Student Charter

The Student Charter, jointly developed for staff and academic students*, outlines what is expected of academic students and what they can expect from the Academy.

*The Student Charter is only applicable to academic students. ‘Academic Students’ is defined as students who are studying 180+ hours a year with the Academy. This will include students on any of our BA programmes, our Fine Art Foundation or our Certificate Programmes.

As an Art Academy student I will…

  • Attend sessions regularly and punctually with a respectful and professional attitude
  • Take responsibility for finding out about study requirements including deadlines, expected levels of attendance and engagement and academic regulations
  • Share my knowledge and opinions; participate in the culture of open communication and ask for help when I need it
  • Treat fellow students, tutors and staff members and the Academy environment with consideration and respect
  • Be creative and enthusiastic; take part in new things and approach tasks with a positive mind-set.
  • Join in! I will ask questions and show an interest in other people’s work. Feedback and development of work comes from the whole community and it’s essential that I take part in that.
  • Work to the best of my ability with passion
  • Provide honest feedback to help future Academy developments
  • Take responsibility for my own learning
  • Maintain positive lines of communication with Academy staff including keeping current contact details up to date
  • If I pay fees or have a student loan for our studies, I will make myself familiar with my financial commitment to the Academy

The Art Academy will…

  • Welcome you to its close-knit, vibrant artistic community and support you to become the best artist you can be
  • Provide high quality learning and teaching experiences from tutors who are professional artists eminent in their fields 
  • Ensure tutors and staff maintain a high level of professionalism 
  • Respond to prospective and current students queries and communicate important information (e.g. key dates) in an appropriate and clear time frame 
  • Aim to ensure that our tutors and staff members communicate effectively so that students receive consistent information and feedback
  • Get to know you as an individual in order to ensure your journey through the Academy is best suited to your needs, aptitudes and interest
  • Provide a safe, accessible and stimulating learning environment, where you feel able to take risks, experiment and make mistakes
  • Create opportunities for students to gain employability skills and research and prepare for their future
  • Provide information on work related opportunities alongside studies
  • Respond appropriately to student feedback and make sure students are represented on Academy boards and committees
  • Clearly describe and explain course and programme requirements and marking criteria
  • Maintain a high standard of facilities and support services and good access to industry standard equipment and resources 
  • Be clear on course costs (including additional material costs) and promote available financial support
  • Advertise what information, support and advice is available in Academy and locally 
  • Actively promote students and their work

The Student Council will…

  • Create a vibrant community through a varied and student inspired social calendar
  • Facilitate discussion between students and Academy staff and support students in raising concerns through Student Forum Meetings 
  • Represent students at relevant Academy committees and meetings