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Fine art short courses

Develop your creative practice

Develop your creative practice through experimentation, making and critical thinking. Explore the ideas, materials and techniques that shape contemporary art.
I felt creatively constrained and wanted to learn how to translate my emotions more deeply onto the canvas.

— Emilie, Expressive Painting Short Course Student

Make, experiment, create


Explore fine art courses across a range of fine art disciplines that encourage creative experimentation while building practical skills across a range of media and techniques. From drawing, painting and printmaking to sculpture, mixed media and contemporary art practices.

Get in touch to explore your progression pathway with a course bundle designed to suit your personal or professional goals.

Featured courses

Fine art
Portfolio Development Short Course

Portfolio Development Short Course

£750

Develop your creative work and showcase your skills effectively. Impress potential employers or educators with your portfolio.

  • Dates - 7 September 2026 to 11 September 2026
  • Schedule - Monday to Friday
Fine art
Introduction To Drawing Short Course

Introduction To Drawing Short Course

£750

Learn foundational drawing skills. Discover essential techniques and build a strong drawing foundation for any artistic pursuit.

  • Dates - 2 August 2027 to 6 August 2027
  • Schedule - Monday to Friday
Fine art
Painting Art History with The Impressionists Short Course

Painting Art History with The Impressionists Short Course

£470

Explore art history and learn techniques from the Impressionist masters. Develop your painting style.

  • Dates - 24 August 2026 to 26 August 2026
  • Schedule - Monday to Wednesday
Fine art
Creative Health and Wellbeing through Artmaking Short Course

Creative Health and Wellbeing through Artmaking Short Course

£680

Discover how creative practices boost mental resilience and wellbeing. Art for health course.

  • Dates - 3 August 2026 to 7 August 2026
  • Schedule - Monday to Friday

Who are these courses for?

Our fine art short courses are suitable for anyone interested in developing their artistic practice, regardless of experience level.

Whether you're exploring fine art for the first time, building a portfolio for further study, returning to a creative passion, or looking to expand an existing practice, you'll have the opportunity to experiment with materials, techniques and ideas in a supportive environment.

Through creative exploration and critical reflection, you'll develop confidence in your work and strengthen your individual artistic voice.

What will I learn?

Depending on the course you choose, you’ll gain a foundation in key areas of the fine art, including:

  • Painting techniques using a variety of mediums
  • Drawing and sketching
  • Anatomical drawing
  • Sculpture and ceramics
  • Collage and mixed media
  • Portfolio building
  • Art theory
  • Art history

Do I need any prior experience?

No prior experience is required for most courses. Each course is designed to be accessible, with clear guidance throughout.

How long are the courses?

Depending on the type or format of the course you choose, it could typically run for a few consecutive days or weeks, or once per week for a few weeks.

Which course format is right for me?

  • Choose an in-person, campus-based short course for immersive learning and the art college experience
  • Choose a live online short course for structured teaching you can do anywhere
  • Choose a self-paced short course for flexible, independent study in your own time

Where can this lead?

After completing their course students go on to:

  • BA and MA courses at UAL or other institutions
  • Use their practical skills to develop their own creative practice or business
  • Apply their newfound creative techniques for idea generation and solution-finding
  • UAL Online postgraduate study
  • Creative careers and freelance practice

Discover more...

I built up more confidence in my artwork, ideas, and process in such a short period of time. Having one-on-one time with a tutor who is extremely encouraging and experienced was amazing for helping me get a clearer sense of my style and the best way for me to produce and organise my work.

— Toby, Portfolio Preparation Short Course Student

Discover more about fine art short courses

  • Student Emilie Fischer at Chelsea College of Arts
    Short course student Emilie Fischer at Chelsea College of Arts

    My fine art short course journey in London

    Short course student Emilie Fischer shares how our Expressive Painting and Abstract Painting courses helped her overcome creative blocks and move from hobby artist to emerging professional.

  • International Summer School 2022
    Student work by Maya Boluktas | International Summer School 2022

    Summer in London: student work from our International Summer School

    Our UAL International Summer School is a great option for anyone considering further studies in art and design. To find out more, we caught up with some previous students to see some of their inspiring work.

  • Oil painting short courses at Chelsea College of Arts | UAL Short Courses
    Image: Oil Painting | UAL Short Courses

    Oil painting short courses at Chelsea College of Arts

    We discuss our range of inspiring oil painting short courses running at Chelsea College of Arts.

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