Entry requirements
A-levels or BTEC
Entry requirements are in the range of A-level BBB–CCC (120–96 UCAS Tariff points), or BTEC Extended Diploma DDM–MMM. Our conditional offers typically fall within this range. We are looking for highly motivated and creative students. We will consider you on an individual basis. Your portfolio is the most important and mandatory part of your application. If your predicted or actual grades fall below the range below but you can evidence your thinking, ideas and abilities through a high-quality portfolio we will still consider your application.
Art foundation diploma
Pass. A foundation diploma is not a requirement for entry – it is just one of a range of qualifications that is accepted for admission to this course.
International Baccalaureate
30 points.
Access to HE diploma
Pass with 60 credits overall. Art and design courses preferred. At least 45 credits at level 3, and 30 credits must be at merit or above.
GCSE (minimum grade C or grade 4)
At least English language and maths.
For non-native speakers of English
IELTS 6.0 overall, with 6.0 in writing and at least 5.5 in the other elements
Portfolio advice
When you come for interview, you will be asked to bring a portfolio with you. This means a folder organised in a way that suits you and shows a full range of art and design exploration. It should include:
- a collection of drawings, which should include objective, imaginative, and selected life drawing
- drawings that show us a pathway from initial personal research, through to ideas, which could be made in a material, or a combination of materials
- photographs of visual research and large three-dimensional objects and
anything else that you have made that cannot be transported to the interview
- any documental evidence that represents your artwork, this could include CAD
work, 3D software print outs, Photoshop collages and prints
- include sketchbooks, idea sheets and samples to show us how you develop ideas into final pieces.
Please also bring a written piece of work, an essay or a contextual piece of writing on an art or design-based subject.
Bring any three-dimensional objects you have made either finished, part finished, as a model or an experiment. It could be anything from functional to sculptural.
Preparing for your interview
We are looking for strongly motivated students who can show evidence of being creative, imaginative and individual. You must be able to talk about your work and your approach to making and designing especially with regards to:
- the ability to assess weaker and stronger work
- the capacity to imagine and have a vision
- a preference to think and make in three dimensions
- evidence of good hand skills using any materials/things to make maquettes, models or finished pieces
- self-motivation, timekeeping and an inquisitive mind.