Entry requirements
We are looking for highly motivated and creative students. We will primarily be interested in your portfolio and will select via a personal interview. If your predicted grades fall below these requirements but you can demonstrate a high-quality portfolio, you are still encouraged to apply. We will consider you on an individual basis.
A foundation diploma is not a requirement for entry – it is just one of a range of qualifications (for example, BTEC or Access Diploma) that is accepted for admission to this course.
A-levels or BTEC
Entry requirements are in the range of A-level AAB–BBC (136–112 UCAS Tariff points), or BTEC Extended Diploma DDD–DMM. Our conditional offers typically fall within this range.
We will generally make you an offer if your predicted grades are at the top of this range. If your predicted grades are towards the lower end of this range we may still make you an offer if you have a strong portfolio.
International Baccalaureate
34 points.
Access to HE Diploma
Pass with 60 credits overall. Art and design diploma preferred. At least 45 credits at level 3, with 24 credits at merit or above.
GCSE (minimum grade C or grade 4)
At least three subjects including English language and maths.
Foundation degree/HND
may enable you to start the course in year 3. Related subjects or practical or professional experience required.
Apolytirion
19 overall (including a 15 in mathematics)
For non-native speakers of English
IELTS 6.0 overall, with 6.0 in writing and a minimum of 5.5 in the other elements.
Portfolio advice
Your application will be considered largely on the content of your portfolio and how you are able to talk about it.
What makes a good portfolio?
Producing a portfolio may be regarded as a design exercise. You will need to plan it as a whole as there are many ways to tell the same story. A good portfolio consists of carefully orchestrated images, lettering and text to convey the information to people who are not familiar with your work. Tutors will look for a broad range of skills, with particular emphasis on drawing ability and a capacity to generate ideas. The work that applicants present in a portfolio usually consists of examples of paintings, drawings, photography, perhaps some sculpture or models.
Please note that we do not necessarily expect to see architectural drawings, but we are looking for a variety of work that shows your ability to experiment and use different media and techniques. We do like students to have good drawing and compositional skills and we also like to see sketchbooks and notebooks to see how your ideas have developed in response to creative problems. In terms of character, we will be looking for students who are self-motivated and inquisitive.
Online portfolios
Online portfolios may be requested via the admissions portal for students unable to attend an interview. Applicants will be advised of where to send their portfolio.
Creating an online portfolio is easy and a useful way to showcase your work. Don’t forget to include the title of the work and the date it was presented. It can also be useful to include a description of each image to explain the thought processes behind your work.