Royal Academy Schools postgraduate programme

The RA Schools postgraduate programme in Fine Art is now open to applicants for October 2024 entry. Applications close on December 3, 2023.

Based at the Royal Academy of Arts in central London, the Royal Academy Schools is a vibrant, art-centred community. It offers up to 17 postgraduate student places each  year . The Postgraduate programme in contemporary art is studio based, over three years, and free of charge.

Committed to providing an open, informed and critical environment,  as a student at the RA Schools you will form part of a diverse group of motivated artists who aim to develop their work in an environment of discussion and investigation.

Key dates
Sunday November 1, 2023: Online open event. Advance booking recommended. / Sunday December 3, 2023: Application deadline

About the programme
–Full-time, three-years, studio-based
–Led by a team of core staff, with a high tutor-to-student  ratio. In addition to core staff you will meet a wide range of visiting artists for one-to-one tutorials.
–Peer learning and community focused: students and staff represent a diverse range of positions and approaches,  with an emphasis on constructive critique and peer learning
–Alongside work in the studios, Students attend weekly lectures and artists talks, as well as group critiques and tutorials, : Workshop facilities support a wide range of processes including printmaking, a ceramics workshop, a photographic dark room,  digital media and printing, time based media, wood, casting and metal,  bookable project spaces, and the RA’s extensive Collection, Library and Archive. 
–Free of charge tuition and studio space, Additional financial support is available through bursaries and contributions to the cost of some materials. This support does not fully cover the cost of living and studying in London. Most students undertake part-time work outside of their commitments to the course.
–Students participate in two public exhibitions at the RA: Premiums is an exhibition of work by students  in their second year during the spring term. At the end of third year, the studios are transformed in the RA Schools Show. Both are open to the public