LibArts London

We are doing something new and exciting and, as far as we know, no one else is doing it yet. The liberal arts ideal of introducing students to a broad selection of subjects from the humanities and sciences is slowly but surely dawning on British universities.

But we go a step further. We do not present subjects in isolation as is normally done. Instead, we explore a 'theme' that consist of a combination of academic, creative and practical subjects, fused with theme-oriented activities, using London as a laboratory to work and experiment in. The course will involve you in as many intellectual and creative activities as possible, without losing coherence and depth on the one hand, or excitement and a certain edginess on the other.

While lectures form the theoretical foundation of the course, you will also engage with the world in a hands-on and creative way to get to grips with the problems you are confronted with. A series of projects will get you out into the city where you will make something, perform something, photograph, write or film something to create a product that can be given back to the city. You will become a traveller, adventurer, explorer, detective and historian as you navigate the inner and outer city, design art for its open spaces and write about its strange and wonderful people.

At some point during most summer schools you will go for an afternoon walk along the Thames, see a West End show and visit the Palace of Westminster (in an unguarded moment you may even learn to tango). That's if you're lucky. In contrast, London is a main character in our course. We will use it, mine it, bother its inhabitants, dig through its archives, question it, record it, and, in general, make it part of us as we go along. You will not see London. You will experience it.

If you happen to be on your gap year, you could do worse than travelling through one of the most wonderful cities in the world.

On completion of the course you will be better prepared for academic life and your career. The course offers:

• Solid academic content from exciting and inspiring lecturers
• Creative, hands-on instruction from practising writers, artists and actors
• Constant assistance from tutors
• Rigorous assessment in all its phases and activities by lecturers and external assessors
• Group work, project planning and management

Plus, you will leave the course with a well-structured portfolio of evidence which will stand you in good stead whether you apply for entry to a university or for a job.