Frequently Asked Questions about our courses

What are your term dates?

All courses for adults, including short courses and The Drawing Year, plus our Young Artists courses run between the term dates:

• Autumn Term: September – November 
• Spring Term: January – March
• Summer Term: April – July

Please find this year's dates for each term here.

Check individual courses for specific times and dates.

Short courses in-person and online

The Royal Drawing School’s runs over 80 daytime and evening short drawing courses for adults each term from studios in Shoreditch, out of house across London and online. Over the years we have established a distinguished faculty of over 100 drawing tutors, all of whom are practising artists. Our courses are suitable for all levels, from complete beginners to experienced artists and creative professionals. 

Read FAQs that cover information about our short courses including:

• Booking courses and payments 
• What to do when attending courses in-person and online 
• Studio etiquette
• Facilities 
• Accessibility

3-month Drawing Intensive

This is a 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 the studio or online, the course is structured yet flexible and is available to book onto in autumn, spring and summer terms. 

Read Drawing Intensive FAQs that cover:

• Who is it for 
• Courses selection 
• Accessibility
• Fees

The Drawing Year

The Drawing Year is a full-scholarship postgraduate-level course offering up to thirty students the opportunity to focus on drawing from observation for one year. There are no tuition fees for The Drawing Year – all students are awarded a full scholarship and receive a free studio space.

Applications for The Drawing Year 2025-26 are closed, applications for 2026-27 will open in December 2025.

Read The Drawing Year FAQs that cover:

• Who is it for
• The application process
• Portfolio support
• Sketchbooks submission and collection
• Qualifications

Online Drawing Development Year

The Online Drawing Development Year has been devised to allow arts graduates and those with a developing studio practice, to benefit from live online drawing tuition and a structured critical dialogue with tutors, mentors, and peers.

This year-long programme will provide students with structure, sustained critical engagement and the development of drawing skills, all in dialogue with their existing artistic practice. This is a flexible, part-time course and students will be able to curate their own programme of courses each term, allowing for a balance between work, studio time and other commitments. Delivered online, the course also suits those who live outside of London and abroad or have specific access needs.

Read Online Drawing Development Year FAQs that cover:

• Online learning experience
• Application process
• Fees
• Qualifications

Young Artists

Our Young Artists courses offer students from all backgrounds a unique opportunity to develop their drawing skills.  

Young Artists courses are designed for 10-14 and 15-18 year-olds. Fee-paying and scholarship places are available on these courses. 

Read Young Artists FAQs that cover:

• Young Artists schedule
• How to apply for the scholarship
• Course structure

Have more questions?

Please contact our team, we will be happy to answer your questions.