Organizer Information
The Royal Drawing School, located in Shoreditch, London, is a leading independent institution dedicated to drawing as a central practice for contemporary artists. Founded in 2000, it emphasizes observational drawing, critical enquiry, and professional development, offering artists a rigorous postgraduate environment. Students benefit from dedicated studios, expert tutors, visiting artists, and opportunities for public exhibitions. The school fosters experimentation, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and a strong community ethos.
Title & Description
Postgraduate Drawing Year 2026–27
This is a full-time, 15-month, postgraduate-level programme designed to deepen and expand the practice of artists through intensive engagement with drawing. The course combines studio practice, tutorials, lectures, workshops, and professional development. Students develop a personalized pathway across four academic terms, exploring observational drawing, drawing from art collections, and experimental approaches. The programme culminates in public exhibitions and fosters a supportive environment for critical and creative growth. Students engage with both traditional and contemporary methods, building a strong conceptual and technical foundation in drawing while connecting to the broader London art scene.
Category
Visual Art, Drawing, Mixed Media, Printmaking, Observational Drawing, Contemporary Art, Professional Development.
Eligibility
- Artists with demonstrable prior experience or creative practice
- International applicants are eligible if they already hold a valid UK/EU visa or settlement status
- Emerging and mid-career artists seeking postgraduate-level engagement
- Commitment to intensive studio practice and drawing is required
Program Benefits & Awards
- Tuition fully covered (full-scholarship programme)
- Living grants are available for selected students
- Dedicated studio space for independent practice
- Weekly tutorials with faculty and visiting artists
- Professional development, lectures, and exhibition opportunities
- End-of-year public exhibitions to showcase student work
Application Fee
- $45 / £25 application fee, payable online during submission
Application Requirements
- Personal statement (max. 500 words)
- Digital portfolio of 20 works (10 drawings in dry media or watercolour, 10 additional works)
- Two sketchbooks (digital, in-person drop-off, or postal submission)
- Contact details of two referees
- File requirements: JPEG/PNG for portfolio, max 200 dpi, 5 MB per file; short video (max 2 mins, 250 MB) for additional works
How to Apply
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 1 April 2026
- Sketchbook Drop-Off Dates: 15–17 April 2026, 10 am–6 pm
- Interviews: May 2026
- Programme Start: September 2026
- Duration: 15 months
Location
London, UK
Additional Details
- Shortlisted applicants must bring physical portfolios and sketchbooks to the interview
- International students must hold appropriate visas or settled status; the school cannot sponsor visas
- Sketchbooks not submitted on time will not be considered
- The programme encourages experimental, observational, and conceptual approaches to drawing
Website Link: https://royaldrawingschool.org/courses/postgraduate-drawing-year
