Advanced Painting Course 2026-28 with full time studio

Applications are open

Please note admissions are on-going and once all the places are filled we will close the application process.

Fees: £6,700 per annum

The ESOP Advanced Painting Course is a full-time, two-year, MA-level programme. The course is designed for practicing artists seeking to refine their skills, deepen their practice, and develop their individual voice within a supportive and intellectually stimulating environment.

Places on this course are limited.

If you have any questions please contact the school directly.

CLICK HERE for information on our young artist Scholarship 2026–28 and 2026-27 

Key Features of the Programme

Full time Studio Spaces: Each student is provided with their own dedicated studio space throughout the course ensuring uninterrupted time for the development of their practice across the entire course; this includes the summer of 2027².

Extensive Tutor Support: The programme offers consistent and generous contact with our core team of tutors (see below) and visiting artists. Students benefit from regular one-on-one tutorials, weekly seminars, and group critiques, fostering tailored, in-depth mentorship.

Diverse Visiting Artists: Every two weeks, during term time, over the two years, plus 20 visiting artists—each with significant professional achievements—deliver talks, workshops, and critiques, exposing students to a wide range of artistic approaches and philosophies.

Community and Collaboration: The programme cultivates a close-knit community of artists who support one another through shared critiques, collaborative projects, and peer feedback, enriching their learning experiences.

Personal Development: Students are guided in developing the skills necessary for sustaining their as an artist, including exhibiting, networking, and navigating the art world. Additionally, each academic year features gallery and artist studio visits. At the end of the course, there is a group exhibition for the graduating class.

Why This Course Stands Out:

Focus on Individuality: ESOP champions each artist’s unique voice, encouraging them to explore their personal interests and artistic ambitions without conforming to trends.

Commitment to Diversity: The course embraces a broad spectrum of artistic approaches, ensuring inclusivity and a rich exchange of ideas.

Student Outcomes
Graduates of the ESOP Advanced Painting Course have gone on to exhibit in prestigious venues both here and abroad, and to establish sustainable careers. The course prepares students not just for artistic success but also for meaningful contributions to the art world.

HOW TO APPLY AND OUR REQUIREMENTS.

Admissions are based on artistic potential, energy, creativity, open mindedness, dedication as well as quality of work and who are able to demonstrate their determination and commitment to the course.

We ask applicants to be prepared to participate fully in this pioneering, innovative and unique painting course. If selected, and you accept our admission offer, you will be committing to attend and participate in the programme for the full two-years. 

The ethos of the ESOP is to encourage as a wide range of viewpoints as possible and we welcome applications from candidates wishing to contribute to this diverse and polysemous micro-culture.

The core team of artists tutoring³

The course is led by the internationally exhibited painter Dan Coombs overseeing a programme of visiting artist lectures and tutorials, Dan Coombs himself and regular ESOP tutors plus projects, lectures, seminars and group tutorials. The core tutor team is Dan Coombs (Course leader), Alison Harper (Artistic Director ESOP), Kathryn Maple and Katherine Jones RA. The course will evolve through a dynamic ongoing conversation between the teachers and the participating artists. Advice and mentorship will be provided for every aspect of painting practice, including strategies for gaining visibility, recognition and patronage, the pragmatics of running a studio, as well as all the technical issues connected with the craft of painting.

Click images below for more information on the artist.

Course Guide Dates

Please note that the following are a guide, as the course runs over 2 years with access to the studios 24/7 including summer of 2027

Images copyright of the ESOP and the artist. All rights reserved.

1. Please note the last teaching of the course will be 14th June 2028 ↩︎
2. Last teaching day for the first year will be June 23rd 2027. Studios will remain open for student use over the summer, unless the studio need repairs or relocation ↩︎
3. The school may change the core tutors during the course ↩︎