The programme
The Royal Academy Schools offers the only three year postgraduate course in Europe. Successful completion of this tenure culminates in the award of the Royal Academy Postgraduate Diploma in Fine Art.
The programme is focussed on studio-based practice across all contemporary fine art media. The studios accommodate a wide variety of disciplines, and each student is allocated their own studio space, which is changed with each year of the course. The studios are arranged to be as open-plan as possible, to allow maximum flexibility, as well as encourage working relationships between students.
A weekly schedule of group critiques and individual studio tutorials are organised to assist students in developing their studio work. Seminars that include students from all year groups are arranged – these might include medium-specific discussions, or a common ground based on theoretical or conceptual concerns. The core staff is complemented by a wide range of visiting artists, writers and critics. Students have the opportunity to engage with visitors to the Schools via the lecture programme, in addition to one-to-one tutorials.
The Schools staff also includes Professors in Painting, Sculpture, Drawing and Architecture, all of whom are Royal Academicians. The Professor in Chemistry can advise students on technical aspects of painting and sculpture, as well as conservation and archival issues relating to the production of work. Additionally, a Professor in Anatomy is available to students with a particular interest in this specialism. A full list of staff and visitors from the past academic year can
be found here.
Tutorials and Group Critiques
Students make formal presentations of their current work throughout the academic year. These group critiques provide an opportunity for discussion of new work within the peer group and with a view to broadening the understanding of the wider context of contemporary practice. One-to-one tutorials are conducted between students and the year tutors, supplemented by a diverse range of visiting artists and other lecturers.
Lecture Programme & Artist’s Talks
A regular series of talks given by prominent visual artists allows insight into disparate and individual approaches to studio practice. There is also the opportunity for students to visit the studios of a variety of Royal Academicians. Students attend a series of lectures that address current concerns in contemporary art, whether theoretical, political or philosophical.
Reviews of Work
A formal review of each student and their work takes place at the culmination of each year. The reviews provide students with an opportunity to reflect upon the achievements of the year. In exceptionally rare circumstances, a student may be required to submit further work following a set period of time, prior to the
decision to continue study being approved.
The Schools is attended by two Visiting Professors, whose objective is to gain an overview of the course, to conduct one-to-one consultations with each student, and to advise the staff of the Schools. The Visiting Professors meet with students during their second year, and then again in the third year, prior to their
graduation. This process enables the Visiting Professors to familiarise themselves with each of the students, and to reflect upon the development of their work and the effectiveness of the programme in an informed manner.
Texts
The written component of the course is used as a means to investigate and extend ideas that have arisen as a result of studio-based work. A short text is submitted during the first year as an opportunity to address key concerns that inform each student’s practice.
During the second year, students are assisted through tutorials to identify subjects and ideas relevant to their practice and to develop a c6000 word text. The completion of this text is a formal requirement of the course.
Professional Practice
Professional practice seminars are given by a variety of specialist professionals including accountants, copyright lawyers, gallerists, curators and critics. These sessions give practical advice and guidance on all aspects of an artist’s professional working life.
The Schools arranges teaching placements on undergraduate fine art courses for third year students. In most cases, students take on the responsibilities of a visiting artist to the host institution. This normally involves giving an artist’s talk as well as tutorials.
Contact details for further information
Telephone +44 (0)20 7300 5857
Fax +44 (0)20 7300 5856
Email schools@royalacademy.org.uk
