Drawing is a core foundation in many visual arts. It is one of the most important skills to develop if you want to work as an artist.
In art schools and universities, qualified instructors help students build a deeper understanding and appreciation of the craft while sharpening their drawing skills. Even students with natural talent can benefit from structured training, studio practice, and professional feedback.
Drawing graduates often work as illustrators, animators, fine artists, and designers in creative industries such as film, games, publishing, and digital media. Others choose to be self-employed, sell their art to collectors, and gradually build a name for themselves.
Choosing the right school is an important life decision, so make sure to take some time and weigh your options. Good drawing schools should have dedicated art studios, strong technical facilities, and instructors who can support your unique drawing style. If you’re planning to study in Europe, here are five drawing schools you can consider.
Top Drawing Schools in Europe
1. Falmouth University
Falmouth University is a specialist university for the creative industries. Its roots go back to Falmouth School of Art, which opened in 1902, giving the institution more than 120 years of history in creative education.
Falmouth University is a strong institution for drawing in Europe that offers a BA(Hons) Drawing program. Students can complete the degree in three years, with options such as an integrated foundation year and a professional placement route. Under the guidance of expert practitioners and researchers, students develop a critical understanding of the craft while building technical skills. You will work individually and collaboratively as you complete coursework, produce exhibitions, and build a professional portfolio. The course also includes projects with partners such as Trelissick House, Wheal Martyn Clay Works, Gallery Tresco, R.K. Burt Paper Gallery, and ShelterBox Truro.
The university offers access to Falmouth’s School of Art studios and facilities. In the final year, students complete major projects and stage work in a public exhibition. By graduation, you will have a portfolio that reflects your style, research, and professional development.
2. Paris College of Art
Paris College of Art (PCA) is a private art and design college in Paris. Its academic programs began in 1981 under the name Parsons Paris, and the college now offers programs influenced by both European and American approaches to art and design education.
PCA does not list a Bachelor’s degree in Drawing, but it offers two postgraduate options in Drawing: a one-year MA and a two-year MFA. The MA ends with a Degree Project and public presentation, while the MFA includes a second year focused on an MFA thesis and culminates in a Degree Project exhibition. Applicants are required to submit a portfolio of 10 to 20 pieces and show their working process through materials such as sketchbooks, notebooks, working documents, websites, or related project documentation.
The postgraduate offerings at PCA are designed for students who want to expand their existing artistic practice while exploring contemporary approaches to drawing. Students work through studio practice, research, critiques, tutorials, and workshops. They also have opportunities to collaborate across disciplines, encouraging a healthy exchange of ideas between artists working in different media.
3. University of the Arts London
The University of the Arts London (UAL) is a major arts university made up of six colleges. It offers its Drawing program through Camberwell College of Arts. Camberwell’s history dates back to 1898, and today it is located in southeast London, where students can benefit from the city’s active art scene.
UAL offers a three-year BA(Hons) Fine Art: Drawing program at Camberwell College of Arts. The course explores drawing as an expanded field of practice within contemporary art. Students work with approaches such as mark-making, printmaking, moving image, sculpture, sound, text, performance, and digital processes. Lectures, coursework, practical workshops, and contextual studies help students expand their theoretical and historical knowledge while developing hands-on skills.
During the final year, students can undertake a work placement, develop a live project, or write an essay as part of their focused research. Students also have opportunities to exhibit work to external audiences and can choose optional diploma routes between Years 2 and 3, including professional studies, creative computing, or Apple development.
4. Plymouth College of Art
Plymouth College of Art is now known as Arts University Plymouth. Founded as Plymouth Drawing School in 1856, it was granted full university status in 2022 and formally became Arts University Plymouth. It remains a specialist arts university in Plymouth, England.
Arts University Plymouth offers a BA(Hons) Painting, Drawing & Printmaking degree. The full-time route takes three years, and an extended degree route is also available. The program allows students to explore painting, drawing, and printmaking as interconnected ways of thinking and making while developing a distinctive visual language and portfolio. Students can expect studio-based learning, technical workshops, material exploration, and opportunities to develop their creative voice.
The university currently lists MA Fine Art as its relevant postgraduate fine art option, rather than a standalone MA in Drawing. This postgraduate program can be completed in one year full-time or two years part-time. It supports students who want to develop their practice through studio work, research, and critical discussion.
5. University of Northampton
The University of Northampton (UON) traces part of its history to Nene College, which was formed in 1975 through the amalgamation of the College of Education, College of Technology, and College of Art. The University of Northampton was established in 2005 after receiving full university status. In February 2013, it was designated an Ashoka U Changemaker Campus.
UON offers a three-year BA Fine Art degree that includes painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, installation, lens-based work, and digital arts. The course introduces students to techniques, ideas, and materials as they develop their practice across fine art disciplines. Students attend tutorials, seminars, workshops, and study visits while using spacious studios and specialist workshop resources.
For students who already have relevant prior study, UON also offers a one-year Fine Art Painting and Drawing (Top-Up) BA(Hons). This specialist top-up course focuses on contemporary approaches to painting and drawing and culminates in a large public exhibition. Recent study visits for this top-up course have included London galleries, the Venice Biennale, New York, and Berlin.
FAQs about Studying Drawing
What to Consider When Choosing a Drawing School in Europe?
When choosing a drawing school in Europe, there are a number of important factors to consider. First, think about the location of the school. Do you want to study in a bustling city, or would you prefer a quieter, more rural setting? You should also consider the reputation of the school and its record of supporting students and graduates. Another important factor is the curriculum. Do the classes offered align with your artistic goals and interests?
Finally, think about the cost of attending school. Will you be able to afford tuition, housing, materials, travel, and other expenses while studying there? By carefully considering these factors, you can make a more informed decision when choosing a drawing school in Europe that is right for you. While you have these in mind, feel free to browse our Available Design Courses to learn more about studying abroad. Our Available Courses Page also has an extensive catalog of related courses you can pursue in Europe and other popular study destinations.
We hope that this article on the best drawing schools in Europe was helpful. Make sure to also check out Available Programs for International Students in Europe if you’re interested in studying your preferred course in Europe!
