Opportunities and Resources

Freshers' week programme

In September, there is a seven-day Freshers’ Week programme which introduces students to the School’s curriculum. During this week, students participate in wide range of classes including life drawing, drawing at the National gallery, drawing London, as well as having a comprehensive introduction to drawing materials and processes.  

Special access to collections and exhibitions

Students visit major London galleries and exhibitions throughout the year, and have previously benefited from out of hours access to The National gallery, The Courtauld and the Royal Academy. The School is fortunate enough to enjoy unique access to the collections of Old Master drawings in the Royal Collection and other private collections around the UK. Study trips to draw from these collections are undertaken during the year. 

Gallery visits also form an important part of the Wednesday Core Programme, where students are introduced to new exhibitions across London's many contemporary galleries, including White Cube, Thomas Dane, Michael Werner, and Hauser & Wirth.  

Artistic practice and professional development

The professional development programme runs at the end of the year; introducing students to a wide range of industry experts who offer advice on aspects of professional practice. The intention of this programme is to prepare students for life as a practising artist after The Drawing Year. Topics covered include; Marketing and digital presence; Studio Development, Being an Artist outside the Commercial Realm, tax and self-employment and image rights and usage.  

Summer painting trip

At the end of the summer term, students spend one or two weeks drawing and painting alongside their tutors in varied and inspiring environments and landscapes. Locations have included Borgo Pignano in Tuscany, Holker Hall in the Lake District, Château de Balleroy in Normandy, Raveningham Hall in Norfolk, and Dumfries House and Lybster in Scotland.