with places left to book visit our availability page. If finding out what previous short course students think might be useful for you then click here to view a PDF of student stories.

Where is Central Saint Martins?

Our short courses take place in three venues in and around central London: Back Hill, EC1R 5LQ; Byam Shaw School of Art, N19 4AG and King's Cross, N1C 4AA.

How good do I have to be to do a short course at Central Saint Martins?

There are courses at all different levels so if you have no experience and want to try something for the first time choose an Introduction or Beginners course. If you already have some experience then there are courses to help you develop your skills further. If a level is not specified then beginners and more experienced people are accepted onto the course and the tutors will tailor their teaching to the needs of the group and give individual attention when required.

When there are multiple dates listed for a course, do I have to take the first sesion before I can take the second session?

Unless otherwise stated in the course description you can take any session of a course on its own, and all sessions will be a repeat of the same course.

Who teaches on the short courses?

The tutors for the short courses range from those teaching on the full time degree courses at Central Saint Martins to graduates and professionals who have gone on to develop their expertise outside the college and within industry. All our tutors are experienced in teaching a wide range of people and understand the practical needs of business. For further information each course description includes a brief biography of the tutor.

Are the short course prices the same for everyone?

The cost of taking part in a course is the same whether you are a student, working, unemployed, retired or from overseas. University of the Arts London Alumni can receive a small discount through the alumni association. Email alumni-association@arts.ac.uk for more details.

Can I reserve a space on a course without paying?

There are only a few places on each course, so we can only book a place for you once you have paid the course fee in full or we have received a purchase order from your company.

When do I need to book a short course?

Short courses at Central Saint Martins are very popular and many courses fill up several weeks before they start, so to be sure of a place book as soon as you can. We would recommend booking at least four weeks before the start of a course.

Are materials provided?

You are required to bring your own materials to the course. A materials list can be found on the course page and will be included with your confirmation receipt. As a guide, you will need to provide your own notebooks or sketchbooks, writing or drawing kit, paints and paper. Photography classes will require you to provide your own camera and film. You may also be required to do your own research into materials and inspiration before starting your course.

Where can I buy art materials?

Materials can usually be purchased in our specialist art shops located in our main college sites. The shops have limited opening hours during the holidays so please contact the shops for information.

How many people are on each short course?

We try to keep classes small. Each course usually has between 5 and 18 students so that every student gets as much individual attention from the tutor as they need.

How old do I have to be to come on a short course?

Anyone over 18 years old can come on our courses. There is no upper age limit - we have students of all ages. If you are too young for our main courses, we also offer courses specifically for 13 to 15 year olds and 16 to 18 year olds during the academic holidays and these are listed on our website with the age range in the course title or in the 'Courses for under 18 year old' section.  Please note that students must be the minimum age specified for the course on the first day of class.

Can I be helped finding accommodation for a short course?

We are only able to book accommodation for Easter, Summer and Christmas School students. The halls offer an economical alternative to London's hotels and have been selected for value for money, security and proximity to the college sites.

Are there facilities for people with disabilities?

Central Saint Martins is committed to an equal opportunities policy that supports people with disabilities. We try to offer the facilities and assistance necessary to enable students with disabilities or medical conditions requiring specialist help to realise the aims and objectives of our courses. Please contact us to discuss any special arrangements or equipment, which can be provided. You can find out more by looking at the Student Services website for students with disabilities and dyslexia at: www.arts.ac.uk/student

Can I have a Short Course brochure sent to me?

Please fill in the online form to have a brochure sent out to you. Please be aware that only our website lists the full course descriptions and the brochure will only have course listings without any descriptions. You can also download a PDF versions of all of our brochures from our short course homepage on the right hand side.

How do I book a short course?

The easiest way is normally to book online. Simply find the course(s) you require and click the shopping basket icon. When all the courses you would like to take have been marked, click to complete your order.  You will be taken to an online booking form on a secure server. Complete the registration and booking process to make the booking. Alternatively you can download a PDF booking form from our homepage and return it to us by email, post: Short Course Office, Central Saint Martins, Granary Building, 1 Granary Square, King's Cross, London N1C 4AA, UK in person, or telephone us on +44 (0)20 7514 7015 between 10.00 and 17.30 Monday to Friday.

Can I get a qualification or US credit by doing a Short Course?

The short courses do not offer credits for a current course or a recognised qualification - although you will receive a certificate of attendance. We do offer a Degree Study Abroad programme for overseas students who wish to study for a term, 2 terms or a year alongside our degree course students and gain college credits. For more information please visit our Study Abroad page.

Can I get a qualification or US credit by taking part in Summer School?

Central Saint Martins offers 3-week Summer Study Abroad courses providing students with an assessment grade. A record of the grade and class hours is sent to your home institution upon request. If you require credit then you must check with your university or college first to see if they will give credits for Central Saint Martins Summer Study Abroad courses.

I haven't had my receipt yet - what can I do?

If you booked online you should get a receipt sent to your email address within 10 minutes. If you gave us a hotmail address please check you junk/spam mail folders.  For phone and postal bookings email receipts are issued within 24 hours of receipt of your booking. If you have not received a receipt to your email address please contact the Short Course office on +44 (0)20 7514 7015. If you book less than 3 weeks before the start of the course please contact the Short Course office to confirm the booking. 

Where will my course take place?

Find your course on the website and the location, times and dates will be shown beneath the description. If you click on the site name a map, full address and nearest tube will be shown. Please report to the building's reception 15 minutes before your first session and you will be guided to your room.

What do I do on the first day?

On the first day of the course please report to the main reception of the building where your course is to be held. You should bring with you any materials that the tutor may have requested and your receipt. If you have not yet received your receipt please call the Short Course office on +44 (0)20 7514 7015 to confirm your booking.

What happens if I miss a session?

If you miss a session it will not be possible for you to make up the time during a different session or receive a refund.

Can I get a certificate of attendance?

Certificates are distributed by tutors on completion of your course. If you require a duplicate certificate please contact the Short Course Office giving your name, course title, and dates of course. New T&Cs charge £30 for additional certificates. Please note that this does not represent a formal qualification from Central Saint Martins.

Do short course students have access to facilities outside course times?

All short course students have access to the college libraries for research purposes, unfortunately you are not able to take books or videos out on loan. Students are not able to use the studio facilities, including computers, outside of class times. The college is a fully working college and equipment is in constant use by the full time degree students.

I would like to study full time at Central Saint Martins, what should I do?

You can view our list of foundation, degree and post graduate courses online. For further information about full time study request a prospectus.

What other courses can I try?

With over 750 different courses if you finish one course at Central Saint Martins there is always another one to try.

What is Study Abroad?

Study Abroad gives students from other colleges and universities from across the world the opportunity to join a course at Central Saint Martins for a term, two terms or up to a year. All Study Abroad students join courses with the full time degree students and have a unique, absorbing experience as a Central Saint Martins student. Please note that Study Abroad is only open to students who are coming from abroad for a short amount of time.  If you wish to find out information about taking one of our full time degree courses please view the degree course information.

How do I apply for Study Abroad?

Applications for Study Abroad places must be made on the Study Abroad application form, which you can download from this site.  When sending your application you must include your portfolio. Please note we do not need to see original work.  If possible please send images on a CD or a DVD.

When do I apply for Study Abroad?

You need to apply by 31 May for study in the autumn term and by 31 October for study in the spring term and summer term. We will consider applications made outside these deadlines but as Course Directors may not be available we are unable to guarantee your application will be processed in time. We aim to inform you if you have been accepted on the course of your choice within one month of receiving your completed application.

When can I take part in Study Abroad?

Students can choose whether to join their chosen course for one term only, either autumn (Sept to Dec) or spring (Jan to April). Alternatively you may take two terms of the course or the full academic year. Please note we do not accept students for the summer term only, however, if you do wish to study during the summer vacation we run a comprehensive programme of Short Courses and Summer Study Abroad courses.

How much does Study Abroad cost?

Current information on fees are here.

Can I use Federal Aid whilst on Study Abroad?

As part of the University of the Arts London, CSM is Title IV registered and can therefore offer full-time eligible students US Federal loans via the FFELP scheme and subsequent private 'top-up' loans. Eligible students who are enrolled on a Semester Study Abroad program at CSM can continue to take out financial aid via their home institution. University of the Arts London is required to fill out a consortium agreement to be completed by the International Centre's financial aid office.

Can I transfer State and Institutional aid?

Transferring this depends on your home university. Please contact your home Study Abroad Advisor for help.

What are the entry requirements for your Study Abroad Courses?

All applicants must submit a portfolio CD or DVD (or showreel) with their application form. Other requirements across the board are: To be registered for an art or design degree in an institution outside the UK and to have a good academic standing.  If you are a US student you should have a GPA of 3.0 or above. To have English language proficiency to an IELTS level score of 6.5. For full details please check here.

What do I do if I don't have a portfolio or need to improve my portfolio?

We offer shorter courses of at least 15 hours per week to help students prepare for entry to Foundation, BA (Honours) or PGDip/ MA courses. The Graphic Design Portfolio Course and the Fashion Folio, are both offered for between one and three terms. Look at the Preparatory Courses section of this website for more details.

How should I decide which course to apply to for Study Abroad?

As a Study Abroad student you are accepted on to the full time undergraduate courses in the discipline of your choice. You take all your classes with full time degree students. For full details of the course content see the undergraduate course outlines on our website.

Will I be interviewed for a place on the Study Abroad programme?

As you are applying from overseas for study in the UK you will not be asked to attend an interview. In most cases a portfolio will be enough to assess your application.

Can I get a credit transfer to my home university?

The University of the Arts London, of which Central Saint Martins is a constituent college, has degree-awarding powers under UK government legislation. All University of the Arts London degree courses earn 120 credits per year with each term earning approximately 40 credits. Each credit represents 10 learning hours. Your work will be assessed while you are at Central Saint Martins. You will be given a transcript of your grades and credits earned to take back with you to your home institution. Before you apply for a Semester Study Abroad Programme you should ensure that credits you earn here are transferable to your home institution. If your tutor requires a copy of the relevant Course Handbook or details of the Credit Framework please request it from the Study Abroad Co-ordinator, by emailing studyabroad@csm.arts.ac.uk

How do I find accommodation in London whilst I am doing Study Abroad?

If you are offered a place on a Degree Study Abroad Programme you can apply for a place in one of the dorms or apartments managed by the University of the Arts London. Please note we are not a campus university and even if you are accepted into university owned accommodation you can expect to travel for up to 45 minutes to get to the teaching sites. For information on University accommodation please check www.arts.ac.uk/housing

Will I need a visa to study at Central Saint Martins?

If you do not hold a UK / EU / EEA passport you will need a visa that allows you to study here in order to take one of our courses. For information please see the Home Office website. It is your responsibility to determine how far in advance you need to apply for a visa and to allow sufficient time to obtain a visa. We will not allow you to join the course if you do not have a visa that allows you to study, and in these circumstances, you will not by right be eligible for any refund of your course fees.

If you cannot attend a course because you have not obtained a visa to enter the UK no refund will be offered although we will offer you a transfer (subject to the conditions contained in Clause 11) if your visa is delayed. You will need to present your passport, including visa, to the Registration Administrator in the International Centre, University of the Arts London, 272 High Holborn, London WC1V 7EH between 9am - 1pm Monday - Friday.

Who can I speak to in person about Study Abroad?

Please contact Ashley Palmer, the Study Abroad Co-ordinator at CSM. Email, a.palmer@csm.arts.ac.uk. Tel: +44 (0)20 7514 7285 Fax: +44 (0)20 7514 7016

When will I find out if I have been accepted onto the Study Abroad programme?

We aim to inform you if you have been accepted on the course of your choice within 10 - 15 working days of receiving your completed application form. If you have not heard from us please contact studyabroad@csm.arts.ac.uk

Can I get reading lists or further course information before arriving in London?

It is only once you start your course that you will be given your study timetable and information. You will not receive detailed course information or be expected to choose classes, prior to arriving in London.

Is there a welcome or orientation session for new Study Abroad students arriving from abroad?

Arriving in London from abroad can be a daunting experience. We are committed to helping you settle in quickly and easily to ensure that you get the most out of living in London. We run a Welcome Programme before the start of the autumn and spring terms to help you get to know London, the college and the university. It is also an excellent way for you to meet other students starting Study Abroad across the university.

You're right in the heart of London - do you have rooms we can hire?

We've got a range of good meeting rooms, a large conference room which can seat up to 150 and a gallery for functions of up to 200. All the rooms are in our listed arts and crafts building in Holborn, London WC1 which is full of contemporary art and design. The Cochrane Theatre next door seats up to 300 can also be hired. Our catering service, Bubble, can produce anything from simple teas and coffees to full-scale meals. Contact: Stewart Smith, Sales and Marketing Manager, Central Saint Martins, Granary Building, 1 Granary Square, King's Cross, London N1C 4AA, +44 (0)20 7514 8441 or s.smith@csm.arts.ac.uk

I'd like some artwork for our offices, who should I get in touch with?

We can help you with our Art Purchasing Scheme which helps clients to find suitable artwork produced by our fine art graduates. We keep a slide library of available paintings, prints and sculptures and we can arrange installation and delivery, and have a crating service to help you make the best of the work. We can also arrange for you to commission work specific to a particular location if you would prefer. Please contact Stewart Smith, Sales and Marketing Manager, Central Saint Martins, Granary Building, 1 Granary Square, King's Cross, London N1C 4AA, +44 (0)20 7514 8441 or s.smith@csm.arts.ac.uk

Is there anywhere I can see a selection of the type of artwork that is for sale?

The best time to view student work is at the BA Fine Art Degree Show in June and the MA fine Art Show in Septmber each year. To register your interest to attend the shows, please contact: Stewart Smith, Sales and Marketing Manager, Central Saint Martins, Granary Building, 1 Granary Square, King's Cross, London N1C 4AA, +44 (0)20 7514 8441 or s.smith@csm.arts.ac.uk

I would like to organise specialist training for some of our staff, do you run training courses for companies?

We can design and deliver a training course to meet the needs of an individual member of staff or a group in any of the many areas of art and design that we cover at Central Saint Martins. Perhaps you need software training, a boost of creativity or some technical skills in a design area. We can help with all of these. Please contact Liz Adams, Business Development Manager, Central Saint Martins, Granary Building, 1 Granary Square, King's Cross, London N1C 4AA, +44 (0)20 7514 8441 or mailto:s.smith@csm.arts.ac.uk

How do I apply for a Foundation, undergraduate or postgraduate course?

Foundation Diploma and Postgraduate courses: If you are a Home or EU applicant for Foundation Diploma, or postgraduate courses you can apply direct to Central Saint Martins on the relevant course specific application form, which can be downloaded from this website.

Undergraduate courses Home and EU applications to Foundation Degree (FdA) and BA (Honours) degree courses at Central Saint Martins should be made through the Universities and Colleges Admission Service (UCAS). Please contact UCAS for an application form: http://www.ucas.com/

For International applications please visit the international section of this website.

Are there any scholarships for students?

Central Saint Martins does not currently offer any scholarships to students.

Where can I find more information about funding?

There are a number of publications and sources of information on obtaining funding for your course. For details of these, please visit the University of the Arts website: www.arts.ac.uk/student. If you are from the UK you may be entitled to help with fees or be able to take out a loan to help meet living costs, with repayments linked to your income after leaving higher education. If you are from England or Wales you should contact your Local Education Authority to apply for financial help. For details visit the Department for Education and Skills website www.dfes.gov.uk/student support or call 0800 7319133. If you are from Scotland contact the Student Awards Agency for Scotland: www.student-support-saas.gov.uk or call 0131 476 8212. If you are from Northern Ireland contact your Local Education and Libraries Board. If you are an international student, your local British Council office should be able to provide you with information about possible sources of financial aid or bursaries for which you may be eligible.

The British Council Information Centre in the UK can be contacted at: Tel: +44 (0) 161 957 7755 Fax: +44 (0) 161 957 7188 E-mail: general.enquiries@britishcouncil.org

If you are a US national you may be able to apply for US Federal Loans to support your degree or Study Abroad course at Central Saint Martins. See the links section for details.

When can I look around the college?

We offer many opportunities to look around the College. Two exhibitions of student work are open annually to visitors: 'Direction' from January to March, and the final year Degree Shows in June. Please see the home page of this website nearer the time for precise dates and times of the Degree Shows. Also, all Foundation, undergraduate and postgraduate degree courses offer a series of course tours for potential applicants, with some courses allowing visits by appointment. The precise arrangements differ for each course. You can find out the times, dates and venues of these course tours by contacting the Information Office, telephone number +44 (0) 20 7514 7022 or 7023 or by looking at the relevant course listing on this website.

I'd like to speak to someone in person - how could I get in touch with you?

For Foundation, Undergraduate and Postgraduate course enquiries, please call the Information Office +44 (0) 207 514 7022. Alternatively you can fax +44 (0) 207 514 7254 or email info@csm.arts.ac.uk


For Short Course enquiries please call +44 (0) 207 514 7015, fax +44 (0) 207 514 7016 or email shortcourse@csm.arts.ac.uk


For international student enquiries (non-EU), please contact the International Office +44 (0) 207 514 7027 or email international-office@csm.arts.ac.uk.

For Study Abroad please contact studyabroad@csm.arts.ac.uk or call +44 (0) 207 514 7285

What level of English do I need to apply?

All classes are taught in English. Applicants whose first language is not English should note that they are required to be proficient in written and spoken English and be able to participate in group discussions and presentations in English. As a guideline we would expect you to have an IELTS score of 4.5 for practical courses and 6.0 for lecture courses. The University of the Arts London also offers English courses for overseas students (please call 020 7514 7261 for more information).

As a short course student will I be allowed access to the building?

On the first day of your course you will be issued with a security pass. You must show this everytime you enter the building and whenever requested by a member of staff. If you lose your pass you must request a replacement from the Short Course Office before your next class. You can use the pass to gain access to the buildings if you wish to use the library or college shops outside your class times.

Is there a smoking policy?

Central Saint Martins does not allow smoking on any of its college premises.

Is there a policy on the use of mobile (cell) phones?

Mobile phones must be switched off throughout seminars, classes and workshops. Please use your phone outside the classroom should you need to make a call.

What can I do about property I lost, or had stolen, whilst in college?

Personal property must be kept with you at all times. The college cannot accept any responsibility for work, equipment, materials or personal possessions left in the college. The college has no liability for lost or stolen items.

Can you store work after my course has ended?

Due to a shortage of space we cannot store any work once the course has finished.

What should I do in event of a fire?

In the event of a fire alarm sounding please leave by the exit that your tutor will have described on the first day. You must not re-enter the building until authorised to do so by a member of staff. If the building should require evacuation without the sound of an alarm you must follow instructions given by staff or the emergency service.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Short Courses 2011-12 PDF List of Courses 

Student Stories [PDF Articles, 1.7mb]

Summer School 2011 [PDF Guide, 1.6mb]

Summer_School_Course_Schedule_2011.pdf

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