Applying to art college

Whether you’re determined to do an art foundation or are ready to do a degree, read our advice on the application process, interviews and what will look good in your portfolio.

Can I put my Facebook profile picture in my portfolio?

Do I need to do a foundation year?

Yes and no. The majority of people who’ve got into an art or design degree course will have already done an art foundation, but there are people who get in without it.

Camberwell College of Arts, for example, are happy to meet people without A-levels or a foundation diploma, as long as they have talent and enthusiasm. You can always email or call admissions to find out what your chosen college or university is looking for.

How do I apply for an art foundation course?

You have to apply directly to the college for a foundation year; you don’t go through UCAS. However, the UCAS website does have a list of courses, and if you follow these links you’ll be able to find the application form on the college’s website.

Most application deadlines for art foundation courses are in January.

How much does the foundation course cost?

Most foundation courses are free if you’re under 19 and live in the EU. Although there are some independent colleges that charge tuition fees, so check first.

This means you won’t get a loan, but there are a number of bursaries you can apply for to help cover living costs. Again, check college websites to see which ones they offer and whether you’re eligible.

How do I apply for an art degree?

You simply submit your application, with a personal statement to the UCAS website. Applying to do an art and design degree is a lot like applying to any other university course. However, they’ll probably want you to come to interview, submit a portfolio, or both. You can check what the process is on the college website, or use course search on the UCAS website to find their details.

When should I apply?

There are two deadlines for Art and Design applications, usually in January and March, check which one the course you’re applying to uses. You can find a list of course deadlines on the UCAS website.

How can I make sure I get a place?

To get a place, you want to make sure your portfolio stands out and your interview goes well. We spoke to admissions tutors at Camberwell College of Arts and the Birmingham Institute of Art and Design and they gave us some tips:

Your portfolio

• This needs to have a good range of well-organised pieces. You’ll get Brownie points if it’s presented nicely, but colleges are more concerned about what’s on the paper than whether it’s neatly placed in a folder or not.
• Make sure you go through your portfolio with your art teacher or foundation tutor; they know what they’re talking about.
• Colleges don’t want to see your work ruined, so if you’d rather bring photos or photocopies to avoid the dangers of carrying your work around, that’s OK.

Your interview

• You’ll be asked to explain your portfolio, so get ready to explain your pieces and be enthusiastic about it.
• Research the course and go to an open day if you can, make sure you’re ready to say why you want to go there.
• Find ways of showing interest in the subject. Ask teachers or tutors to recommend any exhibitions they think you’d like so you’ll have something to talk about in the interview.