Course Outline

The Contemporary Portrait Diploma is led by Art Academy tutor Roxana Halls. The course takes place at Mermaid Court, 165A Borough High Street, London, SE1 1HR. The course is 2 years full time or 4 years part time.

The Contemporary Portrait Diploma has been carefully designed to ensure students are exposed to a wide variety of approaches to portraiture and portrait painting techniques.

Course Dates 2018-2019

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

Elective Skills Workshops

This course is underpinned by a series of individual one day a week (six hour) term-long Elective Skills Workshop courses where you receive intensive training in the technical skills. The Elective Skills Workshop courses run over the two year cycle, following a planned curriculum designed to ensure you gradually build the necessary techniques as they progress through the programme.  Taking a mix of recommended and optional courses, students choose from a vast array of different approaches to portrait and figure painting, including essential techniques such as a series of drawing classes.

Studio Practice & Critical Thinking

Studio Practice modules form the core of the Diploma programmes, where you develop work and critical skills in response to a series of practical briefs that foster increasingly independent learning.  The contextual studies programme, ensures you gain knowledge and understanding of the artistic contexts and critical discourses relating to your own art practice.

Professional Development

Professional Development modules focus specifically on the development of skills and knowledge necessary for future employment within the art world and wider creative industries.

Year 1 (Level 4)

Studio Practice Modules

Studio Practice modules form the course of Year One, running one full day a week across all three terms.

In Year one the focus is on investigation and you will be encouraged to experiment widely with the processes, materials and techniques relating to portraiture. These will provide the foundation for your developing art practice and inform the work your undertake in subsequent years. You will start to identify your areas of interest and to explore how to use formal, artistic language within portraiture and the relationship between the material and conceptual exploration of a creative idea. 

For all Studio Practice modules throughout the programme you will be expected to collate a portfolio of contextual evidence, which includes evidence of preparatory work, research work and pieces of reflective and discursive writing.

Elective Skills Workshop Modules

To support your Studio Practice work, you will undertake two to three Elective Skills Workshops per term. Each workshop runs for one full day a week per term. A wide variety of workshops are available each term and you are free to choose from amongst them.

These Elective Skills Workshops focus on building upon essential portrait and figure painting skills whilst extending your vocabulary with experimental classes such as self-portraiture, working with models, different approaches to paint application or a close examination of how to work from photographs. A session in portrait sculpture is also offered, with optional further sessions, to enable students to develop an understanding of the three-dimensionality of a portrait head.

Alongside chosen Elective Skills workshops there are compulsory elements of the programme.

There is a compulsory Elective Skills Workshop in drawing each term in Year One, since drawing is considered an essential tool for all artists, and you must also complete the Digital Development workshop in either Year One or Year Two. This Class teaches the digital skills you will require for the Professional Development module.

Professional Development Module

The Professional Development module will provide you with first-hand knowledge of the vocational opportunities available to you within the art world, creative industries and wider cultural environment. You will work with your peers towards the planning, curation, staging, management and promotion of an external public group exhibition and individually conduct research into a personally identified area of practice/ industry.

Art Theory

Working with your Studio Practice tutor and the Head of Art History and Theory, at this Level you will gain knowledge and understanding of how the theoretical and conceptual concerns of your work sits within the context of wider discourses, critically discussing your work and concepts with your tutors and your peers.

In addition, you will be required to undertake a written review of an exhibition relevant to your Studio Practice work in Term 2. Emphasis is placed on the synergy between research, theory and practice.

Year 2 (Level 5)

During year two there is a shift in emphasis towards greater self reflection and analysis.

Studio Practice Modules

You will undertake two Studio Practice modules, one in Term One and one spanning Terms Two and Three.

These will provide you with the opportunity to make further connections between your embryonic Portraiture practice and art theory, identifying your core interests and intentions, and increasing your knowledge, understanding and analysis of wider contexts and critical discourses.  

Supported by your Studio Practice tutor and the Head of Art History and Theory, you will once again be expected to deliver a portfolio of contextual evidence as part of the assessment for each module, comprising evidence of preparatory work, research work and pieces of reflective and discursive writing.

In the first Studio Practice module of the year, you will take on a live commission, sourcing your own client and addressing the complex variety of issues involved in client tastes and sensitivities. You will be expected to negotiate the the relationship with them, through to the completion of the commissioned artwork. Supported by your tutor and peers, you will learn to balance the client’s needs with your own creative process.

The second project demands a more considered articulation of your practice and a detailed analysis of the wider context for the your work, including writing a short essay about this. This project leads in the final term to you undertaking a self identified and directed brief and creating a body of work for public exhibition at your graduate show. Elective skills workshop courses support the further refinement of your technique.

Professional Development Module

The Professional Development module at level 5 is delivered via a mixture of lectures, seminars and tutorials throughout the year. This aspect of the programme is designed to offer the opportunity to acquire the skills likely to be needed for employment within the art world and wider creative industries. including promotional techniques, and skills associated with being self employed (such as how to invoice, understanding taxation e.t.c).

Among the most distinctive features of the Art Academy approach is the exceptionally high level of personal contact time with teaching staff. Nowhere is this more evident than on the FD which boasts one of the highest levels of contact hours of any higher education Fine Art course.  In years one and two, full-time FD students receive three or four full days a week of tutored time (depending on the number of elective skills workshop courses chosen), this is double the higher education average and, in some instances, four times the teaching time than at London’s most famous Art Schools.

In the third year, the focus switches to project work with the graduate show a focus but, even here, students still typically receive up to 14 hours contact time a week.

The emphasis of our teaching and learning strategy is quality – quality consultation and quality time. Our teaching body is second to none. All our teachers – permanent staff or visiting lecturers – are practising artists in their own right. They include prize-winning practitioners and members of leading arts organisations. As well as one-to one contact with tutors in classes, students have individual tutorials with tutors of their choice throughout the year.

The lead tutors on the Contemporary Portrait Diploma are:

Briony Marshall

David Hodge

Roxana Halls

Sadie Lee

Roxana Halls is our Contemporary Portrait Diploma leader, Briony Marshall is our Head of Professional Development and David Hodge is our Head of Art Theory.

Our Studio Practice module tutors are Roxana Halls, Sadie Lee, Robin-Lee Hall and Sue Spaull.

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.

“I was delighted to have my work accepted for the Royal Society of Portrait Painters annual exhibition and felt honoured to be exhibiting alongside no less than seven of my Art Academy tutors.”

“In his book “ Outliers”, Malcolm Gladwell  wrote that “Ten thousand hours is the magic number of greatness”.  If this is the case, then my time at The Art Academy studying for the Contemporary Portrait Diploma should have gone some way towards totting up those hours.  I embarked on this journey two years ago and in that time The Art Academy has become my second home, spending four days a week dashing along the back roads from London Bridge station, carrying canvasses and my ubiquitous painting trolley up several flights of stairs daily, with the camaraderie of painting friends, tutors, models and the office staff becoming a huge part of my daily life.

I came to The Art Academy because of the calibre of its tutors….READ MORE

Jane Masojada, Contemporary Portrait Diploma Student

Every student has had work in an exhibition before they leave, with many having held a number of exhibitions themselves. Almost all graduates will have done at least one commission. All graduates will have websites, social media profiles, contact databases and online and offline portfolios.

Academy students often go onto winning large commissions, exhibiting and having residency opportunities including:

– Public art piece for the Ministry of Tourism in Malta celebrating 100 Years of Aviation

– A £15000 sculpture commission for the Honourable Artillery Company in Old Street, London

– A £5000 commission for painting for a large building development in Romford

– KPMG exhibitions in their international headquarters at 1 Canada Square

– Art exhibitions and demonstration at Lincoln Cathedral

– Exhibiting at the Royal Society of Portrait Painters annual exhibition

– Working with Old Vic Theatre to create an advertising campaign for King Lear 

– Residency at Cil Railaig Ireland through the National Open

Fees 2018/2019

Fees must be paid in advance and can be paid yearly or termly (the latter incurring a 5% surcharge).

Please note, these are our 2018-2019 fees. Fees are subject to annual review and are likely to increase by approximately 5% due to inflation in the following academic years.

You will also be required to cover other costs such as costs associated with the final year Grad Show and materials required to successfully complete the course.

Funding 

As part of the Academy’s commitment to widening participation, accessible learning and inclusive arts education a number of bursaries are made available each year in order to assist applicants who would not normally be in a position to study at the Academy. These are assessed on an individual case by case basis. Bursary recipients will be selected during their interview on the basis of need and merit and informed following the conclusion of the interview process.

Applications will be considered on an individual basis and are welcomed from individuals with non-standard qualifications, patterns of prior study and experience from a variety of backgrounds.

All applicants are required to undertake an interview and portfolio review for assessment of key skills and level of ability and enthusiasm for the programme they are applying for. Although no formal qualifications are required, applicants will need to demonstrate work at least of Level 3 equivalent. In some cases the selection process may include the submission of supplementary work in addition to the information provided on the application form and requested as part of the portfolio review.

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

Intake is only in term one (September). Entry is normally at Level 4, but is possible at subsequent levels subject to appropriate qualifications and experience. For direct entry to Level 5 or 6 the applicant’s prior experience will be taken into account at interview. Where students have prior higher education or equivalent work experience, it may be possible for this to be taken into account, to enable advanced entry to their chosen programme.

English Language Requirements : All applicants are required to demonstrate an appropriate level of English language competence to gain entry to the Art Academy. Appropriate level of spoken English is assessed at interview but can also be proved through previous study in English (evidencing an approved English language qualification at Level 2). The Art Academy may require specific performance in written English tests at interview.

The Art Academy does 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.

Full details in regards to admissions are found in the Admissions Policy. 

Portfolio

On receiving an application, we will offer successful candidates an interview. If possible please bring to the interview a portfolio containing the following:

-10 to 15 pieces of original finished work, which show your technical ability in a range of media. Please bring photographs of 3d installation work or if some of your work is digital bring this on a device to show it.
-1or 2 sketch books showing your own areas of interest, individual thought process or development process of finished work.
-1 example of writing, critical study work or exploration of other artists, that you have done

If you do not have all of the above, please do not worry, just contact the office and we can speak to you about alternatives.

Admission Policy 

The Art 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 Art Academy’s Admissions policy and Criminal Convictions Policy and Procedure.

Academic Regulations and Policies

As a student of the Art 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 Pre-Degree and Diploma 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.

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.

You can apply for the Diploma starting September 2018 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:

Academics Team, The Art Academy, Mermaid Court, 165 Borough High Street, London SE1 1HR

If you don’t find the answer to your question here, take a look at our Terms and Conditions, or contact us

Can I do the Diploma course part-time?

Yes, there is a flexible Diploma programme. You can vary the number of days you do per week each term, but typically students attend 2 days a week and take 2 years to complete each level of study.

If I do part-time weekday courses, can they count towards a Diploma?

If you apply to do the Diploma we will consider other courses you have taken and decide whether to credit you with that course. Part time courses can also build towards a Certificate qualification – see Certificate Courses for details

Are scholarships, bursaries or student loans available for the Diploma course?

The Academy can offer advice on possible sources of funding for students. See the Bursaries section of our website for more details or contact us to discuss. As the Diploma is an internally validated programme students are not eligible for student loans.

Do you take mature students for the Diploma course?

Yes, the age range is quite wide and applications from mature students are welcomed.

Do I need to have done formal art training before applying for the Diploma?

No, but the Diploma course is for those intending to make art their full-time occupation, so selection is made through interview where we will consider level of ability and commitment through discussion and review of a portfolio of your work. We will though take some account of your prior experience.

What is the structure for paying fees for the Diploma course?

Fees must be paid in advance – full details can be found on the Fees pages.

Is the Diploma recognised or accredited?

Many students from the Academy’s Diploma course have gone on to do an MA at another insitustuion and some have entered the third year of a Fine Art BA course. The Academy is currently working with other higher education institutions with the aim of launching validated Undergarduate Degree programmes in the near future.

How does the Diploma differ from a BA?

The qualification that we offer is an in-house Diploma, but it goes through similarly rigorous Quality Assurance processes as Degrees, utilising expert external assessors and examiners from London art schools and Universities; Our course is unique and has been very carefully considered and tested. Unlike most BA programmes we offer a very high level of tutored hours for the students which we feel is fundamental to providing the best possible education. As a professional artist, your most important assets are your portfolio and your previous experience. Very rarely is an artist asked what qualification they have. We therefore focus our attention on building portfolios and giving students as much experience as we can within our programmes. Regarding job prospects, our Diploma is specifically designed to prepare and equip students to undertake a profession in Fine Arts. In this respect, your portfolio and experience will be the central focus. In addition to building skills and techniques across a range of disciplines, our programme includes in depth modules in Professional Development, Marketing, Art as a Business, etc to ensure students are able to translate their creative practice into a viable work life.

Do I need to supply my own materials?

Yes, materials are not included in your tuition fee costs. We do have an art supplies shop in the Art Academy which offers materials at a heavily discounted price.

Course Outline

The Sculpture Diploma is led by Art Academy Sculpture Fellow Tanya Russell. The course takes place at Mermaid Court, 165A Borough High Street, London, SE1 1HR. The course is 2 years full time or 4 years part time.

The Sculpture Diploma has been carefully designed to ensure students are introduced to the wide variety of subjects and issues specific to developing a sculptural practice.  

Course Dates 2018-2019

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

Elective Skills Workshops

This course is underpinned by a series of individual one day a week (six hour) term-long Elective Skills Workshop courses where you receive intensive training in the technical skills. The Elective Skills Workshop courses run over the two year cycle, following a planned curriculum designed to ensure you gradually build the necessary techniques as they progress through the programme.  Taking a mix of recommended and optional courses, students choose from a vast array of different approaches to sculpture, including essential techniques, structural skills and health and safety issues. 

Year 1 (Level 4)

Studio Practice Modules

Studio Practice modules form the course of Year One, running one full day a week across all three terms.

In year one the focus is on investigation. Students are encouraged to experiment widely with the processes, materials and techniques relating to sculpture. These will provide the foundation for your developing art practice and inform the work your undertake in subsequent years: You will start to identify your areas of interest and to explore how to use formal, artistic language within sculpture and the relationship between the material and conceptual exploration of a creative idea.

For all Studio Practice modules throughout the programme you will be expected to collate a portfolio of contextual evidence, which includes evidence of preparatory work, research work and pieces of reflective and discursive writing.

Elective Skills Workshop Modules

To support your Studio Practice work, you will undertake two to three Elective Skills Workshops per term. Each workshop runs for one full day a week per term. A wide variety of workshops are available each term and you are free to choose from amongst them.

These Elective Skills Workshops take you through a structured, bespoke programme of sculpture along with an exploration of the language of form and sculptural techniques. Further classes extend your sculptural skills and language, covering a wider range of issues including; armature making, measurement and anatomy in technical figure and portrait sculpture, expressive and dynamic work, language of form and materials, waste moulding and reusable mould making, plaster and resin casting, pigments, colouring and patination, large scale site specific projects, ceramics and mixed media figurative sculpture.

Alongside chosen Elective Skills workshops there are compulsory elements of the programme.

There is a compulsory Elective Skills Workshop in drawing each term in Year One, since drawing is considered an essential tool for all artists, and you must also complete the Digital Development workshop in either Year One or Year Two. This Class teaches the digital skills you will require for the Professional Development module.

Professional Development Module

The Professional Development module will provide you with first-hand knowledge of the vocational opportunities available to you within the art world, creative industries and wider cultural environment. You will work with your peers towards the planning, curation, staging, management and promotion of an external public group exhibition and individually conduct research into a personally identified area of practice/ industry

Art Theory

Working with your Studio Practice tutor and the Head of Art History and Theory, at this Level you will gain knowledge and understanding of how the theoretical and conceptual concerns of your work sits within the context of wider discourses, critically discussing your work and concepts with your tutors and your peers.

In addition, you will be required to undertake a written review of an exhibition relevant to your Studio Practice work in Term 2. Emphasis is placed on the synergy between research, theory and practice.

Year 2 (Level 5)

During year two there is a shift in emphasis towards greater self reflection and analysis.

Studio Practice Modules

You will undertake two Studio Practice modules, one in Term One and one spanning Terms Two and Three.

These will provide you with the opportunity to make further connections between your embryonic Sculpture practice and art theory, identifying your core interests and intentions, and increasing your knowledge, understanding and analysis of wider contexts and critical discourses.

Supported by your Studio Practice tutor and the Head of Art History and Theory, you will once again be expected to deliver a portfolio of contextual evidence as part of the assessment for each module, comprising evidence of preparatory work, research work and pieces of reflective and discursive writing.

In the first Studio Practice module of the year, you will take on a live commission, sourcing your own client and addressing the complex variety of issues involved in such a project as a sculptor, including health and safety concerns. You will be expected to negotiate the relationship with them, through to the completion of the commissioned artwork. Supported by your tutor and peers, you will learn to balance the client’s needs with your own creative process.

The second project demands a more considered articulation of your practice and a detailed analysis of the wider context for the your work, including writing a short essay about this. This project leads in the final term to you undertaking a self identified and directed brief and creating a body of work for public exhibition at your graduate show. Elective skills workshop courses support the further refinement of your technique.

Professional Development Module

The Professional Development module at level 5 is delivered via a mixture of lectures, seminars and tutorials throughout the year. This aspect of the programme is designed to offer the opportunity to acquire the skills likely to be needed for employment within the art world and wider creative industries. including promotional techniques, and skills associated with being self employed (such as how to invoice, understanding taxation e.t.c).

Among the most distinctive features of the Art Academy approach is the exceptionally high level of personal contact time with teaching staff. Nowhere is this more evident than on the FD which boasts one of the highest levels of contact hours of any higher education Fine Art course.  In years one and two, full-time FD students receive three or four full days a week of tutored time (depending on the number of elective skills workshop courses chosen), this is double the higher education average and, in some instances, four times the teaching time than at London’s most famous Art Schools.

In the third year, the focus switches to project work with the graduate show a focus but, even here, students still typically receive up to 14 hours contact time a week.

The emphasis of our teaching and learning strategy is quality – quality consultation and quality time. Our teaching body is second to none. All our teachers – permanent staff or visiting lecturers – are practising artists in their own right. They include prize-winning practitioners and members of leading arts organisations. As well as one-to one contact with tutors in classes, students have individual tutorials with tutors of their choice throughout the year.

The lead tutors on the Sculpture Diploma are:

Briony Marshall

David Hodge

Julian Wild

Julian Wild is our Sculpture Diploma leader and our Studio Practice module tutor, Briony Marshall is our Head of Professional Development and David Hodge is our Head of Art Theory.

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.

“The whole experience feels very special. The Academy is to me a priceless rare gem of an art school.”

For several years I searched and struggled to find a sculpture course that taught both traditional skills and contemporary practice. I couldn’t quite believe it when I found The Art Academy FD Sculpture online. I was incredibly excited and relieved. I read through the entire course and academy documentation in one sitting, barely taking a breath of air, overwhelmed with emotion. I signed up to go to the open day straight away and never looked back.

The Academy is a unique environment. There is a vast amount of support and constructive criticism all around every day……READ MORE

Jo Holt, Sculpture Diploma Student

Every student has had work in an exhibition before they leave, with many having held a number of exhibitions themselves. Almost all graduates will have done at least one commission. All graduates will have websites, social media profiles, contact databases and online and offline portfolios.

Academy students often go onto winning large commissions, exhibiting and having residency opportunities including:

– Public art piece for the Ministry of Tourism in Malta celebrating 100 Years of Aviation

– A £15000 sculpture commission for the Honourable Artillery Company in Old Street, London

– A £5000 commission for painting for a large building development in Romford

– KPMG exhibitions in their international headquarters at 1 Canada Square

– Art exhibitions and demonstration at Lincoln Cathedral

– Exhibiting at the Royal Society of Portrait Painters annual exhibition

– Working with Old Vic Theatre to create an advertising campaign for King Lear 

– Residency at Cil Railaig Ireland through the National Open

Fees 2018/2019

Fees must be paid in advance and can be paid yearly or termly (the latter incurring a 5% surcharge).

Please note, these are our 2018-2019 fees. Fees are subject to annual review and are likely to increase by approximately 5% due to inflation in the following academic years.

You will also be required to cover other costs such as costs associated with the final year Grad Show and materials required to successfully complete the course.

Funding 

As part of the Academy’s commitment to widening participation, accessible learning and inclusive arts education a number of bursaries are made available each year in order to assist applicants who would not normally be in a position to study at the Academy. These are assessed on an individual case by case basis. Bursary recipients will be selected during their interview on the basis of need and merit and informed following the conclusion of the interview process.

Applications will be considered on an individual basis and are welcomed from individuals with non-standard qualifications, patterns of prior study and experience from a variety of backgrounds.

All applicants are required to undertake an interview and portfolio review for assessment of key skills and level of ability and enthusiasm for the programme they are applying for. Although no formal qualifications are required, applicants will need to demonstrate work at least of Level 3 equivalent. In some cases the selection process may include the submission of supplementary work in addition to the information provided on the application form and requested as part of the portfolio review.

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

Intake is only in term one (September). Entry is normally at Level 4, but is possible at subsequent levels subject to appropriate qualifications and experience. For direct entry to Level 5 or 6 the applicant’s prior experience will be taken into account at interview. Where students have prior higher education or equivalent work experience, it may be possible for this to be taken into account, to enable advanced entry to their chosen programme.

English Language Requirements : All applicants are required to demonstrate an appropriate level of English language competence to gain entry to the Art Academy. Appropriate level of spoken English is assessed at interview but can also be proved through previous study in English (evidencing an approved English language qualification at Level 2). The Art Academy may require specific performance in written English tests at interview.

The Art Academy does 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.

Full details in regards to admissions are found in the Admissions Policy. 

Portfolio

On receiving an application, we will offer successful candidates an interview. If possible please bring to the interview a portfolio containing the following:

-10 to 15 pieces of original finished work, which show your technical ability in a range of media. Please bring photographs of 3d installation work or if some of your work is digital bring this on a device to show it.
-1or 2 sketch books showing your own areas of interest, individual thought process or development process of finished work.
-1 example of writing, critical study work or exploration of other artists, that you have done

If you do not have all of the above, please do not worry, just contact the office and we can speak to you about alternatives.

Admission Policy 

The Art 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 Art Academy’s Admissions policy and Criminal Convictions Policy and Procedure.

Academic Regulations and Policies

As a student of the Art 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 Pre-Degree and Diploma 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.

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.

You can apply for the Diploma starting September 2018 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:

Academics Team, The Art Academy, Mermaid Court, 165 Borough High Street, London SE1 1HR

If you don’t find the answer to your question here, take a look at our Terms and Conditions, or contact us

Can I do the Diploma course part-time?

Yes, there is a flexible Diploma programme. You can vary the number of days you do per week each term, but typically students attend 2 days a week and take 2 years to complete each level of study.

If I do part-time weekday courses, can they count towards a Diploma?

If you apply to do the Diploma we will consider other courses you have taken and decide whether to credit you with that course. Part time courses can also build towards a Certificate qualification – see Certificate Courses for details

Are scholarships, bursaries or student loans available for the Diploma course?

The Academy can offer advice on possible sources of funding for students. See the Bursaries section of our website for more details or contact us to discuss. As the Diploma is an internally validated programme students are not eligible for student loans.

Do you take mature students for the Diploma course?

Yes, the age range is quite wide and applications from mature students are welcomed.

Do I need to have done formal art training before applying for the Diploma?

No, but the Diploma course is for those intending to make art their full-time occupation, so selection is made through interview where we will consider level of ability and commitment through discussion and review of a portfolio of your work. We will though take some account of your prior experience.

What is the structure for paying fees for the Diploma course?

Fees must be paid in advance – full details can be found on the Fees pages.

Is the Diploma recognised or accredited?

Many students from the Academy’s Diploma course have gone on to do an MA at another insitustuion and some have entered the third year of a Fine Art BA course. The Academy is currently working with other higher education institutions with the aim of launching validated Undergarduate Degree programmes in the near future.

How does the Diploma differ from a BA?

The qualification that we offer is an in-house Diploma, but it goes through similarly rigorous Quality Assurance processes as Degrees, utilising expert external assessors and examiners from London art schools and Universities; Our course is unique and has been very carefully considered and tested. Unlike most BA programmes we offer a very high level of tutored hours for the students which we feel is fundamental to providing the best possible education. As a professional artist, your most important assets are your portfolio and your previous experience. Very rarely is an artist asked what qualification they have. We therefore focus our attention on building portfolios and giving students as much experience as we can within our programmes. Regarding job prospects, our Diploma is specifically designed to prepare and equip students to undertake a profession in Fine Arts. In this respect, your portfolio and experience will be the central focus. In addition to building skills and techniques across a range of disciplines, our programme includes in depth modules in Professional Development, Marketing, Art as a Business, etc to ensure students are able to translate their creative practice into a viable work life.

Do I need to supply my own materials?

Yes, materials are not included in your tuition fee costs. We do have an art supplies shop in the Art Academy which offers materials at a heavily discounted price.

Course Outline

The Sculpture FD is led by Art Academy Sculpture Fellow Tanya Russell. The course takes place at Mermaid Court, 165A Borough High Street, London, SE1 1HR.
Tanya Russell. The course is 2 years full time or 4 years part time.

The Sculpture FD has been carefully designed to ensure students are introduced to the wide variety of subjects and issues specific to developing a sculptural practice. Skills classes run over the two year cycle, following a planned curriculum designed to ensure students gradually build the necessary techniques as they progress through the programme.  Taking a mix of recommended and optional classes, students choose from a vast array of different approaches to sculpture, including essential techniques, structural skills and health and safety issues. 

Course Dates 2018-2019

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

Elective Skills Workshops

This course is underpinned by a series of individual one day a week (six hour) term-long elective skills workshop courses where you receive intensive training in the technical skills. You are taught in small groups in the studio, from pratcising artits, many pre-eminant in their field. Skills classes run over the two year cycle, following a planned curriculum designed to ensure you gradually build the necessary techniques as you progress through the programme.  Taking a mix of recommended and optional classes, you can choose from a vast array of different approaches to portrait and figure painting. The Academy considers drawing an essential tool for all artists, so all students undertake a series of drawing classes throughout the first level of the course, and you can opt to continue these in Year Two.  

Year 1 (Level Four)
In year one the focus is on investigation, students are encouraged to experiment widely with techniques and approaches to sculpture through three Experimental Studio Practice modules. In these modules you will learn to experiment with the ideas, processes, materials and techniques that will provide the foundation for your developing art practice and inform the work you undertake in subsequent levels,  starting to identify your areas of interest and to explore how to use formal, artistic language within sculpture and the relationship between the material and conceptual exploration of a creative idea. The Studio Practice modules at Level 4 are delivered through a scheduled day of tutored practical work, seminars, critiques and tutorials, supplemented by independent study. For all Studio Practice modules throughout the programme you will be expected to collate a portfolio of contextual evidence, which includes evidence of preparatory work, research work and pieces of reflective and discursive writing.  Working with your Studio Practice tutor and the Head of Art History and Theory, at this Level you will gain knowledge and understanding of how the theoretical and conceptual concerns of your work sits within the context of wider discourses, critically discussing your work and concepts with your tutors and your peers.  In addition, you will be required to undertake a written review of an exhibition relevant to your Studio Practice work in Term 2. Emphasis is placed on the synergy between research, theory and practice.

To support your Studio Practice work, you will undertake two or three elective skills workshop courses each term if you are studying full time.  At its core, the course takes students through a structured, bespoke programme of portrait and figure sculpture along with an exploration of the language of form and sculptural techniques.  Further classes extend your sculptural skills and language, covering a wider range of issues including; armature making, measurement and anatomy in technical figure and portrait sculpture, expressive and dynamic figure work, language of form and materials, waste moulding and reusable mould making, plaster and resin casting, pigments, colouring and patination, large scale site specific projects, ceramics and mixed media figurative sculpture.

At The Academy we consider drawing an essential tool for all artists, and as such there is a compulsory drawing workshop one day a week during each term.  You must also complete the Digital Development elective skills workshop course in either Level 4 or 5, which aims to teach the digital skills for the Professional Development Level 5 module. The other elective skills workshop courses  cover a wide range of specialist skills, and you are free to choose within or across disciplines for your remaining workshops according to your  interests.

The Level 4 Professional Development module will provide you with first-hand knowledge of the vocational opportunities available to you within the art world, creative industries and wider cultural environment. You will work with your peers towards the planning, curation, staging, management and promotion of an external public group exhibition and individually conduct research into a personally identified area of practice/ industry

Year 2 (Level Five)
During year two there is a shift in emphasis towards greater self reflection and analysis. You will undertake the two Thinking through Practice Studio Practice modules, one in Term One and one over Terms Two and Three.  These will provide you with the opportunity to make further connections between your embryonic Sculpture practice and art theory, identifying your core interests and intentions, and increasing your knowledge, understanding and analysis of wider contexts and critical discourses.  Supported by your Studio Practice tutor and the Head of Art History and Theory, you will once again be expected to deliver a portfolio of contextual evidence as part of the assessment for each module, comprising evidence of preparatory work, research work and pieces of reflective and discursive writing.

Study at Level 5 requires an increased degree of independence.  In the first of the Thinking Through Studio Practice modules, you will undertake a live commission, sourcing your own client, addressing the complex variety of issues involved in such a project as a sculptor, including health and safety concerns. The second project demands a more considered articulation of your practice and a detailed analysis of the wider context for the your work, including writing a short essay about this.  This project leads in the final term to you undertaking a self identified and directed brief and creating a body of work for public exhibition at your graduate show. Elective skills workshop courses support the further refinement of your technique.

The professional Development module at level 5 is delivered via a mixture of lectures, seminars and tutorials throughout the year. This aspect of the programme is designed to offer  the opportunity to acquire theskills likely to be needed for employment within the art world and wider creative industries. including promotional techniques, and skills associated with being self employed (such as how to invoice,understanding taxation etc).

The FD Portraiture is assessed by a board including members of the Royal British Society of Sculptors, with the highest proportion of the assessment focusing on the Graduate show.  This is the highlight of each year at the Art Academy, with FD Sculpture students showing alongside FD Portraiture and FD Fine Art students, creating a varied, exciting and accomplished exhibition.  The show attracts huge numbers of visitors, including representatives from the professional art world.   Preparation for the show requires students to consider carefully all aspects of their practice, with a particular focus on how to present and curate their work, as well as how to promote themselves as emerging artists

OPTIONAL Year 3 (Level Six)
Whilst the FD Sculpture programme is a two-year course full time (or four years part time), there is the option of a further year of study, which will top -up your Foundation Degree to a BA (Hons) and is aimed at enabling students better to reflect on the skills and creative insight gained during their previous two intensive years of study.

The emphasis at this level is on self directed studio practice, the exploration and development of individual interests and approaches to sculpture.  Continuing support is provided in the form of regular group critiques and one-to-one tutorials as you explore further your own practice, refine your artist’s statement and fully prepare for the life of a sculptor after leaving the Academy.  Discretionary elective skills classes are available to enable you fully to hone techniques and approaches to sculpture.

Among the most distinctive features of the Art Academy approach is the exceptionally high level of personal contact time with teaching staff. Nowhere is this more evident than on the FD which boasts one of the highest levels of contact hours of any higher education Fine Art course.  In years one and two, full-time FD students receive three or four full days a week of tutored time (depending on the number of elective skills workshop courses chosen), this is double the higher education average and, in some instances, four times the teaching time than at London’s most famous Art Schools.

In the third year, the focus switches to project work with the graduate show a focus but, even here, students still typically receive up to 14 hours contact time a week.

The emphasis of our teaching and learning strategy is quality – quality consultation and quality time. Our teaching body is second to none. All our teachers – permanent staff or visiting lecturers – are practising artists in their own right. They include prize-winning practitioners and members of leading arts organisations. As well as one-to one contact with tutors in classes, students have individual tutorials with tutors of their choice throughout the year.

The lead tutors on the FD Sculpture are:

Briony Marshall

David Hodge

Julian Wild

Julian Wild is our FD Sculpture leader and our Studio Practice module tutor, Briony Marshall is our Head of Professional Development and David Hodge is our Head of Art Theory.

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.

“The whole experience feels very special. The Academy is to me a priceless rare gem of an art school.”

For several years I searched and struggled to find a sculpture course that taught both traditional skills and contemporary practice. I couldn’t quite believe it when I found The Art Academy FD Sculpture online. I was incredibly excited and relieved. I read through the entire course and academy documentation in one sitting, barely taking a breath of air, overwhelmed with emotion. I signed up to go to the open day straight away and never looked back.

The Academy is a unique environment. There is a vast amount of support and constructive criticism all around every day……READ MORE

Jo Holt, Figure Sculpture Diploma Student

Every student has had work in an exhibition before they leave, with many having held a number of exhibitions themselves. All graduates will have websites, social media profiles, contact databases and online and offline portfolios.

Academy students often go onto to win large commissions, exhibiting and having residency opportunities including:

– Public art piece for the Ministry of Tourism in Malta celebrating 100 Years of Aviation

– A £15000 sculpture commission for the Honourable Artillery Company in Old Street, London

– A £5000 commission for painting for a large building development in Romford

– KPMG exhibitions in their international headquarters at 1 Canada Square

– Art exhibitions and demonstration at Lincoln Cathedral

– Exhibiting at the Royal Society of Portrait Painters annual exhibition

– Working with Old Vic Theatre to create an advertising campaign for King Lear

– Residency at Cil Railaig Ireland through the National Open

Fees 2018-2019

Fees must be paid in advance and can be paid yearly or termly (the latter incurring a 5% surcharge).

Students interested in our  additional top-up year will be subject to the same yearly costs for their third year.

Please note, these are our 2018-2019 fees. Fees are subject to annual review and are likely to increase by approximately 5% due to inflation in the following academic years.

You will also be required to cover other costs such as costs associated with the final year Grad Show and materials required to successfully complete the course.

Bursaries

We are currently offering a 20% bursary to all first year students beginning the BA Fine Art in September 2018.

This will reduce fees significantly, with the Full-time BA being reduced to £6,600 for the year, down from £8,250 – significantly below the national level for a degree course. Bursary recipients will be selected during their interview on the basis of need and merit and informed following the conclusion of the interview process. For more information, please click here.

Applications will be considered on an individual basis and are welcomed from individuals with non-standard qualifications, patterns of prior study and experience or from a variety of backgrounds. All applicants are required to undertake an interview and portfolio review forassessment of key skills and level of ability and enthusiasm for the programme they are applying for.  In the case of Degree and Foundation Degree programmes, though no formal qualifications are required, applicants will need to demonstrate work at least of Level 3 equivalent. Insome cases the selection process may include the submission of supplementary work in addition to the information provided on the application form and requested as part of the portfolio review.

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.

●  Personal statement

●  Academic attainment at a pre degree foundation course, within general education at GCSE & Level 3 or alternative or additional experience within art and design or appropriate subject areas.

Intake is only in term one (September). Entry is normally at Level 4, but is possible at subsequent levels subject to appropriate qualifications and experience. For direct entry to Level 5 or 6 the applicant’s prior experience will be taken into account at interview. Where students haveprior higher education or equivalent work experience, it may be possible for this to be taken into account, to enable advanced entry to their chosen programme. For example, if a student has a Foundation Degree/HND in an appropriate subject and are aiming to achieve an honoursdegree, they may be considered for exemption from Level 4 and/or Level 5 studies (the equivalent of the first and second year of a full-time degree). Students may also be awarded credit for relevant prior learning such as previous courses studied (APCL) or industrial, professional orother experience (APEL).

English Language Requirements : All applicants are required to demonstrate an appropriate level of English language competence to gain entry to the Art Academy. This can be through previous study in English (evidencing an approved English language qualification at Level 2), butThe Academy may require specific performance in written English tests at interview. Appropriate level of spoken English is also assessed at interview.

The Art Academy does 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.

Full details in regards to admissions are found in the Admissions Policy. 

Portfolio

On receiving an application, we will offer successful candidates an interview. If possible please bring to the interview a portfolio containing the following:

-10 to 15 pieces of original finished work, which show your technical ability in a range of media. Please bring photographs of 3d installation work or if some of your work is digital bring this on a device to show it.
-1or 2 sketch books showing your own areas of interest, individual thought process or development process of finished work.
-1 example of writing, critical study work or exploration of other artists, that you have done

If you do not have all of the above, please do not worry, just contact the office and we can speak to you about alternatives.

Admission Policy 

The Art 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 Art Academy’s Admissions policy and Criminal Convictions Policy and Procedure.

Academic Regulations and Policies

As a student of the Art 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.

We welcome all enthusiastic candidates to apply. If you are interested please email us academiccourses@artacademy.org.uk or give us a call on +44 (0)207407 6969 to discuss the course or to arrange a visit.  We’re a small school in the middle of central London, you don’t need to wait for the next open day to come see us and we’re always happy to chat through the application process, our courses or give you a tour.

In order to apply for the FD Sculpture starting September 2018 please fill out our online application form.

Alternatively you can download a .pdf form and post it to us along with at least 5 images of your work.

On receiving your application, we will offer successful candidates an interview. The Art Academy’s Course Administrator will arrange a suitable time and date for interview with the Academic Course Manager. Interviews are based on the content and quality of the applicant’s portfolio, CV and application.

Entry is normally at Level 4, but is possible at subsequent levels subject to appropriate qualifications and experience. Intake is normally in Term One (September).

Where students have prior higher education or equivalent work experience, it may be possible for this to be taken into account, to enable advanced entry to their chosen programme.

For direct entry to Level 5 students may be considered for exemption from Level 4, if they have previously completed a Level 4 120 -credit programme in an appropriate subject or previous courses studied (APCL). Students may also be awarded credit for relevant prior learning such as industrial, professional or other experience (APEL). The Academy welcomes from individuals with non-standard patterns of prior study and experience

Direct entry to Level 6 is only allowed for those students who have completed a level 5 240-credit programme in an appropriate subject (i.e Foundation Degree).

For direct entry to any level other than Level 4, along with the considerations and requirements above, applicants will be required undertake an interview and portfolio review for assessment 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 appropriate to the level applied for through an interview and portfolio review.

● Satisfactory academic reference.

● Personal statement or letter of application.

If you don’t find the answer to your question here, take a look at our Terms and Conditions, or contact us

Can I do the FD Sculpture course part-time?
Yes, there is a flexible Part-time FD Sculpture programme. You can vary the number of days you do per week each term, but typically students attend 2 days a week and take 2 years to complete each level of study.

If I do part-time weekday courses, can they count towards a FD Sculpture?
If you apply to do the FD Sculpture we will consider other courses you have taken and decide whether to credit you with that course. Part time courses can also build towards a Certificate qualification – see Certificate Courses for details

Are scholarships, bursaries or student loans available for the FD Sculpture course?
The Academy can offer advice on possible sources of funding for students. See the Bursaries section of our website for more details or contact us to discuss. As an independent art school our courses aren’t available for government funding.

Do you take mature students for the FD Sculpture course?
Yes, the age range is quite wide and applications from mature students are welcomed.

Do I need to have done formal art training before applying for the FD Sculpture?
No, but the Foundation Degree course is for those intending to make art or use of these skills part of their full-time occupation, so selection is made through interview where we will consider level of ability and commitment through discussion and review of a portfolio of your work. We will though take some account of your prior experience.

What is the structure for paying fees for the FD Sculpture course?
Fees must be paid in advance – full details can be found on the Fees pages

Is the FD Sculpture recognised or accredited?
The FD Contemporary Portraiture is subject to validation with The Open University. The Art Academy is currently seeking approval to become a partner institution of The Open University (OU), with a view to offer OU validated programmes.

Course Leader
Roxana Halls

Course Location
Mermaid Court, 165A Borough High Street, London, SE1 1HR

Course Length
2 Years (Full Time), 4 Years (Part Time)

The Contemporary Portrait FD has been carefully designed to ensure students are exposed to a wide variety of approaches to portraiture and portrait painting techniques.

Studio Practice & Critical Thinking
Studio Practice modules form the core of the Foundation Degree programmes, where you develop work and critical skills in response to a series of practical briefs that foster increasingly independent learning.  The contextual studies programme, which forms part of the studio practice modules,  ensures you gain knowledge and understanding of the artistic contexts and critical discourses relating to your own art practice.

Elective Skills Workshops
This course is underpinned by a series of individual one day a week term-long elective skills workshop courses where you receive intensive training in technical skills. You will be taught in small groups in the studio, from practising artists many pre-eminant in their field. Skills classes run over the two year cycle, following a planned curriculum designed to ensure you gradually build the necessary techniques as you progress through the programme.  Taking a mix of recommended and optional classes, you can choose from a vast array of different approaches to portrait and figure painting.  The Academy considers drawing an essential tool for all artists, so all students undertake a series of drawing classes throughout the first level of the course, and you can opt to continue these in year two.

Professional Development
In Year one and two you will take the Professional Development modules, where the focus is specifically on the development of skills and knowledge necessary for future employment within the art world and wider creative industries.

Year 1 (Level Four)

In Year one the focus is on investigation and you will be encouraged to experiment widely with techniques and approaches to portraiture through three Experimental Studio Practice modules. In these modules you will learn to experiment with the ideas, processes, materials and techniques that will provide the foundation for your developing art practice and inform the work you undertake in subsequent levels,  starting to identify your areas of interest and to explore how to use formal, artistic language within portraiture and the relationship between the material and conceptual exploration of a creative idea. The Studio Practice modules at Level 4 are delivered through a scheduled day of tutored practical work, seminars, critiques and tutorials, supplemented by independent study. For all Studio Practice modules throughout the programme you will be expected to collate a portfolio of contextual evidence, which includes evidence of preparatory work, research work and pieces of reflective and discursive writing.  Working with your Studio Practice tutor and the Head of Art History and Theory, at this Level you will gain knowledge and understanding of how the theoretical and conceptual concerns of your work sits within the context of wider discourses, critically discussing your work and concepts with your tutors and your peers.  In addition, you will be required to undertake a written review of an exhibition relevant to your Studio Practice work in Term 2. Emphasis is placed on the synergy between research, theory and practice.

To support your Studio Practice work, you will undertake two or three elective skills workshop courses each term if you are studying full time. Skills workshops focus on building upon essential portrait and figure painting skills, working in life classes with one or two models, whilst extending students’ vocabulary with experimental classes such as Self Portraiture, different approaches to paint application or a close examination of how to work from photographs. (A typical range of skills classes can be viewed here). A session in portrait sculpture is also offered, with optional further sessions, to enable students to develop an understanding of the three-dimensionality of a portrait head.

At The Academy we consider drawing an essential tool for all artists, and as such there is a compulsory drawing workshop one day a week during each term.  You must also complete the Digital Development elective skills workshop course in either Level 4 or 5, which aims to teach the digital skills for the Professional Development Level 5 module. The other elective skills workshop courses  cover a wide range of specialist skills, and you are free to choose within or across disciplines for your remaining workshops according to your  interests.

The Level 4 Professional Development module will provide you with first-hand knowledge of the vocational opportunities available to you within the art world, creative industries and wider cultural environment. You will work with your peers towards the planning, curation, staging, management and promotion of an external public group exhibition and individually conduct research into a personally identified area of practice/ industry.

Year 2 (Level Five)

During year two there is a shift in emphasis towards greater self reflection and analysis. You will undertake the two Thinking through Practice Studio Practice modules, one in term one and one over terms two and three.   These will provide you with the opportunity to make further connections between your embryonic Portraiture practice and art theory, identifying your core interests and intentions, and increasing your knowledge, understanding and analysis of wider contexts and critical discourses.  Supported by your Studio Practice tutor and the Head of Art History and Theory, you will once again be expected to deliver a portfolio of contextual evidence as part of the assessment for each module, comprising evidence of preparatory work, research work and pieces of reflective and discursive writing.

Study at Level 5 requires an increased degree of independence.  In the first of the Thinking Through Studio Practice modules, you will undertake a live commission, sourcing your own client, addressing the complex variety of issues involved in client tastes and sensitivities.  The second project demands a more considered articulation of your practice and a detailed analysis of the wider context for the your work, including writing a short essay about this.  This project leads in the final term to you undertaking a self identified and directed brief and creating a body of work for public exhibition at your graduate show.Elective skills workshop coursessupport the further refinement of your technique.

The professional Development module at level 5 is delivered via a mixture of lectures, seminars and tutorials throughout the year. This aspect of the programme is designed to offer  the opportunity to acquire theskills likely to be needed for employment within the art world and wider creative industries. including promotional techniques, and skills associated with being self employed (such as how to invoice,understanding taxation etc).

The FD Portraiture is assessed by a board including members of the Royal Society of Portrait Painters, with the highest proportion of the assessment focusing on the Graduate show.  This is the highlight of each year at the Art Academy, with FD Portraiture students showing alongside FD Sculpture and FD Fine Art students, creating a varied, exciting and accomplished exhibition.  The show attracts huge numbers of visitors, including representatives from the professional art world.   Preparation for the show requires students to consider carefully all aspects of their practice, with a particular focus on how to present and curate their work, as well as how to promote themselves as emerging artists.

OPTIONAL Year 3 (Level Six)

Whilst the FD Contemporary Portrait programme is a two-year course full time (or four years part time), there is the option of a further year of study, which will top -up your Foundation Degree to a BA (Hons) and is aimedat enabling students better to reflect on the skills and creative insight gained during their previous two intensive years of study.

The emphasis at this level is on self directed studio practice, the exploration and development of individual interests and approaches to portraiture.  Continuing support is provided in the form of regular group critiques and one-to-one tutorials as you explore further your own practice, refine your artist’s statement and fully prepare for the life of a portrait artist after leaving the Academy.  Discretionary elective skills classes are available to enable you fully to hone techniques and approaches to portraiture within what is an especially technically challenging genre.

Among the most distinctive features of the Art Academy approach is the exceptionally high level of personal contact time with teaching staff. Nowhere is this more evident than on the FD which boasts one of the highest levels of contact hours of any higher education Fine Art course.  In years one and two, full-time FD students receive three or four full days a week of tutored time (depending on the number of elective skills workshop courses chosen), this is double the higher education average and, in some instances, four times the teaching time than at London’s most famous Art Schools.

In the third year, the focus switches to project work with the graduate show a focus but, even here, students still typically receive up to 14 hours contact time a week.

The emphasis of our teaching and learning strategy is quality – quality consultation and quality time. Our teaching body is second to none. All our teachers – permanent staff or visiting lecturers – are practising artists in their own right. They include prize-winning practitioners and members of leading arts organisations. As well as one-to one contact with tutors in classes, students have individual tutorials with tutors of their choice throughout the year.

The lead tutors on the FD Contemporary Portraiture are:

Briony Marshall

David Hodge

Roxana Halls

Sadie Lee

Roxana Halls is our FD Contemporary Portraiture leader, Briony Marshall is our Head of Professional Development and David Hodge is our Head of Art Theory.

Our Studio Practice module tutors are Roxana Halls, Sadie Lee, Robin-Lee Hall and Sue Spaull.

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.

“I was delighted this year to have my work accepted for the Royal Society of Portrait Painters annual exhibition and felt honoured to be exhibiting alongside no less than seven of my Art Academy tutors.”

“In his book “ Outliers”, Malcolm Gladwell  wrote that “Ten thousand hours is the magic number of greatness”.  If this is the case, then my time at The Art Academy studying for the Contemporary Portrait Diploma should have gone some way towards totting up those hours.  I embarked on this journey two years ago and in that time The Art Academy has become my second home, spending four days a week dashing along the back roads from London Bridge station, carrying canvasses and my ubiquitous painting trolley up several flights of stairs daily, with the camaraderie of painting friends, tutors, models and the office staff becoming a huge part of my daily life.

I came to The Art Academy because of the calibre of its tutors….READ MORE

Jane Masojada, Contemporary Portrait Diploma Student

Every student has had work in an exhibition before they leave, with many having held a number of exhibitions themselves. All graduates will have websites, social media profiles, contact databases and online and offline portfolios.

Academy students often go onto to win large commissions, exhibiting and having residency opportunities including:

– Public art piece for the Ministry of Tourism in Malta celebrating 100 Years of Aviation

– A £15000 sculpture commission for the Honourable Artillery Company in Old Street, London

– A £5000 commission for painting for a large building development in Romford

– KPMG exhibitions in their international headquarters at 1 Canada Square

– Art exhibitions and demonstration at Lincoln Cathedral

– Exhibiting at the Royal Society of Portrait Painters annual exhibition

– Working with Old Vic Theatre to create an advertising campaign for King Lear

– Residency at Cil Railaig Ireland through the National Open

Fees 2018-2019

Fees must be paid in advance and can be paid yearly or termly (the latter incurring a 5% surcharge).

Students interested in our  additional top-up year will be subject to the same yearly costs for their third year.

Please note, these are our 2018-2019 fees. Fees are subject to annual review and are likely to increase by approximately 5% due to inflation in the following academic years.

You will also be required to cover other costs such as costs associated with the final year Grad Show and materials required to successfully complete the course.

Bursaries

We are currently offering a 20% bursary to all first year students beginning the BA Fine Art in September 2018.

This will reduce fees significantly, with the Full-time BA being reduced to £6,600 for the year, down from £8,250 – significantly below the national level for a degree course. Bursary recipients will be selected during their interview on the basis of need and merit and informed following the conclusion of the interview process. For more information, please click here.

Applications will be considered on an individual basis and are welcomed from individuals with non-standard qualifications, patterns of prior study and experience or from a variety of backgrounds. All applicants are required to undertake an interview and portfolio review forassessment of key skills and level of ability and enthusiasm for the programme they are applying for.  In the case of Degree and Foundation Degree programmes, though no formal qualifications are required, applicants will need to demonstrate work at least of Level 3 equivalent. Insome cases the selection process may include the submission of supplementary work in addition to the information provided on the application form and requested as part of the portfolio review.

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.
• Personal statement
• Academic attainment at a pre degree foundation course, within general education at GCSE & Level 3 or alternative or additional experience within art and design or appropriate subject areas.

Intake is only in term one (September). Entry is normally at Level 4, but is possible at subsequent levels subject to appropriate qualifications and experience. For direct entry to Level 5 or 6 the applicant’s prior experience will be taken into account at interview. Where students haveprior higher education or equivalent work experience, it may be possible for this to be taken into account, to enable advanced entry to their chosen programme. For example, if a student has a Foundation Degree/HND in an appropriate subject and are aiming to achieve an honoursdegree, they may be considered for exemption from Level 4 and/or Level 5 studies (the equivalent of the first and second year of a full-time degree). Students may also be awarded credit for relevant prior learning such as previous courses studied (APCL) or industrial, professional orother experience (APEL).

English Language Requirements : All applicants are required to demonstrate an appropriate level of English language competence to gain entry to the Art Academy. This can be through previous study in English (evidencing an approved English language qualification at Level 2), butThe Academy may require specific performance in written English tests at interview. Appropriate level of spoken English is also assessed at interview.

The Art Academy does 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.

Full details in regards to admissions are found in the Admissions Policy. 

Portfolio 

On receiving an application, we will offer successful candidates an interview. If possible please bring to the interview a portfolio containing the following:

-10 to 15 pieces of original finished work, which show your technical ability in a range of media. Please bring photographs of 3d installation work or if some of your work is digital bring this on a device to show it.
-1or 2 sketch books showing your own areas of interest, individual thought process or development process of finished work.
-1 example of writing, critical study work or exploration of other artists, that you have done

If you do not have all of the above, please do not worry, just contact the office and we can speak to you about alternatives.

Admission Policy 

The Art 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 Art Academy’s Admissions policy and Criminal Convictions Policy and Procedure.

Academic Regulations and Policies

As a student of the Art 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.

We welcome all enthusiastic candidates to apply. If you are interested please email us academiccourses@artacademy.org.uk or give us a call on +44 (0)207407 6969 to discuss the course or to arrange a visit.  We’re a small school in the middle of central London, you don’t need to wait for the next open day to come see us and we’re always happy to chat through the application process, our courses or give you a tour.

In order to apply for the FD Contemporary Portraiture starting September 2018 please fill out our online application form.

Alternatively you can download a .pdf form and post it to us along with at least 5 images of your work.

On receiving your application, we will offer successful candidates an interview. The Art Academy’s Course Administrator will arrange a suitable time and date for interview with the with the Academic Course Manager. Interviews are based on the content and quality of the applicant’s portfolio, CV and application.

Entry is normally at Level 4, but is possible at subsequent levels subject to appropriate qualifications and experience. Intake is normally in Term One (September).

Where students have prior higher education or equivalent work experience, it may be possible for this to be taken into account, to enable advanced entry to their chosen programme.

For direct entry to Level 5 students may be considered for exemption from Level 4, if they have previously completed a Level 4 120 -credit programme in an appropriate subject or previous courses studied (APCL). Students may also be awarded credit for relevant prior learning such as industrial, professional or other experience (APEL). The Academy welcomes from individuals with non-standard patterns of prior study and experience

Direct entry to Level 6 is only allowed for those students who have completed a level 5 240-credit programme in an appropriate subject (i.e Foundation Degree).

For direct entry to any level other than Level 4, along with the considerations and requirements above, applicants will be required undertake an interview and portfolio review for assessment 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 appropriate to the level applied for through an interview and portfolio review.

● Satisfactory academic reference.

● Personal statement or letter of application.

If you don’t find the answer to your question here, take a look at our Terms and Conditions, or contact us

Can I do the FD Contemporary Portraiture course part-time?
Yes, there is a flexible part-time FD Contemporary Portraiture programme. You can vary the number of days you do per week each term, but typically students attend 2 days a week and take 2 years to complete each level of study.

If I do part-time weekday courses, can they count towards a FD Contemporary Portraiture?
If you apply to do the FD Contemporary Portraiture we will consider other courses you have taken and decide whether to credit you with that course. Part time courses can also build towards a Certificate qualification – see Certificate Courses for details

Are scholarships, bursaries or student loans available for the FD Contemporary Portraiture course?
The Academy can offer advice on possible sources of funding for students. See the Bursaries section of our website for more details or contact us to discuss. As an independent institution our courses are not subject to public funding.

Do you take mature students for the FD Contemporary Portraiture course?
Yes, the age range is quite wide and applications from mature students are welcomed.

Do I need to have done formal art training before applying for the FD Contemporary Portraiture?
No, but the Foundation Degree course is for those intending to make art or use of these skills part of their full-time occupation, so selection is made through interview where we will consider level of ability and commitment through discussion and review of a portfolio of your work.  We will though take some account of your prior experience and appliants for the FD Contemporary Portraiture should be able to evidence a suitable level of experience and prior enagement with portariture.

What is the structure for paying fees for the FD Contemporary Portraiture course?
Fees must be paid in advance – full details can be found on the Fees pages

Is the FD Contemporary Portraiture recognised or accredited?
The FD Contemporary Portraiture is subject to validation with The Open University. The Art Academy is currently seeking approval to become a partner institution of The Open University (OU), with a view to offer OU validated programmes.

Course Leader
Tanya Russell

Course Location
Mermaid Court, 165A Borough High Street, London, SE1 1HR

Course Length
2 Years (Full Time), 4 Years (Part Time)

Please click here for Term Dates

The Contemporary Portrait Diploma has been carefully designed to ensure students are exposed to a wide variety of approaches to portraiture and portrait painting techniques. Skills classes run over the two year cycle, following a planned curriculum designed to ensure students gradually build the necessary techniques as they progress through the programme.  Taking a mix of recommended and optional classes, students choose from a vast array of different approaches to portrait and figure painting.  The Academy considers drawing an essential tool for all artists, so all students undertake a series of drawing classes throughout the first level of the course, and can opt to continue these in Level Two.  Taught in ten week units, all classes are carefully designed by the artist teaching the unit, in discussion with the course leader.

Level One
In Level One students are encouraged to experiment widely with techniques and approaches to portraiture.  Skills classes focus on building upon essential portrait and figure painting skills, working in life classes with one or two models, whilst extending students’ vocabulary with experimental classes such as Self Portraiture, different approaches to paint application or a close examination of how to work from photographs. (A typical range of skills classes can be viewed here). A session in portrait sculpture is offered, with optional further sessions, to enable students to develop an understanding of the three-dimensionality of a portrait head.  Studio practice classes at this level support the beginnings of creative and contextual research through a series of projects which encourage students to explore their personal creative motivations, how to use formal, artistic language within portraiture and the relationship between the material and conceptual exploration of a creative idea.  Our programme of digital workshops in Level One introduces students to basic digital techniques, giving them the skills to manipulate photographic imagery as a tool to assist in their image making and presentation of their work. Professional development sessions begin the process of preparing students for the issues they would need to consider if they were later to go on to seek work as a portrait artist.  This programme is completed in Level Two, covering issues such as marketing, working with galleries, writing an artist’s statement and building a website.

Level Two
During Level Two there is a shift in emphasis towards greater self reflection and analysis.  Skills components support the further refinement of each student’s technique.  Students study through imitation the portrait painting skills of the old masters, with drawing sessions in the national gallery to facilitate close examination of original paintings.  Other classes involve an imaginative exploration of how to paint multiple figures within a space, including consideration of perspective and composition.  Towards the end of the year, students begin to focus on how to create their own composition and ideas for a painting, and the development of their own practice.  Studio practice work challenges students to take on a commission, with tutor support and peer review as they negotiate the relationship with their client and balance the client’s needs with their own creative process.  For the subsequent projects during this level, the focus is on each individual student’s own artistic practice as they develop their ideas and personal language, whilst undertaking a more in-depth analysis of the art historic and wider context for their work.  A short essay, on a topic relevant to the individual student’s interests, is completed between Levels One and Two to support this work. The conclusion of the Professional Development programme during this level completes the preparation of students for life after the Academy.

The Contemporary Portrait Diploma is assessed by a board including members of the Royal Society of Portrait Painters, with the highest proportion of the assessment focusing on the Graduate show.  This is the highlight of each year at the Art Academy, with Portrait Diploma students showing alongside Fine Art Diploma and Figurative Sculpture Diploma students, creating a varied, exciting and accomplished exhibition.  The show attracts huge numbers of visitors, including representatives from the professional art world.   Preparation for the show requires students to consider carefully all aspects of their practice, with a particular focus on how to present and curate their work, as well as how to promote themselves as emerging artists.

Level Three
Whilst the Contemporary Portrait Painting Diploma is a two-year course full time (or four years part time), there is the option of a further year of study, aimed at enabling students better to reflect on the skills and creative insight gained during their previous two intensive years of study.

The emphasis at this level is on self directed studio practice, enabling students to explore and develop thoroughly their own interests and individual artistic voice within portraiture.  Continuing support is provided in the form of regular group critiques and personal tutorials as students explore further their own practice, refine their artist’s statement and fully prepare for the life of a portrait artist after leaving the Academy.  Discretionary skills classes are available to enable students fully to hone their techniques and approaches to portraiture within what is an especially technically challenging genre.

Among the most distinctive features of The Art Academy approach is the exceptionally high level of personal contact time with teaching staff. Nowhere is this more evident than on the Portrait Diploma which boasts one of the highest levels of contact hours of any higher education Fine Art course. In the two years, full-time Diploma students receive two full days a week (24 hours) of tutored time in different disciplines.

The emphasis of our teaching and learning strategy is quality – quality consultation and quality time. Our teaching body is second to none. All our teachers – permanent staff or visiting lecturers – are practicing artists in their own right. They include prize-winning practitioners and members of leading arts organisations. As well as 1-2-1 contact with tutors in classes, students have individual tutorials with tutors of their choice throughout the year.

The lead tutors on the Contemporary Portrait Diploma are:

Briony Marshall

David Hodge

Roxana Halls

Sadie Lee

“I was delighted this year to have my work accepted for the Royal Society of Portrait Painters annual exhibition and felt honoured to be exhibiting alongside no less than seven of my Art Academy tutors.”

“In his book “ Outliers”, Malcolm Gladwell  wrote that “Ten thousand hours is the magic number of greatness”.  If this is the case, then my time at The Art Academy studying for the Contemporary Portrait Diploma should have gone some way towards totting up those hours.  I embarked on this journey two years ago and in that time The Art Academy has become my second home, spending four days a week dashing along the back roads from London Bridge station, carrying canvasses and my ubiquitous painting trolley up several flights of stairs daily, with the camaraderie of painting friends, tutors, models and the office staff becoming a huge part of my daily life.  Our frequent coffee break dashes to Pret and our beloved Borough Market have resulted in us being on first name terms with the staff and becoming regarded as regulars.

I came to The Art Academy because of the calibre of its tutors….READ MORE

Jane Masojada, Contemporary Portrait Diploma Student

Every student has had work in an exhibition before they leave, with many having held a number of exhibitions themselves. All graduates will have websites, social media profiles, contact databases and online and offline portfolios.

Academy students often go onto to win large commissions, exhibiting and having residency opportunities including:

– Public art piece for the Ministry of Tourism in Malta celebrating 100 Years of Aviation

– A £15000 sculpture commission for the Honourable Artillery Company in Old Street, London

– A £5000 commission for painting for a large building development in Romford

– KPMG exhibitions in their international headquarters at 1 Canada Square

– Art exhibitions and demonstration at Lincoln Cathedral

– Exhibiting at the Royal Society of Portrait Painters annual exhibition

– Working with Old Vic Theatre to create an advertising campaign for King Lear

– Residency at Cil Railaig Ireland through the National Open

Fees 2017-2018

Optional third year for both full and part time students £7,130 (or £2,448 per term).

Fees must be paid in advance and can be paid yearly or termly (the latter incurring a 3% surcharge). One level is a full cycle of course components, each of which has to be completed before moving on to the next level. In the full time Diploma, each level is completed in a year; in the part time Diploma, a level takes two years. The Academy reviews its fees on an annual basis, but fees for enrolled students will not be increased from year to year other than to account for the annual rate of inflation.

Funding
The Art Academy offers a number of scholarships and bursaries. For more information, please click here.

All applicants should have a good portfolio of recent work and a CV. There are no pre-requisite qualifications to making an application to the Foundation. Entrants must be over 18 at the time of entry and must demonstrate competency in spoken and written English, which will be judged through the applicants Statement of Intent and interview.

On receiving an application, we will offer successful candidates an interview.

Portfolio

Students are asked to bring to the interview a portfolio containing the following:

-10 pieces of original finished work, which show your technical ability in a range of media. Please bring photographs of 3d installation work or if some of your work is digital bring this on a device to show it.
-1 sketch book showing your own areas of interest, individual thought process or development process of finished work.
-1 example of writing, critical study work or exploration of other artists, that you have done

If you do not have all of the above, please do not worry, just contact the office and we can speak to you about alternatives.

For more information visit  Application Process

We welcome all enthusiastic candidates to apply. If you are interested please email us academiccourses@artacademy.org.uk or give us a call on +44 (0)207407 6969 to discuss courses or to arrange a visit.  We’re a small school in the middle of central London, you don’t need to wait for the next open day to come see us and we’re always happy to chat through the application process, our courses or give you a tour.

In order to apply for the Contemporary Portrait Diploma starting September 2016 please fill out our online application form.

Alternatively you can download a .pdf form and post it to us along with at least 5 images of your work.

On receiving your application, we will offer successful candidates an interview. The Art Academy’s Course Administrator will arrange a suitable time and date for interview with the with the Academic Course Manager. Interviews are based on the content and quality of the applicant’s portfolio, CV and application.

If you don’t find the answer to your question here, take a look at our Terms and Conditions, or contact us

Can I do the Portrait Diploma course part-time?
Yes, there is a flexible Part-time Portrait Diploma programme. You can vary the number of days you do per week each term, but typically students attend 2 days a week and take 2 years to complete each level of study.

If I do part-time weekday courses, can they count towards a Portrait Diploma?
If you apply to do the Portrait Diploma we will consider other courses you have taken and decide whether to credit you with that course. Part time courses can also build towards a Certificate qualification – see Certificate Courses for details

Are scholarships, bursaries or student loans available for the Portrait Diploma course?
The Academy can offer advice on possible sources of funding for students. See the Bursaries section of our website for more details or contact us to discuss. As the Diploma is an internally validated programme students are not eligible for student loans.

Do you take mature students for the Portrait Diploma course?
Yes, the age range is quite wide and applications from mature students are welcomed.

Do I need to have done formal art training before applying for the Portrait Diploma?
No, but the Portrait Diploma course is for those intending to make portraiture their full-time occupation, so selection is made through interview where we will consider level of ability and commitment through discussion and review of a portfolio of your work. We will though take some account of your prior experience and appliants for the Portrait Diploma should be able to evidence a suitable level of experience and prior enagement with portariture.

What is the structure for paying fees for the Portrait Diploma course?
Fees must be paid in advance – full details can be found on the Fees pages

Is the Portrait Diploma recognised or accredited?
Many students from the Academy’s Diploma course have gone on to do an MA at another insitustuion and some have entered the third year of a Fine Art BA course. The Academy is currently working with other higher education institutions with the aim of launching validated.

How does the Portrait Diploma differ from a BA?
The qualification that we offer is an in-house Diploma, but it goes through similarly rigorous Quality Assurance processes as Degrees, utilising expert external assessors and examiners from London art schools and Universities; Our course is unique and has been very carefully considered and tested. Unlike most BA programmes we offer a very high level of tutored hours for the students which we feel is fundamental to providing the best possible education. As a professional artist, your most important assets are your portfolio and your previous experience. Very rarely is an artist asked what qualification they have. We therefore focus our attention on building portfolios and giving students as much experience as we can within our programmes. Regarding job prospects, our Portrait Diploma is specifically designed to prepare and equip students to undertake a profession as a Portrait Painter. In this respect, your portfolio and experience will be the central focus. In addition to building skills and techniques across a range of disciplines, our programme includes in depth modules in Professional Development, Marketing, Art as a Business, etc to ensure students are able to translate their creative practice into a viable work life.

The BA Fine Art is led by Art Academy tutor and Director of Academic Programmes Sue Spaull. The course takes place at Mermaid Court, 165A Borough High Street, London, SE1 1HR.

The course is 3 years full time or 5 years part time. The BA programme has been carefully designed to support and challenge you to develop your own approach to art practice based upon your interests and ideas, with a different focus for each year.

The BA programme comprises four main components: the Studio Practice modules, the Art History and Theory modules, the Professional Development modules and the Elective Skills Workshop modules.

Course Dates 2018-2019

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

Studio Practice Modules

These modules form the core of the course; You will develop work and critical skills in response to a series of practical briefs that encourage independent learning.

Studio Practice modules run throughout the entire programme with one each term in years one and two and an extended personal project that spans all three terms in year three.

The Contextual Studies programme, which forms part of the Studio Practice modules, ensures you gain knowledge and understanding of the wider contexts and critical discourses relating to your own fine art practice.

Art History and Theory Modules

These modules allow you to study and analyse wider artistic discourses and theories. The programme of study within these modules is linked to the practical work undertaken within the Studio Practice modules.

In year three, the relationship between scholarship and practice is paramount; you are required to write a dissertation or undertake a contextual research project on a topic that relates to the extended personal project you undertake in your year three Studio Practice module.

Professional Development Modules

In years two and three, you take part in Professional Development modules that focus specifically on the development of skills and knowledge necessary for future employment within the art world and wider creative industries.

Elective Skills Workshop Modules 

These one-day a week, term-long workshops underpin the studio practice modules and are where you will receive intensive training in the technical skills necessary for your chosen discipline(s).

These workshops cover a wide range of disciplines with technical progress guaranteed in whatever discipline you choose to pursue.

You can follow a path focusing on a single discipline, such as painting, sculpture, digital art, installation or printmaking, or work across disciplines.

Drawing is considered essential for all artists and creative practitioners, so you will take three Elective Skills Workshops in drawing in year one and can choose to continue these in years two and three.

Year 1 (Level 4)

Studio Practice Modules 

Studio Practice modules form the course of Year One, running one full day a week across all three terms.

You will learn to experiment with the processes, materials and techniques that will provide the foundation for your developing art practices and inform the work your undertake in subsequent years.

Throughout these modules, you are encouraged to take risks and experiment widely in and across disciplines. You will start to identify areas of interest and to analyse your choices of materials and techniques through the expression of your ideas.

Elective Skills Workshop Modules 

To support your Studio Practice work, you will undertake two to three Elective Skills Workshops per term. Each workshop runs for one full day a week per term. A wide variety of workshops are available each term across all disciplines and you are free to choose from amongst them, alongside the compulsory elements of the programme.

There is a compulsory Elective Skills Workshop in drawing each term in Year One, since drawing is considered an essential tool for all artists, and you must also complete the Digital Development workshop in either Year One or Year Two. This Class teaches the digital skills you will require for the Professional Development module in Year Three.

Art Theory Module

The Art Theory module engages you in learning the basic skills associated with the critical evaluation of art and academic research, and introduces you to art theory and other relevant discourses.

You learn to interrogate you ideas through an understanding of wider critical, philosophical and theoretical approaches. The Art Theory module runs for one full day a week across one term.

Year 2 (Level 5)

During Year Two there is a shift in emphasis towards self-reflection and analysis.

Studio Practice Modules 

Studio Practice modules in Year Two run for two full days a week across all three terms

In the first Studio Practice module of the year, you will take on a live commission, sourcing your own client and negotiating the relationship with them, through to the completion of the commissioned artwork. Supported by your tutor and peers, you will learn to balance the client’s needs with your own creative process.

The second and third Studio Practice modules focus on the development of your individual artistic practice. This is achieved through the identification of your core intentions on the one hand and your increasing knowledge, understanding and analysis of wider contexts and critical discourses on the other.

Practical Studio Practice sessions are supplemented with visits from guest lecturers, artist talks, workshops and gallery visits.

Elective Skills Workshop Modules 

In Year Two you will choose two to three Elective Skills Workshops per term. Each module runs for one full day a week per term. The workshops chosen should support the refinement of your technique within the discipline (or disciplines) of your choice. If you didn’t complete a Digital Development workshop in Year One you will complete this in Year Two.

Art History Module

An Art History module explores the history of ideas, helping to develop your understanding of key artists and thinkers from 1900 to the present day, and their influences on contemporary practice.

Professional Development Module

A series of workshops and lectures from relevant art-world professionals and practising artists, alongside exhibition and curatorial experience and the development of marketing and business planning tools helps prepare you for life after the Academy.

Year 3 (Level 6)

Studio Practice Modules 

In the third and final year there is a further shift, this time towards self directed Studio Practice.

Year Three represents the culmination of knowledge, skills and understanding acquired throughout your journey through the creation of a major body of practical work in a project that is entirely self-initiated and directed. You will work independently for two to three days a week. Continuing support is provided in the form of regular group critiques guided by a Level 3 tutor and 1:1 tutorials as you further explore your own practice, research your artist’s statement and prepare work towards the Graduate Show. You will typically spend one day a week each term working with your Studio Practice tutor.

Elective Skills Workshop Modules 

You will take one Elective Skills Workshop each term, which you choose with a view to honing further the skills needed for your developing work.

Art Theory/History Module

You will either write a dissertation – a piece of independent, in-depth critical research on a subject of your choice but related to your practice – or undertake an alternative research exercise focused on the practical and theoretical considerations in the development of an idea for an Exhibition.

Professional Development Module

In this module, you build upon skills learnt in Year Two in preparation for future employment, focusing on marketing, business planning and career management. In addition, you undertake a real art-world experience, together with a research project through which you critically analyse the experience.

The Academy’s BA programme boasts one of the highest levels of contact hours of any higher education fine art course in the UK. In Years One and Two, as a full-time student you will receive three to four full days a week of tutored time (depending on the number of Elective Skills Workshops you choose). This is double the higher education average and four times higher than at other well known London art schools.

During Year Three, where the focus switches to self directed studio practice, you will still typically receive up to 14 hours contact time a week.

Our teaching body is second to none. All our teachers – permanent staff, tutors and visiting lecturers – are practising artists. They include prize-winning practitioners, artists with work in national collections and members of leading arts organisations. As well as one-to-one contact with tutors in class, you will have individual tutorials with tutors of your choice throughout each year.

The lead tutors on the BA (Hons) Fine Art Diploma are:

Alison Hand

Briony Marshall

David Hodge

Sue Spaull

Sue Spaull is our Director of Academic programmes and our BA leader. Alison Hand is BA deputy-leader, Briony Marshall is our Head of Professional Development and David Hodge is our Head of Art Theory.

Our Studio Practice module tutors are Julian Wild, Sarah Gillham, Alison Hand, Sue Spaull and Lynne Abrahamsson.

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.

“There was so much art being made everywhere, but real, tangible living art and artists of all ages and disciplines”.

I have a distinct memory of the first time I walked into the Art Academy. I felt like a child who had just walked into Willy Wonker’s Chocolate Factory. It was a completely new world to me, but one I immediately wanted to be a part of. I saw fabulous, large sculptures being built from various models, life drawing, painting and much more. There was so much art being made everywhere, but real, tangible living art and artists of all ages and disciplines heavily involved in their work. I was enthralled straight away.

I had been to many art schools in London before but had never entered a space quite like this with such a practical, hands-on approach. I was mesmerised by the quality of the work and the intensity of its production. It was like a living dream to see huge sculptures and awe-inspiring paintings being created in such an immediate, physical way. Waiting to find out if… READ MORE

Rhiannon Rebecca Salisbury, Fine Art Diploma Student

By the time you complete our BA you will have exhibited your work and possibly will have held a number of Exhibitions yourself. You will have done at least one commission. You will have a website, social media profiles, a contact database and online and offline portfolios.

Academy students often go on to win large commissions, exhibit widely and have interesting residency opportunities. Examples of past student successes include:

• a public art piece for the Ministry of Tourism in Malta celebrating 100 Years of Aviation
• a £15000 sculpture commission for the Honourable Artillery Company in Old Street, London
• a £5000 commission for a painting for a large building development in Romford
• exhibitions for KPMG in their international headquarters at 1 Canada Square
• art exhibitions and demonstrations at Lincoln Cathedral
• exhibiting at the Royal Society of Portrait Painters’ Annual Exhibition
• working with Old Vic Theatre to create an advertising campaign for King Lear
• a residency at Cil Railaig Ireland through the National Open

Fees 2018/2019

Fees must be paid in advance and can be paid yearly or termly (the latter incurring a 5% surcharge).

Please note, these are our 2018-2019 fees. Fees are subject to annual review and are likely to increase by approximately 5% due to inflation in the following academic years.

You will also be required to cover other costs such as costs associated with the final year Grad Show and materials required to successfully complete the course.

Bursaries

We are currently offering a 20% bursary to all first year students beginning the BA Fine Art in September 2018.

This will reduce fees significantly, with the Full-time BA being reduced to £6,600 for the year, down from £8,250 – significantly below the national level for a degree course. Bursary recipients will be selected during their interview on the basis of need and merit and informed following the conclusion of the interview process. For more information, please click here.

Funding 

No formal qualifications are required for the BA (Hons). Applicants are considered on an individual basis: the Art Academy welcomes applicants with non-standard qualifications or patterns of prior study and from a variety of education or employment backgrounds.

Assessment is by interview, where applicants will be asked to submit a portfolio of work. Applicants will be expected to demonstrate work of at least Level 3 (A level) equivalent and will be assessed for evidence of key skills and the necessary level of ability, as well as enthusiasm, for the BA programme.

Applicants will be evaluated against the following criteria through interview and portfolio assessment:

• Their ability to demonstrate a range of fine art experiences, including an awareness of the cultural, historical and professional contexts of fine art.
• Their ability to demonstrate key artistic skills and artistic ability.
• Their academic reference.
• The quality of their personal statement.
• Academic attainment at a pre degree foundation course, within general education at GCSE & Level 3 (where the applicant has a traditional educational background) or alternative experience within art and design or appropriate subject areas.

Portfolio

Applicants should bring to interview a portfolio containing:

• 10 to 15 pieces of original finished work, which show technical ability in a range of media. Applicants should bring photographs of 3D installation work they would like to show, and digital devices to present digital work they would like to show.
• One or two sketchbooks showing the applicant’s areas of interest, including the individual thought process or development process of finished work.

English Language Requirements

All applicants are required to demonstrate an appropriate level of English language competence to gain entry to the Art Academy. This can be through previous study in English (such as an English language GCSE or equivalent), but the Art Academy may require applicants to undergo written English tests at interview. Spoken English is assessed at interview.

Admission Policy 

The Art 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 Art Academy’s Admissions policy and Criminal Convictions Policy and Procedure.

Academic Regulations and Policies

As a student of the Art 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.

Further Information

The Art Academy does 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.

The only intake of students is in Term One (September). In some circumstances, it may be possible to enter at level 5 (yr 2) of the programme.

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.

You can apply for the BA (Hons) starting September 2018 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:

Academics Team, The Art Academy, Mermaid Court, 165 Borough High Street, London SE1 1HR

If you don’t find the answer to your question here please contact the Academics team on +44 (0) 20 7407 6969 or email academiccourses@artacademy.org.uk.

Can I do the BA part time?

Yes, there is a flexible Part-time pathway. You can vary the number of days you do per week each term, but Part-time students usually chose to attend 2 days a week over a five year period. Full-time students attend 5 days a week over a three year period.

Are scholarships, bursaries or student loans available for the BA?

We are offering 20% bursaries to all first year students joining the BA in September 2018 for the duration of their course. The bursary will reduce fees from £8,250 to £6,600, significantly below the national level for degree courses. See our Bursaries page for more information. Students on our BA programme are not currently eligible for student loans but we hope to be able to provide access to student loans in the near future*. We can also offer advice on possible sources of funding for students.

Do you take mature students for the BA?

Yes, the age range is quite wide and applications from mature students are welcomed.

Do I need to have done formal art training before applying for the BA

No, but the BA programme is for those intending to make art their full-time occupation, so selection is made through interview where we will consider level of ability and commitment through discussion and review of a portfolio of your work. We will however take account of your prior experience.

What is the structure for paying fees for the BA?

Fees must be paid in advance – for full details please contact our Academics team on +44 (0) 20 7407 6969 or email academiccourses@artacademy.org.uk.

Can I take a BA in just Sculpture or Painting?

The programme allows you to focus on just one discipline, or to study across a range of disciplines including Sculpture, Painting, Printmaking, Digital Media or Installation.

For a more in-depth look at the curriculum, see the Course Outline and Course Yearly Structure tab. If you already know you want to specialise in one area you may want to consider our Foundation Degree; Contemporary Portraiture or Sculpture pathways.

Is the BA recognised or accredited?

Our BA will be an accredited Degree subject to validation by the Open University.

How does the BA differ from other BAs?

• High tutor contact time (typically 24 hrs per week)
• All our tutors are highly regarded, practising artists
• Small class sizes (typically 15 per tutor)
• We provide an individual programme of Elective Skills Workshops tailored to meet your aims and ambitions.
• We offer a unique professional development programme which prepares your for life after higher education.

Do I need to supply my own materials?

Yes, materials are not included in your tuition fee costs. We do have an art supplies shop at the Art Academy which offers materials at a heavily discounted price.

*Eligibility to the Student Loans system is subject to approval by the QAA and DfE. Art Academy students will be able to apply for financial support through the SLC once approval is confirmed.