Application Process

Application, portfolios, next steps, results and withdrawals

APPLICATION PROCESS

We offer four distinct academic programmes, each of which can be applied for via the online application forms on our website. A digital portfolio is required for all applications. The application process is straightforward, and we operate independently of the UCAS system.

We welcome all enthusiastic candidates to apply. If you are interested in studying with us, please register to attend an open day or email academiccourses@artacademy.ac.uk or call +44 (0) 20 7407 6969 to discuss our courses further or arrange a visit.

Undergraduate Applications
BA (HONS) Fine Art
BA (HONS) Contemporary Portraiture

Pre-Degree Applications
Fine Art Foundation
Certificate in Fine Art/ Portraiture

 

PERSONAL STATEMENT

As part of your application form you’ll need to submit a personal statement. This is your opportunity to stand out from the other candidates, to set the scene for your interview. Your personal statement should be approximately 500-700 words for undergraduate programmes, and up to 500 words for pre-degree programmes and cover the following:

  • Give us some context; What have you done previously (educationally, artistically and professionally)? Why are you interested in the course you are applying for?
  • Explain the ideas, concepts, and research behind your work, and tell us how you intend to expand and develop your ideas and research in the future.
  • Tell us about the materials, methods, and processes you use to make work and what you’re interested in exploring in the future.
  • Tell us how and why artists have influenced your work.
  • Why do you want to study at the Art Academy? What do you hope to gain from the programme? What are your ambitions?

PORTFOLIO

As part of the application form you’ll be asked to submit a digital portfolio, so that we can assess your suitability for the programme ahead of a physical interview.

Digital portfolios must contain information about media and dimensions as a minimum, you may add titles and other explanatory text if you wish.

For an interview you’ll need to bring a physical portfolio with you. This doesn’t need to be completely different content to the digital one. This should be approximately 15 ‘sheets’ or pieces of work (no less than 10, no more than 20) plus your sketchbooks.

Your physical portfolio does not need to be mounted or ‘presented’, but rather a collection of work. You should, however, consider the order in which you wish it to be viewed.

For both digital and physical portfolios you should include evidence of:

  • Drawing
  • Finished work/ projects (from research to realisation; we want to see your working process)
  • Work that demonstrates your range (include pieces that demonstrate your ability with different media and techniques)

You should consider the following:

  • We’re not looking for perfection. Including developmental, unfinished and experimental work is important too.
  • Be decisive. The ability to select and edit is important. You should have something to say about every piece and demonstrate that you can critically self-evaluate.

INTERVIEW

You will be invited to interview should your application and digital portfolio be suitable.

On the day of your interview applicants for the undergraduate programmes will be seen by an interview panel; Director of Quality & Student Experience, Academic Programme Manager and the Programme Leader. If you have applied to a pre-degree programme you will be interviewed by the Admissions Coordinator.

In the interview you will discuss the work in your physical portfolio and answer any questions the interviewers have about the work and your interests in the course you are applying for.

At the end of the interview you will be invited to ask us any questions you have. We can offer a tour of the campus if it is your first time visiting the academy.

THE RESULT

We’ll normally tell you our decision within three weeks. There are three possible outcomes, detailed below.

Conditional offer: this means we will offer you a place providing certain conditions are met before registration on the programme e.g. the completion of outstanding qualifications. Each offer is specific to individual circumstances.

Unconditional offer: this means you’ve met the academic and non-academic entry requirements and have been accepted onto your chosen programme.

Unsuccessful application: this means we have decided not to offer you a place on the programme. Applicants can be unsuccessful for many reasons and should be aware that many of the programmes at the Academy receive far more applications than number of places available.

Feedback on the decision will be given to any applicant who requests it. We will always ensure that the interviews and portfolio reviews are carried out fairly and equally. All those conducting interviews are trained to do so and fully conversant in our Admissions Policy. Although decisions to admit or reject applicants are academic judgments and therefore cannot be appealed, if an applicant feels that the interview and selection process was not conducted fairly and equitably or as described in our Admissions Policy, the process for making a complaint in this regard can be found within the policy document.

NEXT STEPS

You will be notified of the outcome by email. If successful, you’ll also receive: an offer letter, the Terms and Conditions, an ‘Accept Offer’ form to fill in and sign, along with your deposit, and copies of the Student Handbook, Programme Handbook and Academic Regulations. By accepting an offer you agree to abide by the Academy’s Regulations.

You’ll also be invited to our Graduate shows, to get a sense of the community and see what you can achieve by studying with us.

Prior to starting you will be sent the course documents for the Elective Skills Workshop courses and have a meeting or phone conversation with a member of the Academic Team to discuss and agree your choices for the first term. Part-time students will also need to decide on individual routes through the first stage of the programme.

WITHDRAWAL

You may withdraw your application at any stage and should do so by emailing the Admissions Coordinator or by filling in the Application Withdrawal form, see link below.

Link to the application withdrawal form

If the Academy withdraws an undergraduate application the reason will be communicated to the applicant via email. An applicant will be withdrawn if they fail to attend an interview without making contact with the Academy or if an applicant has failed to respond to Academy emails or letters within given deadlines.