The Prince's Drawing School

Frequently asked questions

Please click on a question below

Q. How much does it cost to study on the Drawing Year at The Prince's drawing School?

Q. I don’t have a BA in Fine Art. Can I still apply?

Q. What is the biggest size of portfolio I can submit?

Q. I don’t have a UK passport. Can I still apply?

Q. How are Drawing Year applications assessed?

Q. When can I expect to hear about my application?

Q. Do you give feedback on Drawing Year applications?

Q. I wasn’t accepted on to the Drawing Year. Can I still take classes at the School?

Q. Do students do written work as part of the course?

Q. What qualification will I receive after finishing the Year?

Q. Is it possible to stay on and study for a second year?

Q. What do your students go on to do after the Drawing Year?

Q. How much does it cost to study on the Drawing Year at The Prince’s Drawing School?

Nothing - all twenty five Drawing Year students have their fees paid for the year and this includes classes, studio space, forums and lectures and some study trips. Each year, a number of
maintenance bursaries are allocated to students on a means-tested basis to help with living costs. There is also a Hardship Fund that students can apply to for extra help with living expenses, travel and materials costs should they run into financial difficulties during the year.

Q. I don’t have a BA in Fine Art. Can I still apply?

A BA in Fine Art is desirable, however you are still encouraged to apply if you have a degree in a related subject along with a strong portfolio of work showing a commitment to drawing.

Q. What is the biggest size of portfolio I can submit?

There is no size limit for applications however your submission must fit inside a solid, fully sealed portfolio that will protect your work while it is with us. Your portfolio should contain
10 drawings, 3 sketchbooks, an application form and fee and one CD/DVD only. Please do not include glass, metal or wooden objects/plates or other heavy objects such as paintings on canvas in your portfolio.

Q. I don’t have a UK passport. Can I still apply?

Possibly. Nationals of an EEA country (European Union plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland) can enter the UK as a student with a minimum of formality; you do not require entry clearance or a visa. You may be asked to show evidence that you have been accepted on to a course, and that you have sufficient funds to support yourself whilst in the UK. You will also need your passport.

Nationals of all other countries: Since March 2009, The Prince’s Drawing School has not been able to sponsor students from outside the EEA. As an independent school, we do not have a UK Border Agency Tier 4 License. However, there may be unusual circumstances wherein non-EEA nationals are eligible for visas which do allow for study. It is the responsibility of interested applicants to check with local UK immigration authorities.

For more info: www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk/studyingintheuk

Q. How are Drawing Year applications assessed?

After the application deadline, every portfolio is reviewed by a
panel of practising artists and critics. The panel make a shortlist
of approximately 35-40 applicants who are subsequently invited to interview. During the interview the panel will have your portfolio and application form and will also look at
any additional images or sketchbooks that you bring on the day.

Q. When can I expect to hear about my application?

After the application deadline you can expect to hear from us within a month by email or letter, letting you know whether or not you have been shortlisted for interview. All interviewees can expect to be contacted within a week following their interview. It is likely that you will know whether or not you have been
offered a place on the Drawing Year by the end of May at the latest. More specific information regarding dates may be found on the Applications page.

Q. Do you give feedback on Drawing Year applications?

We are unable to offer feedback on individual applications. This is common practice across most of the UK’s major art schools.

Q. I wasn’t accepted on to the Drawing Year. Can I still take classes at the School?

Yes. All classes (with the exception of Monday night masterclasses and the Wednesday night forum) are open to the public, who pay to attend courses by term, with a large number
of concessions available. The current class schedule is always available to view on our website by clicking here. If you need help deciding which classes would benefit you, we will be happy to advise you.

Q. Do students do written work as part of the course?

There is no written component to the course. However, students do sustain a lively critical debate and are asked to make a short presentation on a chosen artist to their fellow students at some point during the year.

Q. What qualification will I receive after finishing the Year?

The Drawing Year is not a university accredited course, so students do not receive a formal MA qualification. However, all those who pass the year are awarded a postgraduate diploma
certificate, signed by Andrea Rose, Director of Visual Arts at the British Council and chair of our external assessment board.

Q. Is it possible to stay on and study for a second year?

Currently we are not running a second year, however sometimes we are able to make provision for students to stay on in the Tea Building studio for a further year as ‘artists in residence’ to
help them establish their practice.

Q. What do your students go on to do after the Drawing Year?

Most of our alumni are now practising fine artists who regularly show and sell work or undertake commissions, and many of whom also have gallery representation. We are also able to
offer our alumni the opportunity to gain experience tutoring on The Prince's Drawing Clubs, our after-school programme for young people. Many have used this experience as a springboard into teaching both adults and children.