The Online Drawing Development Year application checklist

A step-by-step guide to help you prepare and submit your application.

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Application checklist 

The Online Drawing Development Year is a part-time, flexible, online programme designed to develop your drawing and studio practice. It offers live tuition, critical dialogue, and mentorship over the course of three terms, with a curriculum focused on observational drawing, imagination, and experimentation. 

Designed for arts graduates and practising artists looking to deepen their work, the programme fits around other life and work commitments — no matter where in the world you are based. 

Follow our below step-by-step guide to structure your application and apply with confidence. 

Read the prospectus

Familiarise yourself with the programme structure, curriculum, and what you can expect from the year. 

Write your application statement 

  • Up to 500 words (max. 3000 characters)
  • Tell us about your current creative practice 
  • Include why you believe the programme is right for you 

Prepare your digital portfolio 

You will need to update 20 media files in total: 

  • 10 drawings — dry media, ink, or watercolour 
  • 10 additional works — in any medium 

Portfolio file requirements include: 

  • JPEG or PNG (max 5MB per image) 
  • If relevant, video files must be max. 2 mins and no larger than 250MB 
  • Include good quality images that have been created within the last 3 years 

Label your files as follows:

  • Title
  • Medium (keep it concise: main material and surface only)
  • Year
  • Dimensions (cm) or duration (for videos)
  • Include a category: 'drawings' or 'additional works' 

For more support, read our blog on how to create a strong drawing portfolio.

Submit by the deadline 

Applications for the Online Drawing Development Year 2027 intake close on Wednesday, 29 July at midnight.