Can I visit the Slade?

All applicants are encouraged to visit the Slade.
You can visit the end of year Degree Shows in June.
Please note that the studios are private working spaces and ad hoc or unplanned visits can not be arranged.

Where can I find information about what to study?

We offer two graduate programmes, the two academic year MFA in Fine Art and the two calendar year MA in Fine Art. For information on programme content, please see our MA and MFA Degree pages under Study and MA/MFA Admissions sections.

Key information about entry requirements and fees is on the main UCL prospectus pages.

How do I submit an application to the Slade and when should I apply?

All applicants for the MA in Fine Art, the MFA in Fine Art and Graduate Affiliate Study should apply online via UCL by 8 January 2024.

Is it possible to submit a late application?

No, late applications will not be considered.

I am applying for the MFA, do I need to submit a study proposal and writing sample?

MFA applicants should include a study proposal in the Supplementary Personal Statement on the application form outlining the projected nature of their study and research on the programme. Describe your academic interests and reasons for applying. Outline the ways in which you will use the programme, resources and staff expertise at the Slade (and UCL) to develop your work and ideas. Include any relevant professional achievements. MFA applicants do not need to submit a separate Research Proposal or writing sample.

I am applying for the MA, do I have to include BOTH a supplementary supporting statement and a proposal for theoretical study?

Yes, submit your study proposal in the Supplementary Personal Statement on the application form outlining the projected nature of your study and research on the programme, focusing in particular on your studio work. Describe your academic interests and reasons for applying. Outline the ways in which you will use the programme, resources and staff expertise at the Slade (and UCL) to develop your work and ideas. Include any relevant professional achievements. MA applicants should also upload a Research Proposal (two A4 pages) containing a clear and succinct statement of your proposed area of theoretical research which includes a working title for your history and theory dissertation; the reason why you have chosen the subject; a summary of the knowledge you already have of the subject; the objectives for the research; what areas of study you think the research will involve; what methods you will employ in the research; what sources you will use for the research, i.e., libraries, museums etc, and a brief bibliography. MA applicants must also upload a recent piece of written work 2,500 - 3,000 words in length (upload this as the Additional Document).

Can I apply for the MA and the MFA in Fine Art?

You should apply for either the MA Fine Art or the MFA Fine Art. For details about the difference between the two programmes, please look at the MA Fine Art or the MFA Fine Art pages. There is not a quota for each programme, so the best candidates will be selected regardless of whether they have applied for the MA or MFA.

My first language is not English, what qualification can I take to meet the English language entrance conditions?

If English is not your first language you must provide recent evidence that your command of the English language is adequate for you to benefit fully from the programme at the Slade. For full details of the qualifications that are acceptable and the minimum levels required in them, please see UCL's English Language Requirements.

The UCL Centre for Languages and International Education offers a range of programmes recognised for the purpose of satisfying UCL's English language proficiency requirement.

Can I apply for graduate study in Fine Art if my first degree is in another subject?

Yes, you can. You will need to demonstrate that your experience and portfolio are of comparable quality to applicants who have studied Fine Art at undergraduate level. Your previous degree may be in a related discipline, e.g. architecture or art history, or you may have graduated some time ago but built a career as a practising artist independently. The strength and appropriateness of your portfolio, study proposal and cv will be crucial in determining whether or not your application is suitable.

How are students selected?

All applicants should apply online and submit a portfolio for consideration by the entrance examiners.

How will I find out the results of the Portfolio Inspection?

Applicants shortlisted at the portfolio inspection will receive an email from the Slade inviting them to interview. Unsuccessful applicants will be notified via UCL Select.

Are all students interviewed?

No. Applicants shortlisted at the Portfolio Inspection are invited to attend an interview.

What should I do if I cannot make the interview time or date?

If you are invited for interview and are unable to attend at the time you have been given, call or email the person who has sent you the email giving details as soon as possible. Alternative dates and times can only be arranged during the scheduled interview week, where/if space is available.

I live overseas; do I have to attend an interview if I am shortlisted?

All shortlisted applicants are invited for interview, regardless of where they live. Interviews will take place online, where/if possible, we will try to accommodate time differences.

How will I find out the result of my interview?

All applicants should check the UCL Select regularly for updates on the status of their application. If you are successful, you will be able to view your offer letter via the UCL Select. You should respond to the offer through the UCL Select as soon as possible. Applicants who are unsuccessful will also receive confirmation via the UCL Select.

If I am offered a place, what kind of offer will I receive?

Offers may be 'unconditional', which means that you have already satisfied the entry requirements, or 'conditional' if they are subject to you completing a course you are currently taking, or passing any exams you may have pending, or on obtaining certain grades. Applicants with conditional offers should inform UCL Admissions Graduate Admission Enquiries of their results as soon as they receive them.

Can I defer my place?

UCL does not accept requests to defer.   But we understand that there are sometimes exceptional circumstances that are outside of your control. Read about deferring your graduate taught offer.

Does the Slade offer scholarships?

We have a number of scholarships. There is no application procedure, all students who receive an offer will be considered for the scholarships and a shortlist is made based on your work submitted via your portfolio and academic merit. See Fees and Funding.

What other funding opportunities are available?

There may be opportunities outside UCL. You are strongly advised to begin your search for funding opportunities as soon as possible as many deadlines are very early. In the past graduate students at the Slade have been successful in achieving funding from a range of organisations including the following: British Council, Association of Commonwealth Universities, Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, IKY, Samstag Scholarship, SAAS, Pola Art Foundation, DAAD, Inlaks Foundation and Charles Wallace India Trust.

Does the Slade offer careers-related training?

Yes, as well as feedback and teaching which is informed by the professional 'art world' knowledge and international perspective of Slade staff, the Slade runs its own bespoke series of careers talks for all final year students, in conjunction with the UCL Careers Service. Sessions are led by Slade staff, with invited guest speakers, and cover various topics such as artist fees, pricing work, fundraising and writing successful grant applications, finding a studio, how to write press releases etc. The programme has been recognised as 'best practice' across the wider University. For more information see: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/teaching-learning/case-studies/2017/jun/getting-students-career-ready-ucl-slade-school-fine-art.