Diploma in Portraiture

Heatherley’s Diploma in Portraiture is an independent award, comparable in level to a Bachelor of Arts degree. Graduates have successfully progressed to Master of Arts courses at leading UK universities and art schools. Assessment is conducted by the Course Director and Principal, with input from an external advisor, typically a professional portrait painter and member of the Royal Society of Portrait Painters. Students without a standard degree who wish to teach in secondary education should pursue a conversion course after completing the Diploma.

We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds and value the unique experience each student brings to the course. Our selection is based on motivation and the potential to benefit from the intensive two-year programme. While we encourage applications from graduates of Foundation and BA courses in Fine Art, sufficient preparation may also be demonstrated by sustained commitment to part-time study. Applications are open to individuals aged 19 and over, including mature students.

Please contact us at info@heatherleys.org with any questions about eligibility.

The Diploma in Portraiture is a two-year programme running three days a week, Monday to Wednesday. The course is structured around intensive three-week projects led by a variety of tutors from both within and outside the school. Students work in small studio groups of 12–14, benefiting from close contact with tutors. Your project tutors will work with you directly two days per week and advise you on how to work independently on the third day of the week.

• Year One: The first year focuses on building a strong foundation in observing and representing the human head and figure. Projects explore drawing, oil painting, sculpture, and printmaking, with technical instruction in materials, including canvas preparation. As the year progresses, students expand into more complex compositions involving the full figure, two-figure arrangements, and spatial dynamics. Key concepts such as tone, colour, composition, and paint handling are explored throughout. Year One concludes with an assessment and a public exhibition at the school.
• Year Two: In the second year, students apply the skills and strategies acquired to develop a more personal and expressive body of work. While continuing to refine core techniques, greater emphasis is placed on narrative, imagination, and contextual awareness—both historical and contemporary. The final term is self-directed, leading to a public exhibition and final assessment that reflect each student’s individual vision and voice.

Throughout the course, you will be supported in developing your aesthetic judgment, visual language, and ability to communicate meaning and intention through your work. Drawing is central to the curriculum—valued both as a method for gathering objective information and as a tool for creative exploration.

Life drawing classes for diploma students take place at the end of the day, twice a week and you will be offered the choice of one of these in order to develop your drawing skills.

Work is primarily from life, with an emphasis on direct observation. A sculpture project explores the head in three dimensions, and a printmaking project expands the material context of your painting practice. Photography may be introduced where appropriate, but always in relation to experience gained from life drawing and painting.

A programme of art history lectures and visiting artist talks supports critical and contextual thinking. Each student writes one essay per year and is encouraged to engage with exhibitions and contemporary discourse to deepen their understanding of the field.

Our faculty includes acclaimed portrait painters such as James Lloyd, Melissa Scott-Miller RP NEAC, Tim Benson PROI NEAC RP, Sara Jane Moon, Adebanji Alade PROI, and James Hague RP. All tutors are practising artists, many of whom are graduates of the Slade School of Fine Art, the Royal College of Art, and other internationally respected institutions. They regularly exhibit with professional societies including the Royal Society of Portrait Painters, the New English Art Club, and the Society of Artist Printmakers.

A member of the Royal Society of Portrait Painters also serves as the external advisor, overseeing the final assessment process.

The Portrait Diploma occupies two large studios with plentiful natural light. Easels, studio furnishings, storage and cleaning facilities for oil paint are provided. Students should provide their own equipment and materials for painting.

There is a fully equipped Print Studio for printing projects. Your project tutor and a printmaking technician will guide you in the use of these facilities.

Assessment at Heatherleys is both formal and informal, ensuring you understand course content and continue developing your work. Evaluation includes subjective and personal criteria, with input from a team of experienced artist-educators and practising artists.

Tutorial Support

• Studio tuition is complemented by personal tutorials every six weeks.

Formal Assessments

There are three formal assessment stages, culminating in the award of the Heatherley Diploma in Portraiture, contingent upon successful completion of the final assessment.

1. Year One – End-of-Year Diploma Exhibition (July): You will prepare and present work for assessment by the Course Director. A written report with constructive feedback is provided.
2. Year Two – Spring Term (Week 5): Mid-year review includes a work presentation and interview with the Principal, Director of Studies, Course Director, and the Diploma’s External Advisor. Feedback is documented in a written report.
3. Final Assessment – Graduate Exhibition (End of Year Two): Your complete body of work, including course and self-initiated projects, is assessed by the Principal, Director of Studies, Course Director, and External Advisor. A final written evaluation is given.

Written Work

Students are required to submit a 1,500-word essay each year, reflecting on their practice in relation to relevant artists. Completion of both essays is mandatory for the Diploma.

Attendance Requirement

A minimum of 80% attendance is required to qualify for the Diploma.

Assessment Outcomes

The Diploma is awarded on a Pass or Defer basis:

• If standards are not met, students may resubmit work at a later date, subject to assessor discretion.
• Adjustments for health or personal issues can be arranged with the Course Director, including deferral or course repetition where appropriate.

Learning Support

Heatherleys is committed to inclusive learning. Students needing additional support or experiencing changing circumstances should consult their Course Director to ensure they can benefit fully from the course.

Throughout your time at Heatherleys, you will receive dedicated support in developing your professional practice. This includes talks by visiting artists, guidance from academic staff, and ongoing encouragement to participate in competitions and exhibitions both within the college and externally.

The school has a close partnership with the Royal Society of Portrait Painters, who sponsor and judge the annual summer competition. Students are also supported in preparing artist statements, building portfolios, and making applications for postgraduate courses, scholarships, and professional opportunities.

The ability to confidently discuss your work and ideas is actively nurtured and is a key element of professional preparation throughout the course.

Graduate Pathways and Career Opportunities

Heatherleys graduates pursue a wide variety of successful career paths. Many go on to:

• Establish professional painting practices
• Take private portrait commissions
• Exhibit in London galleries, across the UK, and internationally
• Win awards and art competitions

Graduates have progressed to MA and Degree courses at leading institutions such as the Slade School of Fine Art, Glasgow School of Art, and City and Guilds of London Art School. Others have gone on to train and work in art therapy, adult education, or have established their own courses and residencies both in the UK and abroad.

Heatherleys alumni are known for their continued contributions to the arts, with many making and exhibiting work, mentoring others, and sharing their skills worldwide.

Opportunities After Graduation

Heatherleys offers several ways for Diploma graduates to maintain a connection with the school and continue their development:

• The Post Diploma in Figurative Painting is a two-year follow on course, which develops your progress to self motivated, independent practice.
• Open Studio: Provides access to portrait and life models for independent study, with a tutor always available.

These post-graduation opportunities are designed to support your transition to independent practice and keep you engaged in an active creative community.

Each year the Thomas Heatherley Educational Trust makes available a number of bursaries for full-time diploma students. Up to 50% remission of fees may be offered to successful applicants. For further details and to apply for a bursary, please contact us at bursar@heatherleys.org.