Online Drawing Development Year One-year intensive

About the Open Call

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 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. Please note: The Online Drawing Development Year is an unaccredited course. The ODDY is a three-term remote learning programme designed to enhance and complement your studio practice. Throughout the year, students will benefit from: Up to three online daytime drawing classes per week (or equivalent) each term, totaling 18 hours of live tuition per week. Students curate their own programme from over 35 online daytime and evening courses. 6 x 3-hour core online evening classes exclusive to Online Drawing Development Year students. 3 x 30-minute one-to-one tutorials with a faculty member. 5 x 30-minute mentoring sessions with a Core Tutor. Peer-to-peer crits to develop critical dialogue. Access to online lectures featuring artists, curators, and art historians. Professional development series in the final term. Access to the Digital Studio; 1-2 hour ‘drop-in’ live streamed drawing sessions. Two days of 'Core' classes at our Shoreditch studios and other London locations. Tutors & Tutor Groups: The Online Drawing Development Year is led by three Core Tutors who oversee the curriculum, guide cohort development, and deliver both the core termly evening sessions and mentoring sessions. Students are part of a supportive tutor group (maximum 20 students), fostering a strong artistic community. These groups meet during core sessions and selected group crits, providing opportunities for discussion, feedback, and collaboration. Beyond live sessions, students can engage with their peers through the online gallery and noticeboard, where they can share work, updates, and opportunities. Course selection and learning platforms: Students choose up to three online daytime drawing classes per week (or equivalent) per term, from over 45 online daytime and evening courses available. Courses are taught by a faculty of over 75 practicing artists. Live online courses are delivered via Zoom. Padlet is used for resource sharing and student collaboration. Class timings: Daytime courses are 10am – 5pm and evening courses run 6pm – 9pm. Please note classes are taught live and are not recorded. Timings listed are GMT (Greenwich Mean Time). Curriculum: The Royal Drawing School is one of the few institutions worldwide offering in-depth tuition in observational drawing. Courses are focused around three core areas: Drawing in the studio, Drawing from art, Drawing our environment. Imagination is a central theme across all areas, with specific courses dedicated to exploring its role in observational drawing. Printmaking is also taught as an extension of drawing. This diverse curriculum encourages experimentation and skill development across different drawing disciplines.

What is Offered

Sustained guidance and skill development; structured critical dialogue with tutors, mentors, and peers; up to three online daytime drawing classes per week (18 hours live tuition); 6 x 3-hour core online evening classes; 3 x 30-minute one-to-one tutorials; 5 x 30-minute mentoring sessions; peer-to-peer crits; access to online lectures featuring artists, curators, and art historians; professional development series in the final term; access to the Digital Studio; eligibility for Dumfries House Artist Residency (alumni); support for group exhibition (alumni).

Requirements

Applicants are typically arts graduates or artists with an evolving studio practice, and demonstrate commitment to drawing and readiness for postgraduate-level study. A BA degree in a creative subject is not essential.

How to Apply

Places for the Online Drawing Development Year are offered through an application process. While most applicants have completed a BA degree in a creative subject, this is not essential. We also consider a strong studio practice, commitment to drawing, and readiness for study at a postgraduate level. The application deadline is: Wednesday 17 September 2025 at midnight (GMT+1) Application requirements: To apply, complete the online application form, which includes: A 500-word statement (max. 3000 characters) detailing your current practice and why you believe the Online Drawing Development Year is right for you. A digital portfolio of 20 media files, including: 10 Drawings – in dry media, ink, or watercolour. 10 Additional Works – in any medium of your choice. A $20 USD application fee applies. To apply online, you’ll be asked to create an account — this is a one-time setup and only takes a moment. Portfolio guidelines: Images must be JPEG or PNG files, no larger than 5MB per image. Video files must be a maximum of 2 minutes and 250MB. Ensure all images are of good quality. Works should be created within the last three years. Label your media in the applicant portal as follows:Title Medium Year Dimensions/Duration State category: 'Drawing' or 'Additional Work'. Dimensions should be listed in centimetres. Keep the medium description concise (main material and surface only). Application results: After the deadline, a panel of practicing artists will review applications based on your statement and digital portfolio. There is no interview or sketchbook submission required. Successful applicants will be notified within one month of the deadline. Submit your application through the portal.