Application and interviews

Entrance requirements

Selection of candidates is based upon evidence of individual ability and commitment, with an emphasis on potential for further development across the three-year tenure of the course.

The Schools promotes equality of opportunity in all its activities and aims to provide a working environment free from discrimination. The Schools is committed to providing a learning experience of the highest quality, commensurate with the aims of the Royal Academy of Arts as an institution.

Applicants must have a BA (Hons) Degree in Fine Art or an equivalent qualification prior to admission to the Schools. If a candidate is still enrolled on their undergraduate course at the time of their application, their academic referee should indicate their predicted graduation status as part of their supporting reference.

Applications are welcomed from individuals who have undertaken a year or more of independent studio practice outside of their undergraduate institution.

Application and interviews

Applications should be word-processed or completed clearly using black ink. Applicants are required to provide a word-processed statement in support of their work. As a guide, 500 words should be sufficient.

Downloadable forms:

Click here to download the 2009 Prospectus (547 KB)

References

A confidential reference is also required as part of the application. References are usually supplied by the teaching staff/personal tutor from the applicant's undergraduate degree college or a professional artist/tutor. Please ensure that requests for references are made in advance of the closing date for applications. The reference can be sent in a sealed envelope together with the completed application form, or may be sent separately by the referee.

Images and video

Applicants working in 2D and 3D media should preferably supply a maximum of 16 digital images on CD-ROM in JPEG format. All images provided should be in RGB mode and their dimensions should not exceed 768 pixels high and 1024 pixels wide (ie the files should each be between 100Kb and 1MB in size). It is essential that the JPEGS are formatted so that they can be viewed on a Mac. Any other digital formats will not be accepted (no PowerPoint presentations, Tiffs, PSDs etc.) All CD-ROMS and their cases must be clearly labelled with the applicant's name and applicant number. Please note that CD-ROMS will not be returned after the application.

Applicants working in time-based media should provide a video DVD only. We are unable to view video in any other format (no VHS tapes or Quicktime or AVI files on CD-ROM please). Applicants may submit a maximum of three works. If each work is longer than 5 minutes, it is recommended that shorter ‘show-reel’ extracts are sent. The applicant’s name should be clearly labelled on both the DVD and its case.

35mm slides will be accepted if digital files cannot be provided. A maximum of 16 slides in glass-free slide mounts are required. Each slide must be clearly labelled with the applicants name, and the slide number marked on the bottom-left corner of the slide mount. Slides must be sent in an A4 plastic sleeve with ring-binding holes to the left. The slides must not be sent in a slide-box. On no account should both 35mm slides as well as a CD-ROM be sent. Applicants should choose one format only.

A list of the works sent as part of the application must be supplied. This should include the title, medium, size/duration and date of each work. Applicants should ensure that the list corresponds with the numerical order or titles supplied on the particular format chosen to submit their work.

The Royal Academy Schools guarantees that all correctly completed applications are given careful consideration, and that all images and films are viewed with a projector.

Please test-run any CD-ROM or DVD prior to sending with the application form. Corrupt or ocked discs will render the application invalid.

Only 35mm slides will be returned to applicants by unregistered post. However, whilst the Schools take every care to return slides safely, we are unable to accept responsibility for their loss or damage. Under no circumstances should candidates supply original artwork or a portfolio of work to accompany their application.

Please note that the Schools will not proceed with processing an application unless the fee of £30 has been paid. See below for details.

Completed application forms should be sent between 5 and 9 of January 2009 to:

The Schools Administrator (Admissions)
Royal Academy Schools
Burlington House
Piccadilly
London
W1J OBD

The closing date for applications is Friday 9 January 2009. Applications received after this date will not be processed.

An optional acknowledgement postcard or form is included as part of the application. Applicants who wish to be acknowledged of safe receipt of their application should affix a first-class stamp to their postcard or form. Acknowledgements of receipt will be posted approximately one week after the closing date for applications.

Please note that the Royal Academy Schools is unable to answer telephone or email inquiries to confirm receipt of applications. The Royal Academy Schools is unable to enter into any correspondence regarding the outcome of any application.

Methods of paying the processing fee:

The Schools charges a processing fee of £30 to cover the administration of application forms. If an application form is received without payment of this fee, the application will automatically become void – and not considered for interview. Please note that the proof of payment varies according to the method by which applicants pay the processing fee.

There are three methods of paying the processing fee:

• By online payment
• By electronic transfer
• By cheque

Applicants now have the option to pay the processing fee for their application online. If this method of payment is chosen, a unique applicant number and receipt are sent via email. This applicant number must be included on the completed application form. To pay the processing fee online, please visit this website between Monday 17 November 2008 and Monday 4 January 2009.

Alternatively, you may pay the processing fee by electronic transfer. Please ensure that you include your name and address on the transfer form, as well as marking it RA SCHOOLS APPLICATION.

The Electronic Transfer details are as follows:
SWIFT number: RBOS GB 21118
IBAN number GB9 RBOS 160038 0024871
Account number: 00248271
Sort Code: 16-00-38
Royal Bank of Scotland
Drummonds
49 Charing Cross Road
London SW1A 2DX

The last option for the payment of the processing fee is by a cheque drawn from a UK-based bank account. Please make a cheque for £30 sterling, payable to ‘Royal Academy of Arts’. Please include the cheque with your completed application form.

Interviews

Applicants shortlisted for interview will be informed of their interview date after 13 February 2009. Interviews will be conducted between 2 and 20 March 2009.

Shortlisted candidates are required to bring a selection of their work to the interview. The work brought to interview should clearly indicate the nature of the candidate's practice. Paintings, sculptures, photographs, models, drawings are all appropriate.

Candidates using time-based media will have the opportunity to show work on DVD on a LCD television. We are unable to project video work etc during interviews. All candidates may also bring any supporting material such as notes, sketchbooks etc.

There is no restriction on the size or number of works and associated materials that may be brought to the interview. However, candidates should take into account that the set-up time between interviews is restricted to only 10 minutes. Each interview will last approximately 30 minutes. Candidates must take all work and supporting material away with them after the interview.