The Slade School of Fine Art is concerned with contemporary art and the practice, history and theories that inform it. It approaches the study and practice of art in an enquiring, investigative, experimental and research-minded way.

Slade facilities and infrastructure for research support the discourse around painting, sculpture and fine art media. In the recent 2008 RAE, 70% of the department's research activity was recognised as being in the top two categories of 4* ('world leading') or 3* ('internationally excellent'). This result confirms that the Slade is one of England's leading university departments for research in Fine Art. Studio space and facilities have been expanded and enhanced in recent years and a large research centre and project space has been established in the Woburn Square studios.

A new three-year, full-time BFA in Fine Art begins in September 2009 and will complement the four-year BA in Fine Art. The Slade also offers two Masters programmes and the MPhil/PhD in Fine Art, plus a range of short courses and an annual Summer School.