Royal Academy Schools
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Applications for October 2023 entry are now closed.
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Who should apply?
Applicants to the Royal Academy Schools should demonstrate a studio practice that has the potential for further development over a three-year period. Candidates should be looking for evolution in their work. It is important that candidates have the capacity to be critically engaged with their own work and that of others.
There is no upper age limit for candidates. The current age range of artists in the RA Schools is from early-20s to late-40s. There are between 10-17 places per year.
When offering a place at the RA Schools, we aim to put together a diverse group that represents the breadth of contemporary art practice.
Entrance requirements
Candidates have usually gained a BA (Hons) Degree in Fine Art or have equivalent experience. In recent years we have accepted candidates straight from BA, but the majority have spent time working independently as artists.
We consider applications from those who have an MA.
Candidates may have exhibited in group or solo shows, but it is by no means required.
What to consider
Our programme is full-time and intensive. You will need to be in the studios and workshops making work, you will need to participate in group crits, sign up for tutorials, attend lectures and talks, produce two texts and work towards two shows. You may need to find time outside of this to undertake a part-time job. Paid work must be planned for outside of studio hours which are 9.30 - 17.30, Monday – Friday, term-time.
We are able to offer bursaries and materials grants and though these may only contribute a small amount towards your living costs, it does mean that more time can be spent in the studios and less earning money. We will support you with applications for any relevant funding opportunities.
It is important to use the sustained time at the RA Schools to concentrate on the studio and other aspects of the programme. Occasionally you may have opportunities to take part in external exhibitions and you should discuss any such opportunities in advance with your tutor or the Curator & Director, Eliza Bonham Carter. We must emphasise the necessary pre-eminence of the commitment to the requirements of the RA Schools programme over other opportunities and demands.
The postgraduate diploma is not a Masters degree. Those on the programme study here in order to develop as professional artists, rather than to gain an academic qualification.
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How to apply through SlideRoom
Your application will be submitted online through SlideRoom and consist of the following sections:
- Personal details
- Education
- Application statement
- Media / portfolio
- Application fee payment
- Reference Only candidates who are shortlisted for interview will be asked to provide a reference.
SlideRoom will guide you through each part of your application and automatically save your progress. For further details on specific requirements for all above sections, and to get started, please visit raschools.slideroom.com.
If you need technical assistance with your online application, please visit Slideroom’s searchable support pages or email support@slideroom.com.
For enquiries relating to eligibility and application content please contact us.
- Personal details
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Interviews
• We aim to interview all candidates in person. Though we will use alternate methods in certain cases for international candidates. • If you are shortlisted for an interview you will be informed early February 2023. • Interviews will take place 22 February - 22 March 2023. • Interviews last for approximately 30 minutes. • You should bring a selection of work to your interview that best represents your current practice. • The interviewing room has ample wall and floor space and is equipped with a video projection and audio playback facilities.
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International candidates (including European candidates)
We welcome international applications, however our independent status renders us ineligible for International Student Visas. Therefore international candidates we accept onto our programme need to be successful in a subsequent application for a UK Global Talent Visa (Exceptional Promise). We will provide guidance throughout the visa application process.
The application process for international candidates consists of the following stages:
1. SlideRoom application As we do with all of our candidates, we ask international candidates to complete a full application via SlideRoom. Please read the above information and the UK Global Talent Visa (Exceptional Promise) criteria carefully. Candidates who are ineligible or do not meet our criteria should not submit an application. If you are ineligible and you submit a full application we will not be able to refund your application fee. See How to apply above or visit raschools.slideroom.com to begin your application.
2. Shortlisting Your application will be assessed alongside all other applications to our programme.
3. Interview and visa application If you are shortlisted for an interview and then offered a place on our programme, you will need to submit your own application for a UK Global Talent Visa (Exceptional Promise). We will provide guidance throughout the visa application process and we will reimburse the candidate to cover the cost of the visa application fee.
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Equality and Diversity
The Royal Academy of Arts is committed to encouraging and achieving a professional environment which is underpinned by fairness to all individuals, where diversity is recognised, encouraged and valued, and the concept of individual responsibility is accepted by all. We recognise that real progress in improving equality of opportunity can only be achieved with a continuing commitment to reflect and support equal opportunities across the Royal Academy.
Our policies comply with the principles of the Equality Act 2010; we treat all candidates, students and employees in the same way, regardless of their age, race, disability, sex, marriage or civil partnership, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, pregnancy and maternity. Our students and employees have a duty to cooperate with the RA to ensure that we are effective in maintaining equal opportunities across the organisation, and prevent all forms of direct and indirect discrimination and/or harassment.
The Royal Academy aims to ensure that these principles of diversity, inclusion, and equal access apply to all aspects of our operations. We recognise that upholding these principles benefits both visitors and the people who work with and for us.
Please read our statement for information about our work towards race equity. Please read our statement to find out more about RA and Pride.
We are committed to: ● ensuring that the environments and experiences we offer – both onsite and online – are accessible, inclusive, and representative of diverse cultural and personal experience. ● recruiting and developing a diverse workforce at all levels. ● establishing and maintaining appropriate policies and procedures in relation to equality, diversity, and inclusion. ● acting in accordance with the Equality Act 2010. For information about facilities, resources, and programmes for disabled visitors please click here.