Flourish at CSM

What is the Diploma in Professional Studies?

DPS gives you the option to develop your knowledge and skills through placements and industry experience. If you decide to do a Diploma in Professional Studies year and undertake work placements, this happens in Year 3 as part of an extended 4-year degree.

A DPS year offers you a valuable opportunity to apply your knowledge in the real-world, building your sense of confidence and belonging within a professional network. As a DPS student, you can be placed with an employer for up to a year, working with them over a full product cycle or large-scale project. It provides you with additional practical tools to become an informed practitioner and changemaker in your chosen industry.

Every year, we support Central Saint Martins students across fashion, textiles, jewellery, fine art, ceramics and product design into worldwide placements. A high number of CSM placements go on to result in graduate hires. This means DPS is not only a way to shape your interests as a practitioner and get solid industry experience in your field while you study; it could also introduce you to your future employer.

The day is a collaboration between DPS coordinators in five programmes at CSM: Product, Ceramic and Industrial Design; Fashion; Jewellery, Textiles and Materials; and Fine Art, with support from other teams.

If you’re interested in exploring placements and industry partnerships, this is a great chance to find out more and talk to staff, employers, alumni and other students.

Together with an exhibition of work from DPS students created during their placement year, we’ll have a range of talks discussing good employer practice as well as the impact students bring to organisations and vice versa.

You can find out about the support available to guide you through your DPS journey. and what alternatives are available if DPS is not for you. We want our students to experience connection, inclusivity, and growth at Central Saint Martins, if DPS is not right for you the event will surface alternative professional development opportunities that are available.

Programme

12.30pm: Welcome and Introductions

1.00pm: Industry Spotlight and Career Exploration

1.45–2.45pm: Showcase and chance to meet students

2.45–4.00pm: Panel discussion with professionals from various industries discussing current trends, challenges and future of work

4.00–5.15pm: Panel discussion with alumni hearing about experiences on placements

5.30pm: Drinks

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

The Street, Central Saint Martins, 1 Granary Square, London, United Kingdom