Architecture Summer School: ‘Drawing on York’

For adults aged 18+. Our Summer School, Drawing on York, offers a unique insight into Architectural study at York, including the use of our bespoke studio facilities and workshop.

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Russell Group University

Experience studying at a leading UK university, rated both gold for teaching and top 10 for research.

Consistently high ranking

In the UK, and one of just six post-war universities to have appeared in the world top 100.

University of the Year shortlisted

Shortlisted for the prestigious University of the Year award by the Times Higher Education (THE) in 2023.

75th in the world

for the study of Arts and Humanities in the QS World University Rankings, 2025.

The course is aimed at developing architectural design skills, including drawing representation, model making and presentation techniques. Ideal for those who are interested in studying undergraduate architecture but have no, or limited prior experience, or students who wish to gain an international academic experience.

Programme dates

28th June – 4th July 2026

Course details

Through a programme of lectures, technical demonstrations, hands-on workshops and guided field study, students will explore York’s rich architectural heritage to respond to a contextual design challenge. This will be followed by portfolio design and preparation support.

Students are encouraged to explore their design creativity in our exclusive studio and workshop spaces; led by our teaching staff who are industry professionals with backgrounds in both architectural practice and education.

At the end of the week, participants will have the opportunity to celebrate their achievements through a formal presentation of their work, where they will also receive feedback. Participants will leave with enhanced technical skills, and graphical and verbal presentation techniques.

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What are the academic requirements to apply?

Our summer school has no formal academic requirements, but we expect you to have a clear motivation for applying and enthusiasm for the subject of Architecture. You will be asked to demonstrate your interest in your application.

What level of English do I need to join?

The programme is suitable for students who have been or are learning English as a second/foreign language.

We do not ask for proof of your English language proficiency; however, to ensure all students receive the full value of the programme, applicants should have an intermediate level of English (minimum CEFR B2 or IELTS 6).

How do I apply?

Complete the online application form

After you have submitted the application form, please allow five working days for your application to be assessed.

What happens after I apply?

We aim to inform applicants of the outcome of their application within five working days.

If your application is successful, you will receive an Offer Letter by email. This letter confirms the programme and academic option you have selected, the start and end date, and the payment deadline. In order to accept your place on the programme, you will be asked to pay the programme fee in full via the University’s online store by the indicated deadline. Please refer to the terms and conditions regarding payment.

Please allow at least three working days for our team to confirm receipt of your payment and documents. On confirmation of your place, you will receive an Acceptance Letter by email.

Please note, your place on the programme is not confirmed until payment has been received.

Study and skills

Designed and delivered by experienced tutors from our academic, research and technical staff
Specialist sessions on architectural representation and communication skills
Interactive studio learning with dedicated tutorials
Access to workshop facilities, led by our technical specialists
Tailored reviews to develop verbal and graphical presentation techniques
Combine academic study with real-world experiences

Culture and free time

Put your learning into context, expand your network and make new friends through our cultural visits and optional free-time activities:

Sightseeing visits and tours of York
Regular optional free-time activities led by University of York students

Assessment and certificate

Upon successful completion, participants receive a University of York Certificate of Completion, recognising their achievements and providing a valuable addition to their academic portfolio.

Ready for an unforgettable experience?

Apply Now!
Places are limited, so book early to avoid disappointment.

Apply Now

Programme fees

Tuition fee per session £950

The tuition fee includes all tuition and course materials, transport and entry fees for timetabled trips and visits, a welcome dinner, optional free time activities*, Wi-Fi on campus and in York city centre and a certificate of completion.

Accommodation fee per session (optional) £260.75 (£37.25 per night)

The accommodation fee includes accommodation for 7 nights in a single, premium room on campus.

^{*Some activities may have an additional cost. This will be communicated on arrival.}

Accommodation and catering

If you book accommodation with us, you will be staying in a single room with shared bathroom (usually one bathroom per 5 to 6 students) in one of our 11 colleges situated on our wonderful parkland campus. Your fellow students will be staying in the same accommodation block, but you will have the privacy of your own room.

Each accommodation block has a shared kitchen and you will be provided with basic kitchen equipment on arrival. There is a small supermarket on campus as well as a variety of food outlets and cafés.

Discover your accommodation

Getting to the University of York

Students are responsible for making their own travel arrangements to and from the University, including any necessary visas or immigration permissions.

If you need to apply for a passport or renew/replace your passport, you should begin this process as soon as possible after you have been accepted onto the programme.

We advise that you do not start to make travel arrangements until you have received your Acceptance Letter and the programme is confirmed. We also strongly advise that you invest in a comprehensive travel insurance policy that covers cancellations, personal possessions and healthcare. Please see our terms and conditions for more details.

Do I need a visa?

If you are not a UK or Irish citizen, you may need immigration permission to enter the UK and take part in the programme.

Overseas students who will be studying in the UK for 6 months or less can do so on a Standard Visitor Visa and this will likely be the most appropriate route for most of our students.

You can check if you need a visa and how to apply at the UK Visas and Immigration website. It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct immigration permissions to participate in the programme.

If you need a visa, you should apply after your place on the programme has been confirmed and you have received a Letter of Acceptance. Your Letter of Acceptance will include your passport number so please make sure this is valid and correct.

Register your Interest for 2027

Ready for an unforgettable experience?

Places are limited, so book early to avoid disappointment.

Apply now

Terms and conditions

When applying to study on this programme you are required to accept our terms and conditions.

Read our terms and conditions