Embrace the diversity of contemporary art practices while learning the technical and creative skills needed to become a portrait painter in this one-of-a-kind specialist programme.
Our teaching approach is unique: we keep our class sizes small, and you’ll benefit from the highest tutor contact hours of any higher education art course in the UK. You’ll learn both traditional and contemporary skills from expert tutors, including some of Britain’s top practising portrait artists; from members of the Royal Society of Portrait Painters and winners of the BP Portrait Award to those with work in national collections including the National Portrait Gallery.
You’ll explore a diverse range of techniques, including painting the figure from both life and photographs, large-scale compositions, and self-portraiture. You’ll also be challenged to explore your place within contemporary portraiture and define your own creative approach.
And to further enrich your study, you’ll have access to lectures and talks by eminent visiting artists, open access to our print studio and wood & metal workshop, and can drop in to Open Life sessions on weekend mornings. You can also take advantage of free places on our other evening, weekend and short courses (subject to availability).
By the end of the programme, you’ll have exhibited your work, entered competitions and have experience with taking on commissions.
Our FD Fine Art (Contemporary Portraiture) pathway is validated by The Open University. For more information about our FD Fine Art (Contemporary Portraiture), please see the Student Handbook, Programme Handbook and the Open University Regulations for Validated Awards.
Programme Outline
Our FD has two stages and runs for two years (full-time) or four years (part-time). You’ll need to successfully complete each stage in order to progress to the next, including meeting attendance requirements (as detailed in our Attendance Policy).
You will mainly be based at Mermaid Court (London Bridge) with some time in Stage 2 spent at our Newington site (Elephant and Castle).
There are four main components to the FD, detailed below.
Studio Practice modules: these are where you develop personal projects in response to a series of briefs. These modules are taught through one-to-one tutorials, group critiques, workshops, lectures and practical work in a studio. As part of Studio Practice, you’ll also undertake contextual research to support each of your personal projects, which includes preparatory work, research, and pieces of reflective and discursive writing.
Contextual Studies module: you’ll attend a series lectures exploring historic and contemporary approaches to portraiture, and research an area of portrait painting relevant to your practice in Stage 2.
Elective Skills Workshop courses: these courses provide you with intensive training in the technical skills you’ll need to develop your creative vision and directly support your Studio Practice modules. Each course runs for one full day per week per term.
Professional Development modules: these focus specifically on the skills and knowledge needed for future employment in the arts and creative industries.
You can find detailed information in the ‘Programme yearly structure’ section below.
Autumn term: Monday 9th September – Friday 29th November (reading week 21st October – 26th October)
Spring term: Monday 13th January – Friday 27th March (reading week 17th February – 22nd February)
Summer term: Tuesday 14th April – Monday 22nd June (no reading week)
Programme Yearly Structure
Experiment with processes, materials and techniques as you build the foundation for your developing portraiture practice. You’ll undertake three studio practice modules (both through taught sessions and independent study), where you’ll identify areas of interest, take risks and experiment. At the end of this stage, you’ll work with your peers, the FD Fine Art (Sculpture) students and an external curator to create work for a public exhibition.
You’ll attend Studio Practice one day a week across all three terms (full time) or one day per week across three of the six terms available (part time). You’ll also work independently on your project for at least one day a week.
During Stage 1, these modules are taught in studios throughout our buildings. Stage 1 students aren’t given personal studio space.
You’ll also complete Elective Skills Workshops to build essential portrait and figure-painting skills, as well as a portrait sculpture session to develop your understanding of the portrait head in 3D and lectures looking at historic and contemporary portraiture.
You’ll attend two to three Elective Skills Workshop courses each term (or one to two for part time students), including a compulsory drawing elective in each term (or across three of the six terms available for part time). You’ll also have to complete the Digital Development course to prepare you for the Professional Development module in Stage 2.
You can choose a maximum of five other Elective Skills Workshop courses in any discipline to study across Stage 1.
Throughout the year, you’ll complete a professional development module exploring the vocational opportunities available to you in creative industries. You’ll attend a series of workshops and lectures from relevant professionals and practising artists, and complete a report on an area of professional practice that is of interest to you. To complete this module you’ll also have to study independently.
In Stage 2, you’ll be given your own studio space to work on your Studio Practice modules independently outside of taught sessions.
Your fourth Studio Practice module is a live commission. Supported by your tutor and peers, you’ll learn to balance the client’s needs with your own creative process from conception to final piece.
The final Studio Practice module runs over the last two terms of the stage, where you’ll create a major body of work for exhibition at the annual Graduate Show, supported by Elective Skills Workshop courses. You’ll work on your final project both in taught sessions and independently from your own personal studio space. This module is assessed at the Graduate show. You’ll also produce a supporting portfolio and take part in a viva voce with tutors and an external assessor.
Alongside your final Studio Practice module, you’ll complete a contextual studies module, exploring aspects of art history and theory relevant to your practice.
To help prepare you for life as a practising artist, you’ll also complete a professional development module, which looks at everything from PR & branding, to completing residencies, and taxation for a self employed artist.
You’ll create a portfolio of evidence for assessment, which includes creating a website, marketing plans and evidence of the use of marketing and business tools. You’ll also need to study independently in addition to your taught sessions.
Tutor Contact Time
Our FD Fine Art (Contemporary Portraiture) offers some of the highest contact hours of any higher education art course in the UK. As a full time student, you’ll receive three to four days per week of tutored time (two days a week part time) throughout the programme.
Tutors
The lead tutors for the FD Fine Art (Contemporary Portraiture) are:
Roxana Halls is our Contemporary Portraiture Pathway Leader, Briony Marshall is our Professional Development Programme Leader and Tom Morgan Evans is our Art History & Theory Programme Leader.
Our Studio Practice tutors include Roxana Halls, Sadie Lee, Robin-Lee Hall and Sue Spaull.
The tutors you are taught by within the Elective Skills Workshop courses will depend on the courses you choose. You can view all our tutors here.
Student Support
We provide high levels of support and guidance for every step of your journey – from first enquiry to your graduation. We pride ourselves on our close community, where students feel safe and able to seek advice and guidance from our staff. For more information detailing the main areas of support, please see our Student Support page.
Student Story
My first time painting from life and using oils was at the Academy in January 2017, through a wonderful 10-week Portrait Painting evening class. And believe me, there was no way back! I fell in love with the medium, with how supportive everyone was and – I have to confess – with the building itself: the following September I became a full-time student on the Contemporary Portrait programme.
It rapidly became a second home and the Academy has something particularly precious in the way it connects people from very varied backgrounds. In many ways you learn as much from your peers as you do your tutors…READ MORE
Suzon Lagarde, FD Fine Art (Contemporary Portraiture) student
Fees & Funding
Every first-year student joining the FD in September 2019 will have access to the AAL Academic Bursary for the duration of the programme; this will reduce our fees to significantly below national levels for degree courses. Our 2019/20 fees (inclusive of the bursary) are set out below:
| Full time FD – 2 years | £6,700.00 | £2,345.00 | |
| Part time FD – 4 years | £3,484.00 | £1,219.40 |
We review our fees annually; they are likely to increase due to inflation in the following academic years (this is capped at 5% p.a.).
Fees must be paid in advance, and you can pay them yearly or by term (incurring a 5% surcharge). We will consider payment options to help you split the cost, so please get in touch to discuss this with us.
You’ll also have the opportunity to apply for additional bursaries, which are assessed on an individual basis and based on need as well as merit. Once you have been offered a place, you can submit a bursary application form to admissions@artacademy.org.uk. We’ll inform you of our decision once the application process is complete.
While some basic materials are provided for certain Elective Skills Workshop courses, you’ll need to provide most of the materials required to complete the course successfully and cover other costs such as those associated with the final year Graduate Show.
Based on a survey from our previous students, we estimate that these costs will be between £500 and £1,500 per year, although this will vary depending on the materials, chosen disciplines and stage of the programme.
We have a small shop onsite, where you can purchase some materials at a heavily discounted price. You can find some guidance on where to buy other specialist materials in the Student Handbook and from your tutors.
You’ll be expected to visit galleries and exhibitions independently, to help develop your contextual knowledge and practice. Some parts of the programme will also suggest you visit specific exhibitions: many of these are free.
We understand that where there is an entry fee, you may not always be able to attend; while we encourage you to take these trips, they’re not compulsory or essential, and your tutor will prepare an alternative itinerary of free museum and gallery visits that you can follow.
As a small independent art school we are unable to hold places offered indefinitely. If your application is successful you’ll need to pay a deposit of £500 (which is in addition to the course fees) and return your signed contract to secure your place. Your deposit is returned after successful completion of the programme and removal of your Graduate Show installation. If you withdraw from the programme without successfully completing it, or fail to satisfactorily remove your Graduate Show installation (and we incur costs to do so), we will keep your deposit.
We’re an independent institution, so our courses are not subject to public funding. There is therefore no exemption from fees for under 19 year olds or access to student loans.
Once you’ve returned the signed contract and paid your deposit, you have a 14-day cooling off period to change your mind. If you choose to cancel during this time, we’ll refund your full deposit.
You’ll need to pay your tuition fees before the start of the programme. If you decide to cancel after the 14-day period and before the fees are due, your deposit will not be refunded. If you decide to withdraw once you’ve started the programme, you will be liable for the first term’s tuition fees and will not be refunded your deposit. If you decide to cancel your contract or withdraw at any point, you should do so in writing using the form provided.
You will need to give a full term’s notice of withdrawal, informing us by the last teaching day of the previous term: your notice period cannot start part way through a term. If it does, you will be liable to pay full fees for the term’s notice period. Should you need to, you can suspend study for up to 12 months. Please see our withdrawal and interruption of study policy for more information.
Please see our Terms and Conditions for more information on Fees.
Entry Requirements
We consider each application on an individual basis and welcome candidates from a variety of backgrounds.
You’ll attend a 30-45 minute interview with one or two tutors to discuss your application and review your portfolio. This can be done via Skype if needed – please get in touch to find out more. Remember, this discussion is also an opportunity for you to ask us questions!
As part of this, we’ll assess your key artistic skills, level of ability, and enthusiasm to explore new ways of working and develop your ideas. We’ll also evaluate your awareness of artistic concepts, and the cultural, historical and professional contexts of fine art. We’ll review your personal statement and any academic references provided (if applicable).
Although no formal qualifications are required, you’ll need to demonstrate work at least of Level 3 (A-Level) equivalent. In some cases, we may ask to see additional supplementary work.
Intake is only in term one (September). Entry is typically at Stage 1, but we may allow direct entry to Stage 2 if we think you have appropriate prior qualifications and experience – please get in touch to find out more.
You’ll need to bring along a portfolio to your interview, containing:
If you don’t have all of the above, get in touch to talk to us about alternatives.
All applicants are required to demonstrate an appropriate level of English language competence to study with us. This can be through previous study in English (evidencing an approved English language qualification at Level 2, GCSE or equivalent). If you are unable to provide evidence of a relevant, formal English qualification, we will require specific performance in written English tests at interview. Appropriate level of spoken English is assessed at interview.
We do not sponsor international students through the Tier 4 visa system and therefore cannot accept international students unless they are able to prove right of residency in the UK.
We operate a fair and transparent admissions process to ensure that the widest range of people can benefit from the fine art education we provide; find out more in our Admissions policy and Criminal Convictions Policy and Procedure.
When studying with us, it’s important that you are aware of our Academic Regulations and Policies. These outline the agreed procedures and protocols to ensure you understand both the expectations and support available to you. To find out more information please see our Academic Regulations and Policies page.
Open Days
Our open days offer an invaluable opportunity to find out more about our facilities, courses and tutors, and to meet members of our vibrant and welcoming community. If you’d like to attend an open day, please complete the booking form here.
Application Process & Apply
We welcome all enthusiastic candidates to apply. If you are interested in studying with us, please register to attend an open day or email academiccourses@artacademy.org.uk or call +44 (0) 20 7407 6969 to discuss our courses further or arrange a visit.
Application deadline
We will accept applications on a rolling basis. You should note that applications are subject to availability and will not be accepted if the programme has reached capacity.
More information can be found in the Admissions Policy.
To apply, download the application form here. You’ll need to make sure you are using the latest version of Adobe Reader.
You can then send us your completed form via email to admissions@artacademy.org.uk, or by post (along with at least five images of your work) to:
Admissions Team, Art Academy London, Mermaid Court, 165A Borough High Street, London SE1 1HR
Remember, the application form is your first opportunity to tell us about yourself, as well as being a vital source of the information we need to make a decision. Please take your time to complete the form accurately and remember to check you have provided all the information required, including the link to your digital portfolio. We only accept applications on the form provided and reserve the right to reject incomplete or alternative applications.
Should you have any questions about the application process or completing the form, please speak to a member of the Admissions team.
We’ll normally tell you our decision within three weeks. There are three possible outcomes, detailed below.
Conditional offer: this means we will offer you a place providing certain conditions are met before registration on the programme e.g. the completion of outstanding qualifications. Each offer is specific to individual circumstances.
Unconditional offer: this means you’ve met the academic and non-academic entry requirements and have been accepted onto your chosen programme.
Unsuccessful application: this means we have decided not to offer you a place on the programme. Applicants can be unsuccessful for many reasons and should be aware that many of the programmes at the Academy receive far more applications than number of places available.
Feedback on the decision will be given to any applicant who requests it. We will always ensure that the interviews and portfolio reviews are carried out fairly and equally. All those conducting interviews are trained to do so and fully conversant in our Admissions Policy. Although decisions to admit or reject applicants are academic judgments and therefore cannot be appealed, if an applicant feels that the interview and selection process was not conducted fairly and equitably or as described in our Admissions Policy, the process for making a complaint in this regard can be found within the policy document.
You will be notified of the outcome by email. If successful, you’ll also receive: an offer letter, the Terms and Conditions (contract) which you will need to sign and return along with your deposit, and copies of the Student Handbook, Programme Handbook and Academic Regulations. By accepting an offer you agree to abide by the Academy’s Regulations.
You’ll also be invited to our Graduate shows, to get a sense of the community and see what you can achieve by studying with us.
Prior to starting you will be sent the course documents for the Elective Skills Workshop courses and have a meeting or phone conversation with a member of the Academic Team to discuss and agree your choices for the first term. Part-time students will also need to decide on individual routes through the first stage of the programme.
Applicants with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities
We are committed to supporting accessible learning and welcome students with disabilities and special educational needs.
Disclosure
We encourage you to disclose any disabilities or special needs when you apply, so we can plan any support that we may need to provide at the earliest opportunity, including during the admissions process. Admissions decisions are always made on the basis of a candidate’s ability and/or potential to complete the programme.
Accessibility and reasonable adjustments
Provided that a candidate is suitable for the programme applied for, we will make reasonable adjustments for applicants with a physical or mobility impairment in accordance with the Equality Act 2010.
Our premises are old buildings, which means that access to some areas can be problematic for people with a physical disability. This will continue to be an issue for the immediate future and all our premises are currently inaccessible to wheelchair users.
Therefore, where possible, we make appropriate arrangements to hold interviews, classes, workshops, tutorials, exhibitions and other events in accessible spaces in our Mermaid Court and Newington buildings, and can provide alternative storage spaces where these may normally be in inaccessible areas. We are also currently completing a number of works to our main building in Mermaid Court, London Bridge, to improve access and facilities for wheelchair users, including a wheelchair-accessible toilet.
This means that from September 2019 we will be able to accommodate most students with physical disabilities on our academic programmes.
Some of our buildings will remain inaccessible for the foreseeable future (our second building at Mermaid Court and the second floor of our Newington building). We are committed to improving access to all our buildings and are working towards making all areas of our campus fully accessible to all.
Hearing technology for hard of hearing/deaf applicants
Portable induction loops can be provided during open days, interview and in teaching spaces if required.
Other disabilities and conditions
If you have any other disability, specific learning difficulty, health, or mental health difficulty, please contact us to talk about options for support.
SEN students
We welcome students with Special Educational Needs. A bespoke programme of Elective Skills Workshop courses will be mapped if necessary, and alternative assessment models employed where appropriate to provide a parity of opportunity with non-SEN students. Our Head of SEN will act as a personal tutor and first point of contact for all SEN students, and will also ensure that all other tutors working with SEN students understand that student’s needs and how to support them. In the final year of study, SEN students may be given additional support as necessary as they work towards their Graduate Show.
The Head of SEN, and other staff members as relevant, will keep in regular contact with the parents of SEN students if appropriate, including meeting with them to discuss the progress of the student and any issues arising in their course of study.
Disabled students
Students or applicants who declare a disability, specific learning difficulty (such as dyslexia), long term health condition or mental health disability are asked to complete a ‘Student Declaration and Identification of Support Needs’ form. This is in addition to the declaration requested at application and is intended to ensure we capture the information we need to ensure a safe and successful educational career at the Academy. A member of the Academic team will then contact the student to discuss their individual support requirements and agree actions, which are made available to relevant tutors and support staff, informing them of any services and adjustments required.
FAQs
If you don’t find the answer to your question here please contact the Academic team on +44 (0) 20 7407 6969 or email academiccourses@artacademy.org.uk.
Can I study the FD Fine Art (Contemporary Portraiture) part-time?
Yes, part-time students attend two days a week over four years.
Are bursaries or student loans available for the FD Fine Art (Contemporary Portraiture)?
The FD Fine Art (Contemporary Portraiture) is superseding our successful Contemporary Portraiture Diploma, but because it’s a new course those studying on it are not currently eligible for student loans. We can offer advice on possible sources of funding for students. See the ‘Fees and Funding’ section above for more details or contact us to discuss your options.
Do you take mature students for the FD Fine Art (Contemporary Portraiture)?
Yes, applications from mature students are welcomed. Mature students make up a large part of our community.
Do I need to have done any formal training before applying for the FD Fine Art (Contemporary Portraiture)?
No, but the FD Fine Art (Contemporary Portraiture) is for those intending to make art their full-time occupation. During interview, we will consider your level of ability and commitment through discussion and portfolio review.
Is the FD Fine Art (Contemporary Portraiture) recognised or accredited?
Art Academy London is approved by The Open University as an appropriate organisation to offer higher education programmes leading to Open University validated awards. The FD Fine Art (Contemporary Portraiture) is validated by The Open University.
Do I need to supply my own materials?
Yes, materials are not included in your tuition fee costs. For more information on material costs see the ‘Fees & Funding’ section above.
Our BA is designed for those aiming to establish an artistic practice. It gives you the freedom to pursue your own interests and aptitudes through a bespoke programme of study.
Our teaching approach is unique: we keep our class sizes small, and you’ll benefit from the highest tutor contact hours of any higher education art course in the UK. You’ll learn both traditional and contemporary skills from expert tutors who are all practising artists themselves.
As well as helping you develop the in-depth technical skills needed to take your art practice forward, you’ll be encouraged to think critically about the wider theoretical and historical contexts of your discipline(s), and apply that knowledge to your practical work.
And to further enrich your study, you’ll have access to lectures and talks by eminent visiting artists, open access to our print studio and wood & metal workshop, and can drop in to Open Life sessions on weekend mornings. You can also take advantage of free places on our other evening, weekend and short courses (subject to availability).
By the time you graduate, you’ll have the confidence and ability to exhibit your work, take on commissions, apply for further study and find work in the creative industries.
Our BA (Hons) Fine Art is validated by The Open University. For more information about our BA (Hons) Fine Art, please see the Student Handbook, Programme Handbook and Open University Regulations for Validated Awards.
Programme Outline
There are three stages to our BA, which you can complete in three years (full time) or six years (part time). You’ll need to successfully complete each stage in order to progress to the next, including meeting attendance requirements (as detailed in our Attendance Policy).
You will mainly be based at Mermaid Court (London Bridge) with some time in Stages 2 and 3 spent at our Newington site (Elephant and Castle).
There are four main components to the BA, detailed below.
Studio Practice modules: these are where you develop personal projects in response to a series of briefs. These modules are taught through one-to-one tutorials, group critiques, workshops, lectures and practical work in a studio. As part of Studio Practice, you’ll also undertake contextual research to support each of your personal projects, which includes preparatory work, research, and pieces of reflective and discursive writing.
Elective Skills Workshop courses: these courses provide you with intensive training in the technical skills you’ll need to develop your creative vision and directly support your Studio Practice modules. Each course runs for one full day per week per term.
Art Theory, History and Contextual Studies modules: here you will build your contextual knowledge by studying and analysing artistic discourses and theories, and modern and contemporary practice. You’ll do this through lectures, seminars, group activities and gallery visits. These modules are typically assessed through written work.
Professional Development modules: these focus specifically on the skills and knowledge needed for future employment in the arts and creative industries.
You can find detailed information in the ‘Programme yearly structure’ section below.
Autumn term: Monday 9th September – Friday 29th November (reading week 21st October – 26th October)
Spring term: Monday 13th January – Friday 27th March (reading week 17th February – 22nd February)
Summer term: Tuesday 14th April – Monday 22nd June (no reading week)
Programme Yearly Structure
In Stage 1 you’ll focus on exploring and investigating. Stage 1 doesn’t contribute to your final BA grade and classification, but you will need to complete and pass all the modules to progress to Stage 2.
Responding to a practical brief, you’ll experiment with processes, materials and techniques as you build the foundation for your developing art practice. You’ll start to identify areas of interest and to analyse your choices of materials and techniques through the expression of your ideas.
You’ll attend Studio Practice one day a week across all three terms (full time) or one day per week across three of the six terms available (part time). You’ll also work independently on your project for at least one day a week.
During Stage 1, these modules are taught in studios throughout our buildings. Stage 1 students aren’t given personal studio space.
You’ll attend two to three Elective Skills Workshop courses each term (or one to two for part time students), including a compulsory drawing elective in each term (or across three of the six terms available for part time). You’ll also have to complete the Digital Development course to prepare you for the Professional Development module in Stage 2.
You can then choose a maximum of four other Elective Skills Workshop courses in any discipline to study across Stage 1.
This will introduce you to the critical evaluation of art and builds your academic research and writing skills. You’ll attend taught sessions one day a week, across one term in Stage 1, and complete independent study. The module is typically assessed through an essay.
Stage 2 counts for 33% of your final BA grade and classification. You’ll now start to focus on self-reflection and analysis.
These modules run for two full days each week across all three terms (full time) or one day per week across three of the six terms available (part time).
Your third Studio Practice project is an exciting live commission, where you’ll source a client, negotiate a brief and complete an artwork. The other two Studio Practice modules focus on further developing your own art practice, preparing you for Stage 3. In Stage 2, you’ll be given your own studio space to work on your Studio Practice modules independently, outside taught sessions.
There will be visits from guest lecturers and speakers, artist talks and workshops. You’ll also have access to lectures, seminars and workshops introducing you to a wide range of subjects – such as feminism, philosophy and science – which will feed into your art practice, providing inspiration for areas of investigation.
Whether you’re studying full or part time, you’ll pick between two and five Elective Skills Workshop courses across Stage 2 to help refine your technique within your chosen discipline(s). Although drawing is no longer compulsory in Stage 2, you can choose drawing electives if they’re relevant to your practice and development.
Over one term, you’ll spend one day a week developing your understanding of key artists and thinkers from 1900 to the present day, and their influences on contemporary practice. You’ll also undertake independent study and typically have to complete an essay for assessment.
To help prepare you for life as a practising artist, you’ll also complete a professional development module, which looks at everything from PR & branding, to completing residencies, to taxation for the self employed artist.
You’ll create a portfolio of evidence for assessment, which includes creating a website, marketing plans and evidence of the use of marketing and business tools. You’ll need to study independently in addition to your taught sessions to complete this module.
The final stage of your BA is where you really come into your own as an artist. You’ll focus on creating one major body of work that is entirely self-initiated and self-directed in your own dedicated studio space. This stage counts for 67% of your final BA grade and classification.
At Stage 3, you’re expected to be increasingly independent in the studio, but you’ll still be supported through regular group critiques and one-to-one tutorials as you hone your own practice, research your artist’s statement and prepare to exhibit at the Graduate Show.
As a full-time student, you will typically spend two days a week per term working on your Studio Practice project, and undertake independent study on your self-initiated brief. If you choose to study part-time, you’ll typically spend one day a week per term on Studio Practice throughout the two years.
This module is assessed at the Graduate Show. You’ll also submit a supporting portfolio of developmental work and take part in a viva voce with a team of tutors and an external assessor, where you’ll answer questions about your project development, curatorial choices and contextual knowledge.
You’ll choose a maximum of one Elective Skills Workshop course each term, to hone the skills needed for your final personal project (full time). Part time students will take a maximum of three electives spread throughout the two years of Stage 3.
You’ll complete an extended research project – supported by your tutor in one-to-one sessions – focusing on an area of research that supports the development of your practical work.
In this module, you’ll build on skills learnt in Stage 2, investigating an area of practice relevant to your own progression goals through an extended research project.
Tutor Contact Time
Our BA (Hons) Fine Art offers some of the highest contact hours of any higher education art course in the UK. As a full time student, you’ll receive three to four days per week of tutored time in Stages 1 and 2 (two days as a part time student). In Stage 3, the focus switches to Studio Practice project work and preparing for the Graduate Show, but you’ll still receive up to 14 hours contact time a week, plus one-to-one tutorials covering Professional Development and preparation for your extended contextual research project.
Tutors
The lead tutors for the Contemporary Portraiture FD are:
Our Studio Practice tutors include Julian Wild, Sarah Gillham, Alison Hand, Sue Spaull and Lynne Abrahamsson. Briony Marshall is our Professional Development Programme Leader.
The tutors you are taught by within the Elective Skills Workshop courses will depend on the courses you choose. You can view all our tutors here.
Student Support
We provide high levels of support and guidance for every step of your journey – from first enquiry to your graduation. We pride ourselves on our close community, where students feel safe and able to seek advice and guidance from our staff. For more information detailing the main areas of support, please see our Student Support page.
Student Story
I’ve been at the Academy for just over two years now, beginning with the Certificate, then the Foundation, and am currently about to wrap up the first year of the three year full-time BA Hons in Fine Art. I feel very fortunate that the first course I enrolled upon here was Materials & Mark Making taught by Alison Hand. The idea of making marks as art was new to me but resonated deeply, and the whole course redefined my concept of drawing. It set the standards of what is possible.
I spend time with my own dedicated year group once or twice a week. The Elective Skills Workshops classes are attended by students across the board, and whoever is in that day, no matter which course they are on, tends to come together around the tables at lunchtime in the common area where stories and experiences are exchanged. It becomes a naturally caring and supportive environment, perhaps a rarity at this level of education these days… READ MORE
Martin Pirongs, BA (Hons) Fine Art student
Student Opportunities
By the time you graduate, you’ll have exhibited work, built a website and social media profiles, completed a commission, created an online and physical portfolio and developed a network of contacts.
We often offer exhibiting opportunities to our students and alumni. Academy students have gone on to win large commissions and undertake residency opportunities, including:
Every year, we hold a series of prizes including The Kennerley Prize for Academic Excellence, the Art Academy Drawing Prize, the Art Academy Portrait Prize, The Surrey Sculpture Society Prize, The Peer Prize, the Pure Arts Prize and the Liberty Arts Prize.
Fees & Funding
Every first-year student joining the BA in September 2019 will have access to the AAL Academic Bursary for the duration of the programme; this will reduce our fees to significantly below national levels for degree courses. Our 2019/20 fees (inclusive of the bursary) are set out below:
| COURSEFull time BA – 3 years | PER YEAR £6,700.00 | PER TERM £2,345.00 | |
| COURSEPart time BA – 6 years | PER YEAR £3,484.00 | PER TERM £1,219.40 |
We review our fees annually; they are likely to increase due to inflation in the following academic years (this is capped at 5% p.a.).
Fees must be paid in advance, and you can pay them yearly or by term (incurring a 5% surcharge). We will consider payment options to help you split the cost, so please get in touch to discuss this with us.
You’ll also have the opportunity to apply for additional bursaries, which are assessed on an individual basis and based on need as well as merit. Once you have been offered a place, you can submit a bursary application form to admissions@artacademy.org.uk. We’ll inform you of our decision once the application process is complete.
While some basic materials are provided for certain Elective Skills Workshop courses, you’ll need to provide most of the materials required to complete the course successfully and cover other costs such as those associated with the final year Graduate Show.
Based on a survey from our previous students, we estimate that these costs will be between £500 and £1,500 per year, although this will vary depending on the materials, chosen disciplines and stage of the programme.
We have a small shop onsite, where you can purchase some materials at a heavily discounted price. You can find guidance on where to buy other specialist materials in the Student Handbook and from your tutors.
You’ll be expected to visit galleries and exhibitions independently, to help develop your contextual knowledge and practice. Some parts of the programme will also suggest you visit specific exhibitions; many of these are free.
We understand that where there is an entry fee, you may not always be able to attend; while we encourage you to take these trips, they’re not compulsory or essential, and your tutor will prepare an alternative itinerary of free museum and gallery visits that you can follow.
As a small independent art school we are unable to hold places offered indefinitely. If your application is successful you’ll need to pay a deposit of £500 (which is in addition to the course fees) and return your signed contract to secure your place. Your deposit is returned after successful completion of the programme and removal of your Graduate Show installation. If you withdraw from the programme without successfully completing it, or fail to satisfactorily remove your Graduate Show installation (and we incur costs to do so), we will keep your deposit.
We’re an independent institution, so our courses are not subject to public funding. There is therefore no exemption from fees for under 19 year olds or access to student loans.
Once you’ve returned the signed contract and paid your deposit, you have a 14-day cooling off period to change your mind. If you choose to cancel during this time, we’ll refund your full deposit.
You’ll need to pay your tuition fees before the start of the programme. If you decide to cancel after the 14-day period and before the fees are due, your deposit will not be refunded. If you decide to withdraw once you’ve started the programme, you will be liable for the first term’s tuition fees and will not be refunded your deposit. If you decide to cancel your contract or withdraw at any point, you should do so in writing using the form provided.
You will need to give a full term’s notice of withdrawal, informing us by the last teaching day of the previous term: your notice period cannot start part way through a term. If it does, you will be liable to pay full fees for the term’s notice period. Should you need to, you can suspend study for up to 12 months. Please see our withdrawal and interruption of study policy for more information.
Please see our Terms and Conditions for more information on Fees.
Entry Requirements
We consider each application on an individual basis and welcome candidates from a variety of backgrounds.
You’ll attend a 30-45 minute interview with one or two tutors to discuss your application and review your portfolio. This can be done via Skype if needed – please get in touch to find out more. Remember, this discussion is also an opportunity for you to ask us questions!
As part of this, we’ll assess your key artistic skills, level of ability, and enthusiasm to explore new ways of working and develop your ideas. We’ll also evaluate your awareness of artistic concepts, and the cultural, historical and professional contexts of fine art. We’ll review your personal statement and any academic references provided (if applicable).
Although no formal qualifications are required, you’ll need to demonstrate work at least of Level 3 (A-Level) equivalent. In some cases, we may ask to see additional supplementary work.
Intake is only in term one (September). Entry is typically at Stage 1, but we may allow direct entry to Stages 2 or 3 if we think you have appropriate prior qualifications and experience – please get in touch to find out more.
You’ll need to bring along a portfolio to your interview, containing:
If you don’t have all of the above, get in touch to talk to us about alternatives.
All applicants are required to demonstrate an appropriate level of English language competence to study with us. This can be through previous study in English (evidencing an approved English language qualification at Level 2, GCSE or equivalent). If you are unable to provide evidence of a relevant, formal English qualification, we will require specific performance in written English tests at interview. Appropriate level of spoken English is assessed at interview.
We do not sponsor international students through the Tier 4 visa system and therefore cannot accept international students unless they are able to prove right of residency in the UK.
We operate a fair and transparent admissions process to ensure that the widest range of people can benefit from the fine art education we provide; find out more in our Admissions policy and Criminal Convictions Policy and Procedure.
When studying with us, it’s important that you are aware of our Academic Regulations and Policies. These outline the agreed procedures and protocols to ensure you understand both the expectations and support available to you. To find out more information please see our Academic Regulations and Policies page.
Open Days
Our open days offer an invaluable opportunity to find out more about our facilities, courses and tutors, and to meet members of our vibrant and welcoming community. If you’d like to attend an open day, please complete the booking form here.
Application Process & Apply
We welcome all enthusiastic candidates to apply. If you are interested in studying with us, please register to attend an open day or email academiccourses@artacademy.org.uk or call +44 (0) 20 7407 6969 to discuss our courses further or arrange a visit.
We accept applications on a rolling basis. You should note that applications are subject to availability and will not be accepted if the programme has reached capacity.
More information can be found in the Admissions Policy.
To apply, download the application form here. You’ll need to make sure you are using the latest version of Adobe Reader.
You can then send us your completed form via email to admissions@artacademy.org.uk, or by post (along with at least five images of your work) to:
Admissions Team, Art Academy London, Mermaid Court, 165A Borough High Street, London SE1 1HR
Remember, the application form is your first opportunity to tell us about yourself, as well as being a vital source of the information we need to make a decision. Please take your time to complete the form accurately and remember to check you have provided all the information required, including the link to your digital portfolio. We only accept applications on the form provided and reserve the right to reject incomplete or alternative applications.
Should you have any questions about the application process or completing the form, please speak to a member of the Admissions team.
We’ll normally tell you our decision within three weeks. There are three possible outcomes, detailed below.
Conditional offer: this means we will offer you a place providing certain conditions are met before registration on the programme e.g. the completion of outstanding qualifications. Each offer is specific to individual circumstances.
Unconditional offer: this means you’ve met the academic and non-academic entry requirements and have been accepted onto your chosen programme.
Unsuccessful application: this means we have decided not to offer you a place on the programme. Applicants can be unsuccessful for many reasons and should be aware that many of the programmes at the Academy receive far more applications than number of places available.
Feedback on the decision will be given to any applicant who requests it. We will always ensure that the interviews and portfolio reviews are carried out fairly and equally. All those conducting interviews are trained to do so and fully conversant in our Admissions Policy. Although decisions to admit or reject applicants are academic judgments and therefore cannot be appealed, if an applicant feels that the interview and selection process was not conducted fairly and equitably or as described in our Admissions Policy, the process for making a complaint in this regard can be found within the policy document.
You will be notified of the outcome by email. If successful, you’ll also receive: an offer letter, the Terms and Conditions (contract) which you will need to sign and return along with your deposit, and copies of the Student Handbook, Programme Handbook and Academic Regulations. By accepting an offer you agree to abide by the Academy’s Regulations.
You’ll also be invited to our Graduate shows, to get a sense of the community and see what you can achieve by studying with us.
Prior to starting you will be sent the course documents for the Elective Skills Workshop courses and have a meeting or phone conversation with a member of the Academic Team to discuss and agree your choices for the first term. Part-time students will also need to decide on individual routes through the first stage of the programme.
Applicants with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities
We are committed to supporting accessible learning and welcome students with disabilities and special educational needs.
Disclosure
We encourage you to disclose any disabilities or special needs when you apply, so we can plan any support that we may need to provide at the earliest opportunity, including during the admissions process. Admissions decisions are always made on the basis of a candidate’s ability and/or potential to complete the programme.
Accessibility and reasonable adjustments
Provided that a candidate is suitable for the programme applied for, we will make reasonable adjustments for applicants with a physical or mobility impairment in accordance with the Equality Act 2010.
Our premises are old buildings, which means that access to some areas can be problematic for people with a physical disability. This will continue to be an issue for the immediate future and all our premises are currently inaccessible to wheelchair users.
Therefore, where possible, we make appropriate arrangements to hold interviews, classes, workshops, tutorials, exhibitions and other events in accessible spaces in our Mermaid Court and Newington buildings, and can provide alternative storage spaces where these may normally be in inaccessible areas. We are also currently completing a number of works to our main building in Mermaid Court, London Bridge, to improve access and facilities for wheelchair users, including a wheelchair-accessible toilet.
This means that from September 2019 we will be able to accommodate most students with physical disabilities on our academic programmes.
Some of our buildings will remain inaccessible for the foreseeable future (our second building at Mermaid Court and the second floor of our Newington building). We are committed to improving access to all our buildings and are working towards making all areas of our campus fully accessible to all.
Hearing technology for hard of hearing/deaf applicants
Portable induction loops can be provided during open days, interview and in teaching spaces if required.
Other disabilities and conditions
If you have any other disability, specific learning difficulty, health, or mental health difficulty, please contact us to talk about options for support.
SEN students
We welcome students with Special Educational Needs. A bespoke programme of Elective Skills Workshop courses will be mapped if necessary, and alternative assessment models employed where appropriate to provide a parity of opportunity with non-SEN students. Our Head of SEN will act as a personal tutor and first point of contact for all SEN students, and will also ensure that all other tutors working with SEN students understand that student’s needs and how to support them. In the final year of study, SEN students may be given additional support as necessary as they work towards their Graduate Show.
The Head of SEN, and other staff members as relevant, will keep in regular contact with the parents of SEN students if appropriate, including meeting with them to discuss the progress of the student and any issues arising in their course of study.
Disabled students
Students or applicants who declare a disability, specific learning difficulty (such as dyslexia), long term health condition or mental health disability are asked to complete a ‘Student Declaration and Identification of Support Needs’ form. This is in addition to the declaration requested at application and is intended to ensure we capture the information we need to ensure a safe and successful educational career at the Academy. A member of the Academic team will then contact the student to discuss their individual support requirements and agree actions, which are made available to relevant tutors and support staff, informing them of any services and adjustments required.
FAQs
If you don’t find the answer to your question here please contact the Academic team on +44 (0) 20 7407 6969 or email academiccourses@artacademy.org.uk.
Can I study the BA (Hons) Fine Art part-time?
Yes, part-time students attend two days a week over five years; it takes four years to complete Stages 1 and 2, and a further year to complete Stage 3.
Are bursaries or student loans available for the BA (Hons) Fine Art?
The BA (Hons) Fine Art is superseding our successful Fine Art Diploma, but because it’s new course, those studying on it are currently not eligible for student loans. We can offer advice on possible sources of funding for students. See the ‘Fees and Funding’ section above for more details or contact us to discuss your options.
Do you take mature students for the BA (Hons) Fine Art?
Yes, applications from mature students are welcomed. Mature students make up a large part of our community.
Do I need to have done any formal training before applying for the BA (Hons) Fine Art?
No, but the BA (Hons) Fine Art is for those intending to make art their full-time occupation. During interview, we will consider your level of ability and commitment through discussion and portfolio review.
Is the BA (Hons) Fine Art recognised or accredited?
Art Academy London is approved by The Open University as an appropriate organisation to offer higher education programmes leading to Open University validated awards. Our BA (Hons) Fine Art is validated by The Open University.
Do I need to supply my own materials?
Yes, materials are not included in your tuition fee costs. For more information on material costs see the ‘Fees & Funding’ section above.
Thank you for your interest in applying to study with us! This application form is the first opportunity for you to tell us about yourself; please take the time to complete it accurately and check that you have completed all the sections before you submit it.
This PDF is interactive and works best with the latest version of Adobe Acrobat (if you don’t have this you can download it here). You’ll need to download the application form and fill it out electronically, before emailing your completed form to: admissions@artacademy.org.uk
Alternatively, you can print this application form and post a completed hard copy to Admissions Team, Art Academy London, 165A Borough High Street, London SE1 1HR.
Thank you for your interest in applying to study with us! This application form is the first opportunity for you to tell us about yourself; please take the time to complete it accurately and check that you have completed all the sections before you submit it.
This PDF is interactive and works best with the latest version of Adobe Acrobat (if you don’t have this you can download it here). You’ll need to download the application form and fill it out electronically, before emailing your completed form to: admissions@artacademy.org.uk
Alternatively, you can print this application form and post a completed hard copy to Admissions Team, Art Academy London, 165A Borough High Street, London SE1 1HR.
Thank you for your interest in applying to study with us! This application form is the first opportunity for you to tell us about yourself; please take the time to complete it accurately and check that you have completed all the sections before you submit it.
This PDF is interactive and works best with the latest version of Adobe Acrobat (if you don’t have this you can download it here). You’ll need to download the application form and fill it out electronically, before emailing your completed form to: admissions@artacademy.org.uk
Alternatively, you can print this application form and post a completed hard copy to Admissions Team, Art Academy London, 165A Borough High Street, London SE1 1HR.
The Academy’s Fine Art Foundation course is an internally awarded, proven route to the University or art school of your choice. Because we are not beholden to the syllabus of an exam board, we are able to focus on delivering a thoroughly useful programme suited to our students needs. This means our Foundation Course is completely different to others; we offer a highly individual, bespoke programme of study, where students learn skills and are given the freedom to explore a wide range of disciplines and approaches to fine art practice. However just like all other Foundation courses, our Foundation course is subject to external moderation to ensure that our standards are comparable to national benchmarks.
We believe the basics of a contemporary art practice come from learning technical, analytical and creative skills from a diverse range of professional artists. We have three 10-week terms a year and our students usually attend for full days (10am-5pm) rather than short lectures or seminars. We’ll offer you an unrivalled amount of teaching hours (3 days/ 18 hours per week, full time and 2 days/12 hours per week, part time), providing you with essential skills and techniques to enable you to fulfil your potential and embark on a future in the creative industries.
At the Academy you will choose a programme to best suit your interests and advance your artistic skills. From there you will be encouraged to develop your creativity as well as your conceptual and critical understanding. The Academy doesn’t place emphasis on a house style, or support one particular approach or discipline; you will be free to explore the genre as you choose, challenging its boundaries or working more strictly within them.
Central to our philosophy is that teaching and learning should be in small, supportive groups: our tutors get to know students individually, and students learn from both the tutor and from each other with tutor to student ratios not exceeding 1 to 15. Our teaching body is second to none. All our tutors are practising artists in their own right. They include prize-winning artists, artists with work in national collections and members of leading arts organisations. You will work in a dynamic, supportive and interdisciplinary environment and will finish the year with a comprehensive portfolio, honed art skills and a clear sense of artistic self, increasing your chances of securing a place at a sought after art school or University. The Academy’s Fine Art Foundation course is a well-recognised programme and our students are regularly accepted onto further study courses at top universities and art schools.
You also have the opportunity to apply for our Diploma programmes before general applications are accepted.
Students are also able to take advantage of free places on the Academy’s public courses (evening, weekend and short courses). These are available at the discretion of the Academy and subject to availability.*
Please see the Fine Art Foundation Student Handbook and Programme Handbook for more information.
*Free places are only available on those courses which have not achieved full enrolment. Places are allocated on a first come first serve basis and the Academy cannot guarantee any place.
Course Outline
The Fine Art Foundation is led by Lynn Dennison, Foundation Programme Leader. The course takes place at both Mermaid Court (165A Borough High Street, London, SE1 1HR) and our Newington site (155 Walworth Road, SE17 1RS).
Students have access to their personal dedicated studio space in the Foundation studio space at our Newington site (9am-9pm Monday to Thursday). This space is used for project work and self-directed study.
The programme comprises 3 main components:
Autumn term – Monday 17th September to Friday 30th November (Half term – 22nd to 28th October)
Spring term – Monday 14th January to Friday 29th March (Half term – 18th to 24th February)
Summer term – Tuesday 23rd April to Monday 1st July
Autumn term – Monday 9th September to Friday 29th November (Half term – 21st to 26th October)
Spring term – Monday 13th January to Friday 27th March (Half term – 17th to 22nd February)
Summer term – Tuesday 14th April to Monday 22nd June
The Personal Project modules form the core of the course. You will develop work and critical skills in response to a series of practical briefs that encourage increasingly independent learning. These modules run throughout the entire programme with 1 each term. Personal Project modules are 1 day a week, taught through a mixture of 1-2-1 tutorials, group critiques, workshops and lectures, with students undertaking mostly practical work in a studio.
Your tutors and visiting tutors ensures you gain knowledge and understanding of the wider contexts and critical discourses relating to your own emerging fine art practice. For each Personal Project module throughout the programme you will be expected to collate a portfolio of evidence for assessment, which includes preparatory work, research work and final pieces (where relevant). Students present their work to tutors and peers for assessment at the end of each term. You will be additionally set mini holiday briefs over the christmas and Easter breaks, to enable you to continue to develop your portfolio for university application and interview. Each of the Personal Project modules equates to 30% of your final Foundation Diploma grade.
These 1 day per week, term-long courses underpin the Personal Project modules and are where you will receive intensive training in the technical skills necessary for your chosen discipline(s). These courses cover a wide range of disciplines with technical progress developed in whatever discipline you choose to pursue. You can work across multiple disciplines or follow a path focusing on a single discipline, such as painting, sculpture, digital media, installation or printmaking, allowing you to tailor your learning to your specific interests.
The Elective Skills Workshop Courses are not subject to summative assessment. They are intended to give you the freedom and space to experiment with skills and approaches which will in from the development of your personal projects.
The days you attend the Academy will vary from term to term, depending on which Elective Skills Workshop Course you choose (please note, however, the day you attend the personal project will remain fixed throughout the year).
This module comprises of 6 sessions in terms 1 and 2 introducing a series of fundamental questions about what art is and how we can study it. What is ‘an artist’? What does it mean to view an artwork ‘in context’? How can we compare the work of artists from different cultures? Does art communicate? It is assessed through a visual annotation exercise, which requires you to use both descriptive and analytical skills. You will also be required to do a presentation in working with another student, comparing and contrasting two works of art. The Art Theory module contributes 10% of your final Foundation Diploma grade.
Course Termly Structure
As a full time student you will spend 3 tutored days a week studying at the Academy; 2 days per week on Elective Skills Workshops and 1 day a week working with tutors on your personal project, developing your portfolio and studying Art Theory. At least 1 further day per week should be spent developing your project work independently in your own dedicated studio space.
You will explore a range of mediums and ways of working. We want you to become confident in your expressive abilities and to discover the joy of experimentation. In this term you will cover 4 disciplines to give you an introductory awareness to different mediums; Installation and Sculpture, Drawing, Painting and Digital Media. These 4 disciplines are covered in a series of compulsory courses. Each course runs for 1 full day per week for 5 weeks. The 4 compulsory courses are:
You will be given the opportunity to select courses that reflect your interests and abilities and give you a greater understanding of different medias and techniques. You can gain skills in a range of specialist areas across 5 disciplines; painting, drawing, sculpture, printmaking and digital media. You will receive targeted sessions on portfolio development with an expert tutor, preparing you for interviews.
In the Summer term you will work towards your final exhibition as well as completing 2 final courses to complement and support the development of your work. Individual tutors and the Foundation Programme Leader will constantly monitor your progress and each module will be followed by a thorough critique and roundup session.
In this term you will cover 2 of the 4 compulsory disciplines. Each course runs for 1 full day per week for 5 weeks. The 2 compulsory courses are:
1 day per week will be spent working on your personal project answering a open brief based on a visit to the Tate. This personal project will stretch into the first half of the second term.
In this term you will be given the opportunity to select a 1 day per week, 10 week course, that reflects your interests and abilities. You can gain skills in a range of specialist areas across 5 disciplines; painting, drawing, sculpture, printmaking and digital media. 1 day per week will be spent working on your personal project, answering an open brief with emphasis on experimentation and continuous development. This personal project will begin half way through this term and span the third term.
In this term you will be given the opportunity to select a 1 day a week, 10 week course, that reflects your interests and abilities. 1 day per week will be spent continuing the personal project begun in term 2.
If this term you will cover 2 of the 4 compulsory disciplines. Each course runs for 1 full day per week for 5 weeks. The 2 compulsory courses are:
1 day per week will be spent working on portfolio building based on the first year’s personal projects, degree course applications and Art Theory. This will stretch into the first half of the second term.
In this term you will be given the opportunity to select a 1 day a week, 10 week course, that reflects your interests and abilities. 1 day per week will be spent working on preparing for your Graduate Show. Preparation will begin half way through this term and span the third term.
In this term you will be given the opportunity to select a 1 day a week, 10 week course, that reflects your interests and abilities. 1 day per week will be spent continuing with preparations for your Graduate Show.
Tutor Contact Time
At the Academy, we believe a contemporary art practice is best developed by learning skills from professional artists so we invest unrivalled teaching time in evolving your practice.
The Academy will provide you with personal tutorial support and teach you practical techniques. This approach is unlike any other Fine Art Foundation course in the UK. The course, if studied full time, consists of 3 days a week tutored by a professional, practising artist and at least 1 self-led day spent developing your project work.
We aim to give you exposure to a wealth of disciplines to help you to discover which areas of art & design best suit your personality and abilities. As well as gaining technical skills, we’ll help you develop independent thought and confidence in your practice.
Course Tutors
The lead tutors on the Fine Art Foundation are:
Lynn Dennison is our Foundation Programme Leader. David Hodge is Art History & Theory Programme Leader, Alex Virji is our Foundation core tutor and, along with Lynn, helps students develop their personal projects while CJ Mahony helps students with their portfolio preparation.
The tutors you are taught by within the Elective Skills Workshop courses will depend upon the modules you undertake. You can view all our tutors here.
Student Story
“The Art Academy has provided me with a layer of confidence across all mediums. After finding out what I wanted to pursue the staff and team helped me to fulfill my personal goals and targets. You build a close relationship with your tutors as well as your peers, which helped me meet so many new people and pushed me to where I am today.
During my Elective Skills Workshop courses I learnt basic skills as well as complex techniques that I could later use in my own practice. Having access to multiple studios and lecturers helped me strive as an artist and I was able to find the niche of work that I liked to create. Plus I was creating in a… READ MORE
Thomas Hall-Thompson, Fine Art Foundation Student
Student Progression
The Fine Art Foundation is designed to help students prepare for their application and interview for their chosen path of study. You leave with a comprehensive portfolio, honed art skills and a clear sense of your artistic self.
The Foundation Programme leader and tutors will make sure that you have a clear understanding of your chosen subject area and which institutions you are best suited to. You will have mock interviews and receive help with the organisation and presentation of your portfolio.
Many students enjoy the unique approach of the Academy, choosing to stay on and continue their development on our BA Fine Art, but our students have also progressed to many top universities and art schools including:
Camberwell College of Arts, UAL, BA Fine Art
Chelsea College of Arts, UAL, BA Fine Art
Central St Martins, UAL, BA Fine Art, BA Architecture
Goldsmiths, BA Fine Art & History of Art
Glasgow School of Art, BA Fine Art
London College of Communication, UAL, BA Photography
Manchester Metropolitan University, BA Fine Art
The Slade School of Fine Art, UCL, BA Fine Art
The Ruskin School of Art, Oxford University, BA Fine Art
The University of Brighton, BA Fine Art Painting
The University of Edinburgh, BA Fine Art
The University of Westminster, BA Architecture, BA Graphic Design
Wimbledon College of Art, UAL, BA Fine Art
Fees & Funding
Fees must be paid in advance and can be paid yearly or termly (the latter incurring a 5% surcharge). We will consider payment options to help you split the cost, so please get in touch to discuss this with us.
| COURSE Full-time Foundation (UK/EU) | PER YEAR £5,215 | PER TERM £1,826 | |
| COURSE Part-time Foundation (UK/EU) | PER YEAR £3,350 | PER TERM £1,173 |
Please note, these are our 2019-2020 fees. Fees are subject to annual review and are likely to increase by due to inflation in the following academic years. (such increases will not exceed 5% annually).
Studying Fine Art at this level will incur costs in addition to fees, accommodation, travel and usual living expenses. Whilst some basic materials are provided for certain Elective Skills Workshop courses, you will be required to cover other costs such as those associated with the Graduate Show and materials required to successfully complete the course. We estimate that these costs will be between £300 and £700*, depending on materials and chosen disciplines.
The Academy has a small shop onsite, where you will be able to purchase some materials. Some guidance on where to purchase other specialist materials is in the student handbook and tutors can also advise you.
* Please be aware that this is an estimate for guidance only (based on survey results from previous students) and actual expenditure will vary from student to student, depending on the nature of the practical work they choose to make.
It is expected that students studying at this level will visit galleries and exhibitions independently, as part of the development of the contextual knowledge and practice. Some components of the programme will suggest students visit relevant exhibitions. These are quite often free as they are in commercial galleries. Where there is an entry fee, whilst we encourage you to take these trips, we understand it is not always possible, so they are not compulsory nor essential. If you are not able to participate, the tutor will prepare an alternative itinerary of free museum and gallery visits that you can follow.
As a small independent art school we are unable to hold places offered indefinitely. If your application is successful you will need to pay the deposit of £400 and return your signed contract to secure your place. The Deposit is in addition to the fees. Your deposit is returned after successful completion of the programme and removal of your Graduate Show installation. Should you withdraw from the programme without successfully completing it we will retain your deposit. Should you fail to satisfactorily remove your Graduate Show installation, and the Academy incur costs to do so, we will retain your deposit.
We have a limited number of bursaries (typically 25%) available for students starting their Fine Art Diploma in September 2019. Applicants must have been offered a place before submitting a bursary application. The bursary application form can be found here. Please complete this form and email it to admissions@artacademy.org.uk. Bursaries are awarded based on need and merit. Bursary applicants will be informed of the decision after the application process is complete.
As an independent institution our courses are not subject to public funding and as a result there is no exemption from fees for under 19 year olds or access to student loans.
Once you have returned the signed contract and deposit to secure your place you have a 14 day cooling off period to change your mind and cancel, at which point your full deposit will be refunded. Fees are due prior to the start of the programme. If you decide to cancel after the 14 day period and before the fees are due, you will not be eligible for a refund of your deposit. If you begin the course and decide to withdraw you will be liable for the tuition fees for the first term and will not be eligible for a refund of your deposit. If you decide to cancel your contract or withdraw at any point, you should do so in writing using the form provided.
Once enrolled or re-enrolled as a student, should you decide to withdraw from your programme, you are required to give the Academy a full term’s notice, informing us by the last teaching day of the previous term: the notice period cannot commence part way through a term. If it does, you will be liable to pay full fees for the term’s notice period. Should you need to, you are able to suspend study for up to 12 months (please see our withdrawal and interruption of study policy).
Please see our Terms and Conditions for more information on Fees.
Entry Requirements
Ideally, you will have an A-Level in Fine Art (or equivalent) and have developed a portfolio that you can bring to your interview, but there are no pre-requisite qualifications to making an application to the Foundation.
On receiving an application, we will offer candidates who meet the entry requirements an interview.
Applicants will be evaluated against the following criteria:
● The ability to demonstrate a range of fine art experience including an awareness of the cultural, historical and professional contexts of fine art and key artistic skills through an interview and portfolio review.
● Satisfactory academic reference, if applicable.
● Personal statement
You will be asked to bring to the interview a portfolio containing the following:
If you do not have all of the above, please do not worry; contact the office and we can speak to you about alternatives.
All applicants are required to demonstrate an appropriate level of English Language competence to gain entry to the Academy. This can be through previous study in English (evidencing an approved English language qualification at Level 2, GCSE or equivalent). Where an applicant is unable to provide evidence of a relevant, formal English qualification, the Academy will require specific performance in written English tests at interview. Appropriate level of spoken English is assessed at interview.
The Academy operates a fair and transparent admissions process to ensure that the widest range of people (with the motivation and ability to study at the correct level) have an opportunity to benefit from the Fine Art education we provide. To find out more information please see the Academy’s Admissions policy and Criminal Convictions Policy and Procedure.
As a student of the Academy it is very important you are aware of our Academic Regulations and Policies. These apply to any of our students studying on any of our Degree and Pre-Degree programmes and outline the agreed procedures and protocols to ensure all students understand both expectations and support available to them. To find out more information please see our Academic Regulations and Policies page.
Open Days
If you are interested in studying at the Academy and would like to attend one of our Open Days, please fill in our Open Day form on our Open Day page.
Our Open Days offer an invaluable opportunity to gain in-depth information on our courses, learn about our dedicated and talented tutors and experience our vibrant and welcoming community.
Apply
We welcome applications from all enthusiastic candidates. Please email academiccourses@artacademy.org.uk or call +44 (0) 20 7407 6969 to discuss courses further or arrange a visit.
Applicants who apply by 25th January will be interviewed by 15th February and will be informed of the outcome by 8th March. If successful, the offer must be accepted by 5th April.
After 25th January applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. This is subject to availability; we will not be receiving applications if the programme has reached capacity.
More information on the admissions process can be found on the Academy’s Admissions Policy.
You can apply for the Fine Art Foundation starting September 2019 online or by post. To apply online you must fill in our online application form. If you are applying via post you can download an application form here. This must be posted, along with at least 5 images of your work, to:
Admissions Team, The Art Academy, Mermaid Court, 165A Borough High Street, London SE1 1HR
FAQ
If you don’t find the answer to your question here please contact the Academic team on +44 (0) 20 7407 6969 or email academiccourses@artacademy.org.uk:
We don’t ask for any particular qualifications. The course is carefully structured in such a way that even students who have pursued no formal art studies can both take part in and benefit. The application and interview process will help determine whether the course is right for you.
No, although certain aspects of the course are aimed at preparing students for further study, the course would benefit anyone who wants to explore a wide range of fine art disciplines and learn about life as an artist.
The course is designed to cover a whole range of fine art disciplines, but you will have the possibility to steer your studies and projects in a particular direction and towards specific media, especially towards the end of the course when you may be developing a specialism.
There is no upper age limit for applicants to the Academy, and all applications are considered on their merits. Students under the age of 18 are generally not admitted due to lack of experience and levels of ability, however, in exceptional circumstances the Academy will accept students under 18 (though not below the age of 16) for the Foundation Course, which is designed to enable progression onto undergraduate degrees.
All applicants, regardless of age will need to demonstrate they meet the specific entry criteria for the programme of study.
Our Fine Art Foundation is internally accredited and awarded and is not subject to funding from the EFA or SFA. It is therefore a full cost course. Neither is it eligible for student support under the Student Loans Company scheme. The Academy can offer advice on possible sources of funding. Please contact us to discuss your options.
Yes, applications from mature students are welcomed.
Fees can be paid yearly or termly – full details can be found on the ‘Fees & Funding’ section of the Fine Art Foundation webpage. The first term of year 1 must be paid for prior to the start the course. Furthermore there is a deposit required from all students enrolling on the course.
Upon successful completion you will receive an in-house Foundation Diploma (instead of a conventional Btec or UAL qualification), which attests to your individual achievements. Our in house Foundation Diploma is not part of QCF (Qualifications and Credit Framework). This allows the course to focus on delivering a thoroughly useful programme suited to its students needs. The Academy’s Foundation course is a well-recognised programme and our students are regularly accepted onto further study courses at top universities. However just like all other Foundation courses, our Foundation course is subject to external moderation to ensure that our standards are comparable to national benchmarks.
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AAL student Martin Pirongs embarks on a 200-mile walking project
News - CentreStarting 1 April, AAL student Martin Pirongs is undertaking a two-week walking project, ‘M25 Man’, to configure the outline of his own body on a giant scale. Taking a line for a walk, nearly 200 miles long, to create a unique connection with a city. Harnessing the art of GPS technology and the age-old power of walking – by pavement, path, road (and occasional field)…
Art Academy Portrait Prize Winner 2019
News - RightJoin us in congratulating Theo James on winning the Art Academy Portrait Prize with his portrait of his mother. Theo, who is a Stage 2 Contemporary Portraiture student, also won The Royal Institute of Oil Painters Portrait Prize with his entry, and will exhibit in the show in November. The prizes were judged by Tim Benson, Principal of the Royal Society of Oil Painters, who found Theo’s portrait to be an example of good draughtsmanship that reflected the mood of the sitter in its colours and palette. We had an incredible array of entries this year and want to thank all the students who entered.
AAL Academic Bursary for first-year BA & FD students starting in September 2019
News - LeftWe are delighted to announce that we have allocated funding to offer a bursary to first-year students joining our BA (Hons) Fine Art* and Foundation Degrees* in Contemporary Portraiture and Sculpture in September 2019.
*subject to validation
Bookings open for our Easter courses
News - CentreIf you’re looking for something to do in London over the Easter holidays, why not try one of our four or five-day short courses? You’ll learn from expert tutors in small classes, giving you the benefit of hands-on tuition across a range of courses in Painting, Drawing, Sculpture and Print. Find out more about our Easter courses here or take a look at some of our Easter course highlights…
The Principal’s view: the creative process of applying to art school
News - LeftRob Pepper, artist and principal at Art Academy London, provides some handy hints for wowing the art school of your dreams and discusses why it’s important to encourage creativity in young people
Student Features on Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Year 2019
News - RightWe’re thrilled that Suzon Lagarde, a student on our Contemporary Portraiture Diploma, recently featured on Sky Arts’ Portrait Artist of the Year 2019. In the first episode, Suzon painted actress Geraldine James OBE during a four-hour sitting (pictured).
Bookings open for our Easter courses
News - CentreIf you’re looking for something to do in London over the Easter holidays, why not try one of our four or five-day short courses? You’ll learn from expert tutors in small classes, giving you the benefit of hands-on tuition across a range of courses in Painting, Drawing, Sculpture and Print. Find out more about our Easter courses here or take a look at some of our Easter course highlights…
Get creative with our Easter short courses
News - CentreIf you’re looking for something to do over the Easter holidays, why not try one of our short courses in Painting, Drawing, Sculpture and Print…
Our Spring term is about to begin!
News - CentreOur Spring term begins in a few weeks and we have plenty of evening and weekend courses on offer! So if you’re looking to learn something new in 2019 or reintroduce yourself to an old hobby, take a look at our full range of Evening and Weekend courses or…
Academy Students & Graduate Win Prizes at Surrey Sculpture Society
News - LeftCongratulations to Art Academy Diploma student Gerard Floyd who won the Surrey Sculpture Prize at the Landmark Arts centre last week. Well done also to runners up, Sculpture Diploma graduate Felicity Whitehead and 2nd year student Jo Holt!