YEAR-LONG COURSES 2026
The year-long courses at Browne School of Art have been developed to fulfill a growing requirement for a sequential pathway to study that may be undertaken without unduly compromising work, family or other commitments. These courses are offered in both day and evening modules at levels 1-3 and a week day course at level 4.
Register your interest now for one of our year-long courses 2026. Interviews for year--long applicants are open from 1 September 2025. Applications will remain open until course places are filled. Please [contact us] for an interview.
All students who are new to the year-long programs will need to attend a short informal interview. Current year-long students are not required to attend an interview for entry into follow-on levels but are required to register their intention for advancement by 1 September 2025
Choosing the Right Course
Not sure which course is best for you?
During your interview, we’ll discuss your goals and experience to ensure you’re at the right level to get the most from your chosen course.
Proven Success
All of our year-long courses have a strong track record of success. Many students go on to further study, professional practice, or other creative ventures, fuelled by a passion and ambition to succeed.
The programme offers levels suitable for beginners through to advanced students, indicated as L1, L2, L3 & L4. Applicants enter at the level most appropriate for their experience.
At the early stages, the focus is on building practical skills. Over time, the emphasis shifts toward a more philosophical and critical engagement with art — an important part of creative growth and curiosity.
Entry Requirements
Painting 1
No portfolio is required — commitment and determination matter most. You’re welcome to bring examples of past work for review.
Painting 2, 3 & 4
Examples of current or past work are required. These can be:
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Physical artworks
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A photographic record
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A comprehensive portfolio
Visual Arts Mentoring Programme (VAMP)
VAMP, is designed for artists across a wide range of creative disciplines who want the support and guidance of a professional practising artist and mentor.
The Final Exhibition
All year-long courses conclude with a public exhibition in our dedicated BSA Gallery, showcasing the work created during the year.
Apply Now
These courses are in high demand, so we recommend registering early.
To book an interview, email us or leave a phone message and we’ll arrange a suitable time.
PAINTING 1
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to learning to draw and paint and is ideally suited to those who wish to become more intensely involved from the outset. In a congenial, supportive studio environment, learning becomes fun and productive.
On completion of this course you will be able to draw and paint with greater confidence and will have practised the visual fundamentals should you wish to attend the year-long course Painting 2.
PAINTING 4
Painting 4 fosters an ongoing support network for practising artists. In 2026, the programme runs over 21 Thursdays, spread across four terms. This schedule provides a balanced rhythm of theoretical exploration and hands-on practice, with each session dedicated to developing and extending every student’s painting practice.
The course encompasses invaluable insights, opportunities and practical wisdom for staying current and well informed.
Painting 2 is our second-year painting course and is ideal for students who have completed the year-long course Painting 1: Start-Up, or who have attended several terms of day or evening courses at Drawing and Painting - L2 or their equivalent.
Painting 2 begins around a structure of directed projects with students following a prescribed curriculum of learning. This process continues through to the end of term 2, at the mid-year point. Gradually, students are encouraged to begin to research more independently and to explore broader notions of visual understanding and of personal interpretation.
VISUAL ARTS MENTORING PROGRAMME [VAMP]
VAMP is developed for artists across a broad spectrum of creative disciplines who feel that they would benefit from the guidance and support of a professional practising artist and mentor.
Applicants begin the course in mid-February and are provided with a personal mentor for a period of 10 months.
Painting 3 is a course for students who have begun to develop a direction in their work, but who require a supportive studio environment in order to gain clarity of vision. In this course, students begin to take more responsibility and control of their own learning and progress. Our aim is to allow each individual’s talent to flourish through a natural unfolding of their abilities and aspirations.
Painting time is supplemented by readings, discussion, evaluation and critiques in order to foster a critical awareness, theoretical positioning, and a sound working methodology.