The Drawing Year is our full-time, full-scholarship postgraduate-level programme. It is designed for artists and creatives who wish to engage in creative exploration and critical enquiry, and discover how drawing can further enrich their practice.
30 selected students benefit from 3.5 days of skills-based tuition a week from distinguished teaching and visiting artists, access to their own dedicated studio space, a lecture programme, professional development guidance and the opportunity to exhibit in a series of end-of-year public exhibitions.
Places on this course are offered by application, on the basis of a portfolio and interview.
Online Drawing Development Year
The Online Drawing Development Year (ODDY) is designed for arts graduates and artists with an evolving studio practice who seek live online drawing tuition and a structured critical dialogue with tutors, mentors, and peers. Spanning three terms, this programme offers sustained guidance and skill development while supporting each student's artistic practice
This flexible, part-time course allows students to curate their own selection of courses each term, ensuring a balance between work, studio practice, and other commitments. Delivered entirely online, it is ideal for those based outside London, international students, or individuals with specific access needs.
Places on this course are offered by application, on the basis of a portfolio and written statement.
Public courses
The Royal Drawing School offers over 350 drawing courses each year. Our courses run from our studios in Shoreditch, across London, and online. There are three terms a year, and shorter courses are programmed during the holiday periods.
Our courses are taught by over 100 practising artists, all are dedicated and experienced professionals who bring their unique style, insight and inspiration into the studio.
Courses are available to book online, and programme launches are communicated through ourenewsletter.
Our courses focus on four key areas of observational drawing:
Drawing in the Studio
Drawing from Art
Drawing London
Drawing and Imagination
Each area complements the others, helping you develop your skills and see the world through a new lens.
3-month Drawing Intensive
The Drawing Intensiveis our three-month part-time course open to any student who wants to progress their artistic practice through a combination of tuition, tutorials and mentoring. Available to study both in person or online, the course is structured yet flexible and is available to book onto in September, January and April.
5 & 10 week courses
We run over 80 daytime and evening5 & 10-week drawing courses each term in-person and online. These courses are suitable for adults of all levels. There are three 10-week terms per year: Autumn, Spring and Summer, term dates can be found here.
Online courses seek to replicate the format and experience provided in our physical studios while being specially adapted to online learning.
We offer intensive1-week coursesbetween term times, around the Christmas and Easter periods and during July/August. Courses often focus on extending a drawing practice into other mediums, including painting, printmaking and sculpture.
Single drawing classes
We offer life drawing and printmaking classes that can be booked onto for a single session during term-times.
Digital Studio
Our Digital Studio offers 1–2 hour online lunchtime and evening classes broadcast from our studios in London using specialist filming equipment.
Each tutor-led class makes use of the School's multi-camera set-up to create drawing-from-observation opportunities that are only possible online.
Young Artist courses for ages 10–18
Our Young Artist courses offer drawing classes for young people aged 10–18 from all backgrounds, focusing on developing skills through observation and hands-on practice. Led by professional artists who are alumni of our postgraduate programme, The Drawing Year, these courses provide expert guidance in drawing forms, techniques, and creative processes. Students build confidence in their artistic abilities while exploring self-expression, problem-solving, and idea generation in a supportive, artist-led environment.
Our programmes foster connection, creativity, and personal growth. Young Artists are encouraged to explore their own ideas and styles, collaborate with peers, and build essential skills in communication and critical thinking. With an emphasis on observational drawing and skills-based teaching, we offer a unique and enriching experience that supports artistic development and mental wellbeing.
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