Paris College of Art: Nurturing Creative Talent in the Heart of Paris

Paris College of Art (PCA) stands as a premier international art and design school, deeply embedded in the vibrant artistic landscape of Paris. For over three decades, PCA has been offering students a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the Parisian art scene while honing their skills under the guidance of respected industry professionals and academics. With its US degree-granting authority and accreditation from the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), PCA provides a strong academic foundation for emerging artists and designers.

A Global Hub for Creativity

PCA's student body is truly international, representing over 40 nationalities. This diversity enriches discussions and creative output, fostering a cosmopolitan atmosphere in every classroom. Students are encouraged to explore their creativity and refine their skills in a city that has inspired some of the West's greatest creative minds for centuries.

Integrating into Parisian Life

Study abroad students at PCA are fully integrated into the degree-seeking student population, attending courses alongside an international student body of approximately 250 individuals representing over 50 nationalities. All courses are taught in English by a diverse faculty of artists, designers, and industry professionals.

Campus and Facilities

PCA is located in a beautifully refurbished historic building in the culturally rich 10th arrondissement, surrounded by art studios, textile stores, creative agencies, and a myriad of cafes and restaurants. The campus facilities include:

An amphitheater with a seating capacity of 200
A gallery space
Student and faculty social spaces
A private landscaped courtyard
Computer labs
Fashion ateliers
Printmaking studio
Digital and wet photography labs
A sculpture studio for work in wood, metal, clay, and other materials
Light and airy classrooms with views of Montmartre

The neighborhood provides easy access to the textile stores of Montmartre, a renowned photo service store, theaters, performing arts studios, and creative agencies.

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Academic Programs

PCA offers a range of programs across various art and design disciplines:

Undergraduate Programs

PCA offers Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degrees in:

Communication Design
Fashion Design
Fine Arts
Interior Design
Photography

Graduate Programs

PCA offers Master's degrees in:

Design for Social Impact (MA)
Drawing (MA/MFA)
Fashion Design: New Materials & Technologies (MA)
Fashion Film & Photography (MA)
Interior Design (MA)
Photography & Image-making (MA/MFA)
Transdisciplinary New Media (MA and MFA)

Master's Program Application Requirements

Applicants for specific Master's programs must submit supplementary materials as part of their application. These include:

Short Essay on a Recent Creative Project: Required for MA in Critical Fashion Practices, MA in Drawing, MA in Interior Design, MA in Fashion Film & Photography, MA in Photography & Image-Making, & MA in Transdisciplinary New Media.

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- Applicants must choose a creative project they recently completed and write a 500-1000 word essay describing its development in terms of concept and making. The essay should include examples and information about the processes used, challenges faced, questions addressed, and the outcome. Applicants should also envision how the project could be extended. Those applying for the MA in Critical Fashion Practices are encouraged to write about a project related to their proposed degree project.
Writing Sample: Required for MA in Design for Social Impact, MFA in Drawing, MFA in Photography & Image-Making, & MFA in Transdisciplinary New Media.
- The writing sample should showcase the applicant's best writing skills. The topic is open, but the sample should demonstrate analytical, reasoning, language, and writing skills in English, including proper spelling, punctuation, and grammar. Submissions can include research essays, literature reviews, reflective journals, academic papers, or essays written for school projects, or a combination thereof. The sample should be 10-15 pages of prose (double-spaced) and can be an excerpt from a longer work.

Study Abroad Program

The Study Abroad program at PCA is designed for college sophomores and juniors, as well as individuals with undergraduate degrees, who wish to experience the art, design, and culture of Paris for a semester or year.

Eligibility: The program is open to qualified sophomores, juniors, and first-semester seniors in good academic and conduct standing, with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0.
Coursework: Students can choose from a wide range of photography, design, and liberal arts courses. They should expect to take 6th-semester Photography equivalents.
Housing: PCA does not provide on-campus housing; however, the Student Life Office offers guidance and support in finding suitable accommodations. Students can choose between residence or homestay options. The residence offers single studio apartments with a kitchenette and private bathroom, while homestays provide a unique opportunity to immerse in French language and culture by living with a French family.
Orientation: A comprehensive week-long orientation is held at the beginning of the fall and spring semesters to introduce new students to life at PCA and in Paris. Activities include lectures, museum visits, dinners, walking tours, and opportunities to meet staff, faculty, and fellow students. During orientation, students register for classes, open bank accounts, sign up for health insurance, and handle other essential tasks.
Semesters: The fall semester starts in late August and ends in mid-December, while the spring semester starts in early January and concludes in mid-May.

Certificate Programs

The intensive curriculum of PCA's Certificate Programs is ideal for mature students seeking a career transition, refinement of a professional-level design portfolio, or preparation for an MFA program.

Summer Program

The Summer Program at PCA offers a range of courses with a modern edge in the historically and artistically rich city of Paris.

Student Life

PCA provides a supportive and enriching environment for its students.

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Student Services

The Student Life Office offers various services to support students, including:

Housing assistance
Orientation programs
Access initiatives to address and support students' needs

Medical Services

Students enroll for French Social Security and can choose from supplemental health insurance plans, providing extensive health care coverage at a minimal cost.

Student Clubs

An elected student council brings issues before the school administration and organizes social events, fostering a close-knit community. Excursions are organized to nearby regions and cities.

Career Development

Internships and professional projects are integral to PCA's arts, design, and design management education. They provide students with opportunities to:

Further their creative capabilities
Gain exposure to the professional aspects of their chosen fields
Develop into leaders in the creative industries

The Career Services office works with academic leaders to help students fine-tune the skills needed to succeed in today's markets.

Student Reviews and Awards

PCA has received positive reviews from students, who praise its vibrant academic setting, committed faculty, and opportunities for skills development and professional experience.

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