The Ruskin School admits 20 undergraduates a year. The student body is becoming increasingly diverse and we welcome applications from all sections of the community, both in the United Kingdom and overseas. Entry is very competitive, and based entirely on merit; we recognise, too, that artistic achievement and potential can take different forms, depending on the background and experience of the candidate.

Applicants do not have to be pre-selected by their school or college. Anyone who is strongly motivated, self-critical, and developing an independent vision of their potential as an artist, should consider themselves eligible to apply.

Most students come from foundation courses, but candidates are also welcome to apply pre-A-level, during a gap year, or as mature students. In the first instance, assessment is based on the portfolio; for short-listed candidates, new work, the interview and the practical test are also taken into account. If accepted, pre-A-level candidates will be given conditional offers that reflect their potential achievement.

Portfolio

Can contain evidence of work in any medium with at least 20 pieces of work.

We can only look at one portfolio per student; it must be no larger than A1 sized, nor weight more than 10kg.

The portfolio should show the candidate to have:

An independent and creative mind
An ability to go beyond the requirements of the school curriculum
Strong motivation
Visual curiosity
Imagination
An informed awareness of contemporary art.

Approximately 42 applicants are invited for interview on the strength of their portfolio.

It is the applicant's responsibility to collect, or arrange collection of, their portfolio. All shipping costs are the responsibility of the applicant.

Interview

The general aim of the interview is to establish the candidate's strong commitment to, and enthusiasm for the subject and to gauge their potential to thrive in a small department with a tutorial-based learning method. Candidates will be expected to present and discuss their portfolio, and any new work, with the interviewing panel. The interviewing panel will be looking for:

An ability to articulate their views on their own work
An ability to form and present opinions on other art works with specific emphasis on any contemporary art that they have looked at.

Practical Test

One full day is spent on a practical test. This is an opportunity for candidates to respond to questions which allow them to demonstrate their experience, ability and inventiveness.

On the day, we will provide basic materials such as: paper, card, tape, glue, scissors, black ink and charcoal.

Please provide any prefered basic materials.

Deadline for BFA applications is 15 October 2007.

For further information on applying to study fine art at the University of Oxford, please consult the relevant sections of admissions information on the Oxford University website at http://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/