Can I visit the Slade?

Details of tours of the building are to be confirmed. Please check back at the end of November.

Please note that the studios are private working spaces and ad hoc or unplanned visits can not be arranged.

Our Degree Shows, which are open to the public, take place in the summer (May/June).

Where can I find information about what to study?

We offer two undergraduate programmes:

• a three-year BFA in Fine Art
• a four-year BA in Fine Art

For information on programme content, please see the descriptions for each course and BA/BFA Admissions sections. Key information about entry requirements and fees is on the main UCL prospectus pages.

For further general advice about university study in the UK, UCAS provides a listing of programmes for the UK and contact details for Universities and Colleges.

Does it make any difference if I am a mature student?

No, we consider everyone in the same way, regardless of age. Information is on the UCL website page for Mature Students. If you have any enquiries about admissions, please contact the main UCL Undergraduate Admissions Office.

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

All applications to the Slade should be made through UCAS by 6pm 29 January 2025.

Can I apply for deferred entry?

No, we do not accept applications for deferred entry.

Can I apply through Clearing?

No, we do not accept applications through clearing.

Can I transfer onto a programme at the Slade?

We do not accept transfers on to the second year. Any candidate who wants to join Slade School of Fine Art must apply through UCAS in the first year only.
If a UCL student from another department wants to transfer to the Slade School of Fine Art, they must follow the formal admissions process of submitting the UCAS form and portfolio correctly within the published deadlines.

What are the entrance requirements?

The BA and BFA programmes have the same entrance requirements. Key information about entry requirements can be found on the BA and BFA Fine Art pages on the main UCL prospectus pages.

Can I apply directly from high school study?

Many applicants take a Foundation in preparation for degree study in Fine Art, but it is not an entrance requirement at the Slade. However, if you are applying directly from your high school, please bear in mind that your portfolio will be considered alongside candidates applying from Foundation Courses, and will be held to the same high academic standards.

Do you offer a Foundation course at the Slade?

No, we do not have a one-year accredited Foundation at the Slade, but we do run a varied programme of short courses during our Summer School Programme.

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. See the English language requirement sections on the BA and BFA Fine Art pages on the main UCL prospectus pages.

If you have any questions, please contact UCL Central Admissions team. The Slade is not able to provide advice on qualifications.

How are students selected?

All applicants are required to apply though UCAS and submit a portfolio for consideration by the entrance examiners. Shortlisted applicants are invited for personal interview. The selection for the programmes is made on merit and great care is taken to give every application careful individual consideration.

What should I include in my portfolio?

The content of your portfolio should reflect the work you wish to show the examiners; demonstrating a range of your skills, talents and interests. You should include recent work, and self-initiated work (non coursework). For further details see the BA/BFA Fine Art admissions and BA/BFA portfolio guidance pages. Please note: due to the number of applications, we do not provide 1-2-1 portfolio guidance.

The examiners will be considering the following criteria when viewing portfolios: critical awareness; depth and scope of investigation; relevant use of processes and materials; the ability to realise ideas; the ability to contribute to and participate in the course and the ability to establish a self-initiated programme of work.

How should I present my portfolio?

Information regarding format specifications (electronic portfolios) will be sent to you by email once you have submitted your UCAS application.

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 UCAS.

*Whilst we appreciate the time and effort put into completing your application, regrettably due to the number of applications we receive we are not able to provide feedback to candidates who are not invited to an interview.

Are all students interviewed?

No. Applicants shortlisted at the portfolio inspection are invited to attend a 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, email the person who has sent you the letter giving details as soon as possible. Alternative dates and times can only be arranged during the scheduled interview week, where/if space is available.

How will I find out the result of my interview?

Successful applicants will receive an offer in writing from UCL and this will be confirmed formally by UCAS. You should respond to the offer through UCAS. Applicants who are unsuccessful at interview will be notified via UCAS.

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 on, or passing any exams you may have pending, or on obtaining certain grades. A level and Scottish Higher Qualifications will be communicated to UCL directly by exam boards. Other applicants with conditional offers (including an offer conditional on a Foundation course) should inform UCL Undergraduate Admissions Enquiries of their results as soon as they receive them.

What happens on A-level results day?

If you are one of the many people awaiting A level or AS level results and you meet the conditions of your offer your place will be confirmed by UCAS. You will also receive further information from UCL in due course.

What if I don't make the grades for my offer?

If you do not attain the exact grades specified on your offer, you should contact us immediately. Final decisions will be taken by UCL Undergraduate Admissions and will depend upon overall numbers meeting their conditions across the university.

Can the department help me with a Tier 4 visa application?

Academic Departments are not able to give visa advice to applicants or students. Please contact Visa advice at UCL.

Is student accommodation available?

UCL does offer some student accommodation. Please see the Student Residences Office website for more information and pay close attention to deadlines for applications. Please note that the Slade is not able to intervene in the allocation of accommodation.

I am an international student, are there any scholarships that I can apply for?

UCL has a number of scholarships. To check the details and see if you are eligible to apply for any of them, please see UCL's Scholarships and Funding web page. The Slade has a number of small scholarships. These are awarded by nomination in June each year. Incoming students are considered for any awards for which they are eligible and will be contacted if further information is required. The primary criterion is merit. Successful candidates will be informed by email in June. For further information, see the section on Fees and Funding.

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: www.ucl.ac.uk/teaching-learning/case-studies/2017/jun/getting-students-career-ready-ucl-slade-school-fine-art.