Internationally recognised for high quality teaching, excellent facilities and unique opportunities.
The School of Art, Architecture and Design at London Metropolitan University offers courses across a broad range of subject areas: art (encompassing fine art, photography, English, creative writing, theatre and performance practice), architecture (including spatial planning and urban design) and design, which includes 3D design (fashion, textiles, furniture, product and jewellery), interiors and visual communication.
Learning through practice, playing with process and working with clients; students at the school gain real-world experience in both individual and collaborative projects, engaging with professionals, communities and companies. There is a strong emphasis in our studios on socially engaged architecture, art and design applied to both local and global contexts. The many specialist facilities you could find yourself using include wood, metal and plastic workshops, darkrooms and digital manufacturing technology. Our regular exhibitions, including the famous Summer Show, regularly attract large audiences.
Important update: In 2020 we took the decision to remove the name of Sir John Cass from the title of the school, recognising that the use of his name contributed to the redemption of a man without acknowledging the enormous pain he caused as a major figure in the early development of the slave trade, and the legacy of this pain. The use of his name was incompatible with our commitment to support the Black community and to actively oppose racism in all forms.
In Spring 2022, in collaboration with the University's Centre for Equity and Inclusion, we launched a project to identify a new name for the school, beginning with an open submission for suggestions. Following a longlisting and due diligence process, the final shortlist will be announced at a workshop event on 22 June 2022 at 3pm with Professor Lynn Dobbs, the University Vice-Chancellor, Anne Markey, the Head of School and members of the naming committee. Please register here to attend the event. The community will then have further opportunity to feedback on the shortilst between 23 June and 13 July.
Embrace studio culture
A studio or unit is a study group with a particular theme or focus taken by our year two and three undergraduate art, architecture and design students and by postgraduate architecture students as part of their studies. Studios are led by both academic staff and professional practitioners, sometimes linking to external organisations or project briefs. At the start of each academic year, the leaders of each studio present their studio's themes, position and approach. During the year, the studios come together for major events such as Celebration Week – when students present their work in progress – and summer exhibitions.
Join award-winning architects, artists and designers
Recognition of students’ work is widespread:
- Amanda Gunasinghe, a 2018 graduate from Interior Design BA, won the Future Designer award at the National Association of Shopfitters (NAS) Design Partnership Awards.
- Moe Redish was nominated for 100% Forward, an exciting addition to the 100% Design Festival 2018, a new showcase for emerging design talent in the UK.
- Architecture BA student Marie-Henriette Desmourès’ dissertation was commended at the RIBA President’s Medals.
- Textile student Frances McBain won the Tissage rug competition which saw her travelling to India to see her rug being produced.
- Fine Art’s Charlotte Aitken, a 2017 graduate, won the ARTIQ graduate prize.
- Annually, students are selected for the month-long Venice Biennale fellowships through the British Council. This year these were awarded to Furniture student Ella Merriman and MArch student Tarn Philip.
Take up a short course
In addition to our undergraduate and postgraduate courses, which include courses validated by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), the School offers a wide range of short courses. Whether you are seeking a new skill, developing an existing one or simply want a bite-size taste of the School of Art, Architecture and Design, we also offer you short courses. In our well-equipped studios, students learn through making, experiment with process and technique and develop skills for personal and professional practice.
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