Parsons Abroad
Gain global experience with Parsons & API
University of the Arts London
Application PRocess
DO NOT SUBMIT AN APPLICATION DIRECTLY TO UAL; YOU MUST APPLY THROUGH THE NEW SCHOOL & API
- Students who enroll directly with UAL will have to take a leave of absence from TNS for the time that they are abroad, and will not have access to their TNS financial and institutional aid.
- University of the Arts London has limited seats and competitive rolling admisson. The earlier you submit all your required applications and materials to API, the better.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
DO NOT APPLY DIRECTLY TO UAL. YOU MUST APPLY THROUGH TNS & API.
GPA and Class Requirement:
- At least one year of previous experience in their subject of choice
- 3.0 GPA required
- UAL will accept lower GPAs with a statement explaining why the student’s GPA is lower than the requirement and why they should be considered.
Materials required for consideration
- E-transcript
- Course Form
- Passport
- Letter of Recommendation
- Statement of Purpose: indicate why you picked UAL and how the program will help further your goals.
- Portfolio or Sample of Written Work
- AY may need to provide a credit confirmation letter issued by their home institution. The letter should clearly confirm that their home institution will accept the credits obtained from the UAL Study Abroad program. It must be on a headed paper accompanied by the signature and contact details.
Application Steps
DO NOT APPLY DIRECTLY TO UAL. YOU MUST APPLY THROUGH TNS & API.
Step 1: Apply to Study Abroad with Parsons
Visit goabroad.newschool.edu to complete your TNS application.
Step 2: Apply with API
On your program page, scroll down and find your session and click on “Personalize and Apply” to begin your application and housing questionnaire.
Once you’ve submitted your API application, you will be prompted to complete your Onboarding 1 forms and submit your confirmation payment.
Once you have completed these items, API will submit an application to UAL on your belhalf. Please plan accordingly as API cannot submit your application until you submitted all of these items.
Step 3: Submit your Portfolio (if applicable)
After API submits your UAL application on your behalf, your program coordinator will forward you an email with information about submitting your portfolio in PebblePad.
This email will include your login information and instructions on how to upload your portfolio, which will go directly to UAL for their review.
Step 4: Contact your school’s Financial Aid Office
Upon acceptance into your API program, contact your school’s Financial Aid Office to see if your current aid can be applied towards your study abroad program with API.
Please refer to the Financial Aid page for a more comprehensive explanation of using your financial aid with your API program.
PORTFOLIO REQUIREMENTS
After API submits your application to UAL on your behalf, your API program coordinator will forward you an email with detailed instructions on how to submit your portfolio.
The UAL portfolio is a collection of work that showcases your skills, personality and creative potential. It should narrate your story – from what you’ve learned and created so far to what you plan to do next.
Ideally, present your portfolio as a collection of projects. For example, 3-5 projects would demonstrate a range of ideas and skills. Your selection of projects should show: research, development, and outcome.
Students are typically asked to submit 20 to 25 samples of work that relate to the academic track you are applying for at UAL. For example, if you are looking to apply for BA (Hons) Womenswear it should relate to Womenswear.
ACADEMIC TRACKS
Below is a list of study abroad programs pre-approved by The New School in the noted Parsons School of Design major.
Click on the academic track link to learn more:
- Communication Design BFA
- Design and Technology BFA
- Fine Arts BFA
- Fashion Design BFA
- Illustration BFA
- Integrated Design BFA
- Interior Design BFA
- Photography BFA
- Product Design BFA
- Strategic Design and Management BB
APPLICATION & ACADEMIC FAQs
How do I select my courses at UAL?
Course selection for UAL looks a bit different than you may be used to. Instead of selecting individual courses, you will select a “track”. The courses for the track you choose at UAL are predetermined by the University.
Can I change the Year that I was accepted into?
In the integrated program, students are typically accepted into Year 1 or Year 2 of a three year program at UAL. Students will not be able to change the year that they were accepted onto.
Please note that Fashion Design students who are interested in CSM are typically placed into Year 1. Placing you into Year 1 is not intended to be a negative reflection on your work nor your potential. The CSM Fashion Design course may be different from your home degree course in structure and philosophy. At CSM you will focus on the development of ideas, research skills, and intelligently creating a body of work. Rather than learning the skills of garment making, you will develop your understanding of the process of realizing a 2D idea in a 3D space.
Are internships available?
Students will have a very, very rigorous academic schedule and will not have time to complete an internship.
How do students get course confirmations?
Students will have received communications directly from UAL about online registration prior to arrival. Information about classes and timetables will be provided during the university orientation on site.
How can students access syllabi and course details?
To review all course offerings, including course descriptions, please see here.
Do I need a visa for this program?
US Citizens studying for 6 months or less can obtain their visa at the airport, but will need to carry certain documentation in their carry-on luggage that may be requested by the immigration officer.
US Citizens studying for 6 or more months will need to apply for a visa. Non-US Citizens should check the UK Government website to check if they require a visa. More information is available on the API England Visa webpage.
HOUSING Abroad
Student health and safety is our top priority at API. As such, housing is included in all API programs.
If a student would like to opt out of API housing, they must contact their API program coordinator immediately with their request. Requests to opt out of API housing are not guaranteed.
Parsons Presents
API Programs by Major
Architectural Design BFA
Edinburgh, Scotland
Students may study abroad during the spring semester of their third (junior) year. Architectural Design students may study abroad for a maximum of one semester.
Communication Design BFA
London, England
Students may study abroad during the spring semester of their third (junior) year. Communication Design students may study abroad for a maximum of one semester.
Design and Technology BFA
London, England
Students may study abroad for a maximum of one semester, during the fall or spring semester of their third (junior) year.
Fashion Design BFA
Click here to learn more about Fashion Design at University of the Arts London
Fine Arts BFA
London, England
Students may study abroad during the spring semester of their third (junior) year. Fine Arts students may study abroad for a maximum of one semester.
Illustration BFA
London, England
Students may study abroad during the spring semester of their third (junior) year. Illustration students may study abroad for a maximum of one semester.
Integrated Design BFA
London, England
Students may study abroad during the spring semester of their junior year. Integrated Design students may study abroad for a maximum of one semester.
Interior Design BFA
London, England
Students may study abroad during the spring semester of their third (junior) year. Interior Design students may study abroad for a maximum of one semester.
Photography BFA
London, England
Students may study abroad during the spring semester of their third (junior) year. Photography students may study abroad for a maximum of one semester.
Product Design BFA
London, England
Students may study abroad during the spring semester of their third (junior) year. Product Design students may study abroad for a maximum of one semester.
Strategic Design and Management BBA
Students may study abroad for a maximum of one semester, during the fall or spring semester of their third (junior) year.
They are also permitted to study for up to two semesters (one academic year) at Parsons Paris and one semester at an API program in their third (junior) year.
London, England
Arts with British Students at University of the Arts London
Paris, France
Earn Credit Towards
Fashion Design BFA
SEMESTER AT UAL
Study abroad during the Fall or Spring semester of your third/Junior year at University of the Arts London.
Learn more
Fashion Design Students may only study abroad at UAL’s Central Saint Martins (CSM) in the following programs:
- BA (Hons) Fashion: Fashion Design with Knitwear
- BA (Hons) Fashion: Fashion Design Menswear
- BA (Hons) Fashion: Fashion Print
- BA (Hons) Fashion: Fashion Design Womenswear
For more details about these specific academic programs consult with your Parsons academic advisor for further guidance.
SUMMER ABROAD
Fulfill credit over the summer with one of API’s exciting Summer Design programs!
Learn More
Fashion Design students can study abroad over the summer with API at any of the following programs:
SUMMER PRE-COLLEGE
Open to high school students entering their junior or senior year and to recent high school graduates.
Learn More
Pre-college students can benefit from Parsons Paris’ outstanding pedagogy in design, painting, drawing, photography and more. Classes will be held in the center of Paris, at the Parsons Paris Saint-Roch campus, which offers cultural, historical, and touristic opportunities.
Applicants must be 16 to 18 years of age by the start of the course.
Financial Resources
For Your Global Experience
Financial Aid
Good news - you can use financial aid to study abroad! API accepts all forms of financial aid according to approval from your home university or organization.
Scholarships
- Early Bird: Available to all students!
- Need-based: Identify yourself as eligible when you apply for your API program
- Merit-based: Opportunities available for students with 3.5 GPA and above
Learn More
Let’s Get You Abroad!
Complete the form to get in touch, and we’ll follow up to answer any questions you may have!
Connect with Your School
For more information on studying abroad or how to get the process started at your school, reach out to your study abroad office!
Once you’re ready to apply to API, click below to begin your application.
Why API
API offers best-in-class programming, with student well-being a high priority.
Our mission is to create better global citizens through international experiential learning. API programs are developed to be transformative, career-boosting experiences that include:
- Community involvement through optional volunteer programs with API Gives Back
- Cultural awareness through relevant coursework and time spent in multicultural student groups
- High-touch student support throughout the program
About API
Academic Programs International (API) was founded in 1997 and is dedicated to providing high-quality, affordable experiential learning programs. Their extensive pre-departure preparation, coupled with strong support services on-site, facilitates academic, cultural and linguistic learning. Within the supportive environment of the API programs, API participants are encouraged to explore their host communities and become increasingly independent and confident in their own abilities. They strive to make international educational experiences accessible to as many participants as possible, and, as such, works to provide multiple program components at a low program cost.
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
API is committed to providing enriching international experiences to its participants. We believe in the importance of promoting acceptance, dignity, and respect among people of all backgrounds. No matter who you are or where you come from, API will support you during your journey abroad.
