We welcome all enthusiastic candidates to apply. If you are interested in studying with us please register to attend an Open Day or call +44 (0)207407 6969 to discuss course options; we’re always happy to chat through the application process, our courses or arrange a private tour.
Before you apply, you will want to understand what to expect from the application process and how best to prepare. Be assured that we assess you on your own individual merit and potential to succeed on your chosen programme of study. It’s an individually tailored but consistent approach; all applicants are required to attend an interview and portfolio review. For more information on entry requirements please refer to the relevant programme webpage. More information on the admissions process can be found in our Admissions Policy.
In some cases we may ask you to submit supplementary work in addition to the information provided on the application form and requested as part of the portfolio review.
You are also required to demonstrate an appropriate level of English language competence to study with us. More information about this can be found in ‘Entry Requirements’ below.
To find out more information please see the Art Academy’s Admissions policy and Criminal Convictions Policy and Procedure.
Entry Requirements
Specific entry requirements are laid out in the relevant programme webpages. All applicants are required to prove UK right of residency; we do not sponsor international students through the Tier 4 visa system and therefore cannot accept international students unless they are able to prove right of residency in the UK. In the case of our BA (Hons) Fine Art, although no formal qualifications are required, applicants will need to demonstrate work at least of Level 3 equivalent.
English Language Requirements: all applicants looking to join one of our academic programmes (except Certificate) will need to demonstrate an appropriate level of English language competence to study with us. We assess for appropriate level of spoken English at interview, but this can also be proved through previous study in English (evidencing an approved English language qualification at Level 2). We may require specific performance in written English tests at interview.
We appreciate that not all applicants come to us with standard qualifications and we consider a wide range of equivalent level qualifications, professional experience and self-directed learning. We try to take into consideration your unique set of qualifications, skills and experience. We are most interested in applicants who can demonstrate their skills, enthusiasm and commitment to their subject. If you think you can do this, we encourage you to apply!
Visit your chosen programme page and start an application today!
The Process
Once you’ve submitted an application form, we’ll get in touch to arrange your interview and portfolio review – this usually takes place at our Mermaid Court site but we can arrange for this to be done via Skype if necessary. More information on entry requirements can be found on the specific course page and more information on the admissions process can be found on the Academy’s Admissions Policy. Once your interview is arranged we’ll give you further details about what to expect and what to bring to the interview.
The interview
At your interview, we’ll conduct a portfolio review. The interviewer will make a judgment about whether you have the potential to succeed on the programme applied for and to make a decision, which they consider to be in your best interests. While interviews are normally conducted with one member of staff present, your application will not be rejected without it being reviewed by another member of staff. An assessment is made taking into account your overall potential to succeed based on your performance at interview and your portfolio of work.
The portfolio review guidance
As general guidance we like to see examples of finished pieces and the development of a project or series of pieces. You may be asked to bring your sketchbook or preliminary sketches and research. Through this, we are trying to understand your creative process, motivations, ideas and areas of interest. We are also trying to access your level of artistic skill and your potential.
The Result
After your interview you may be asked for supplementary material. If no supplementary material is required you will be notified of our within three weeks. There are three possible outcomes:
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 our programmes receive far more applications than number of places available.
Unsuccessful applicants, or those who do not take up their place, may reapply to the Academy in a subsequent year. Feedback will be given to those who request it. Admissions decisions based on academic judgement may not be challenged unless there is evidence of prejudice or bias against a candidate. Please see the Admissions Policy for more details.
Next Steps
We will offer opportunities to incoming students to get to know the Academy between the time they accept their offer and when they enrol. As a successful candidate you will be invited to come to our Graduation Show to get a sense of the community and see what you could achieve by studying with us. By accepting an offer you agree to abide by the Academy’s Regulations.
APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES, SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS, OTHER HEALTH AND MENTAL HEALTH CONDITIONS
We are committed to supporting accessible learning and welcome students with disabilities and special educational needs.
Disclosure
We encourage you to disclose any disabilities or special needs when you apply, so we can plan any support that we may need to provide at the earliest opportunity, including during the admissions process. Admissions decisions are always made on the basis of a candidate’s ability and/or potential to complete the programme.
Accessibility and reasonable adjustments
Provided that a candidate is suitable for the programme applied for, we will make reasonable adjustments for applicants with a physical or mobility impairment in accordance with the Equality Act 2010.
Our premises are old buildings, which means that access to some areas can be problematic for people with a physical disability. This will continue to be an issue for the immediate future and all our premises are currently inaccessible to wheelchair users.
Therefore, where possible, we make appropriate arrangements to hold interviews, classes, workshops, tutorials, exhibitions and other events in accessible spaces in our Mermaid Court and Newington buildings, and can provide alternative storage spaces where these may normally be in inaccessible areas. We are also currently completing a number of works to our main building in Mermaid Court, London Bridge, to improve access and facilities for wheelchair users, including a wheelchair-accessible toilet.
This means that from September 2019 we will be able to accommodate most students with physical disabilities on our academic programmes.
Some of our buildings will remain inaccessible for the foreseeable future (our second building at Mermaid Court and the second floor of our Newington building). We are committed to improving access to all our buildings and are working towards making all areas of our campus fully accessible to all.
Hearing technology for hard of hearing/deaf applicants
Portable induction loops can be provided during open days, interview and in teaching spaces if required.
Other disabilities and conditions
If you have another disability, specific learning difficulty, health, or mental health difficulty, we strongly encourage you to contact us to talk about options for support.