Arts Bachelors in UK

A lot of our tips talk about how you can strengthen your application, but you can build a stronger application when you’ve done the things this program values in the years prior to the application. The application itself is the communication part (in which you communicate what you’ve done to the admission committee), but this section gives guidance on the substance part (what you can actually do before you apply). In this section, we talk about what you can do in the years leading up to applying that can make you an ideal candidate. Supplement the following tips with general tips (under the tab of ‘Pre-Application’) to become a competitive applicant. 

ACADEMIC BACKGROUND

Degree Requirement: 

Students interested in applying for an Arts undergraduate degree in the UK should ideally have some background in Arts or a related subject. Some universities require students to have an A level (or equivalent) in Art (or a related subject), while others may not require it but hold preference for students that do have this subject background.  

Other common requirements are:

• Foundation Year in Art 

• • • These courses are designed for students who lack a background in Art, but admission committees feel that they have the potential to do well in the field. The purpose of these programs is to develop your skill set so that you are at a level suitable for undergraduate-level study. 
    • Note that not all universities have foundation courses.
    • This may be useful because it helps give you an idea about what an undergraduate degree will involve and helps you build a portfolio that is up-to-date. It will also help give you a strong base before you go into the full undergraduate degree and could help you decide the kind of specialization within Art that you want to pursue. The main drawback is that you have to pay for this. 

• Diplomas in Art 

• Some universities require a diploma in Art (if you do have a diploma, then you will most likely not be required to take the foundation year). It is essentially a certificate obtained after taking an Art Diploma course and develops your skills, similar to foundation programs. Diplomas are often specialized according to a subfield within Art and train you for that sub-field during the course (the consequent certificate is thus also for that specialization). 

Coursework and Transcripts:

The following courses can be useful for this degree:

• History of Art
• Photography
• Design Technology

Useful courses generally depend on the program you are applying for. Any courses related to the program will be useful in your application. 

• Complement the above field-specific tips with general tips on transcripts (under the tab of ‘transcripts’).

GPA Requirement:

Usually, the required grades are:

• A level grades: BBB-AAA (or equivalent)
• IB: usually, the minimum accepted is 32 points
• Note that these are averages – some programs may be more stringent while others may accept lower grades.
• If you hold any other qualifications, check the university website to see if they have provided information on it, and/or contact the department to find out if you are eligible. 

RESEARCH EXPERIENCE

Research experience is not a requirement for this degree; however, having some research experience can give your application an edge. The admission tutors want to see how much you have explored the subject and this includes researching about all that it has to offer. Research is particularly useful if you are deciding among specializations.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Professional experience is not a requirement for this degree; however, having relevant professional work experience can give your application an edge.

VOLUNTEER WORK

Volunteer work is not a requirement for this degree; however, having some volunteer experience can give your application an edge. Volunteering for community art projects and similar events can look good in your application. It shows that you have worked within the field in various ways, not just as part of an academic curriculum. So if opportunities for volunteer work involving Art or any other Art-related activities come up, go for it! There is no harm in adding to your experience. 

OTHER EXPERIENCE

This section provides an overview of general guidelines pertaining to the application process. It also delineates the key components of the application process.

GENERAL ADVICE

For an Arts application, the portfolio is the most important component of your application, alongside the interview (if you have one). Otherwise, your academic background is important, alongside the English Language proficiency tests and the letters of recommendation. Note, however, that if you have a strong portfolio, then it is possible that universities will relax their admission requirements for you. 

Refer to the Program Selection Section for further information.

COMPONENTS

Complement the above field-specific tips with general tips on overview (under the tab of ‘overview’).

Pakistani applicants suffer the most because of inadequate information — or wrong information — about essays and personal statements. This section will address those inadequacies specifically in relation to applying for this program. Supplement the following field-specific tips with general tips (under the tab of ‘essay’) to craft a stellar personal statement. 

BASIC INFORMATION

Personal statements have a word limit of 500 words and form an important component of your application. Your personal statement should serve as a written overview of you, the kind of things you have achieved and the kind of things you aspire to do in the future. The personal statement, portfolio and interview should all be connected/linked – try to maintain consistency in each. The personal statement forms the written component, the portfolio is a visual component and the interview is an opportunity to present yourself and your work in person. Everything should essentially convey the same thing – you, your achievements and your aspirations – just in different ways. 

TIPS ON GOOD AND BAD STATEMENTS

What is essential in the statement:

• For an Arts degree, your personal statement does not have to follow a story style of writing. Hannah Maughan (Senior Lecturer of Textile Design at the University College Falmouth) recommends students not to start off the statement with sentences like, ‘Ever since I was little I was interested in…’. She recommends students to be concise and to the point when writing (source: Tate). 
• Through your personal statement, you have to prove that you are a good potential student for the programs you are applying to. In this way, it is important to write about any Art-related skills that will be useful during your future studies. These include technical skills you have, your capacity to work independently, your ability to work within a team and more. Write about how you have the creativity and capacity to work with the program/s. Show that you have a passion and the skill set required to complete the degree well.
• It is important to write about your inspirations during your study of Art so far.  These can be an artist’s overall style or particular works. Or any other relevant inspirations. Think and write about the following things:
  • Who inspires you?
  • Why do they inspire you?
  • How has their work influenced yours, or as Martin Conreen (admission tutor at Goldsmiths, University of London) puts it, “how their work has resonance with your own, or with your own ideas”? (source: Which?)
  • David Baldry (course leader for Fine Arts at University Campus Suffolk) recommends students also write about contemporary art that inspires them (artists, works or exhibitions)(source: Which?).
  • What kind of things have you explored and what do you hope to explore further?
  • Baldry summarizes by saying, “We want to know how you respond to the world creatively, so talk about your experiences or projects you’ve developed independently. Also, edit it so it sounds punchy”.
• Though the majority of the essay should be centered around Art-related content, you can also write about skills that may not be directly Art-related but could be transferable. This can include events or skills that show your motivation, flexibility, time management etc., that can be useful during your study for this degree. The kinds of things that you can mention include volunteer work, teamwork, team sports, travel etc. You can also write about unique or interesting traits/experiences/skills that you have. The admission committees essentially want to get an idea about the kind of person/student you are and your potential as a student in their program.  

What are some elements of exceptional statements:

• As mentioned before, if you have attended any exhibitions, read any relevant books, or participated in any projects (or any other experiences you have), make sure to write about how they influenced your Art. There is no need to list every book you have read or every exhibition you have attended – focus more on their influence on your Art. Show that you have gone beyond your school work/readings to demonstrate your interest in the field. 
• David McGravie (Associate Dean of the School of Creative Arts at the University of Hertfordshire) comments, “I’m especially impressed when applicants make reference to the items they’ll be bringing in their portfolio and write about their approach to a project and what their influences are. I find this very insightful and it makes us feel we really want to meet you.” (source: Which?)
  • Write about things that influence your art form generally, but also specifically your portfolio (since the admission committee will be able to see this). 
  • Otherwise, if you have done any Art-related projects, write about the process through which you produced the final product – about the kind of things that influenced the way you made it. 
• McGravie also recommends writing about any future aspirations or goals you may have. Write about whether you have a career path in mind or whether you want to study a postgraduate degree in Art (after your undergraduate degree). 
• It is also important to discuss your own work and practice – about what makes it unique or different. Show that you have a good understanding of what your work involves and where it came from (inspirations, experiences etc.).

What are bad statements/ what things to avoid?

• Try not to follow a generic structure when writing the essay:
  • Avoid cliche quotes. There will be a large number of applicants applying to the program who could be using the same quote. It is better to focus on the program you are applying to, your inspirations and other things mentioned above. Since you only have 500 words, you should use them for important information that best describes you and emphasizes your potential as an artist. 
• Limit the amount of non-relevant information you include for the same reason as above. Martin Conreen (admission tutor at Goldsmiths, University of London) feels that sometimes applicants spend too much time writing about unrelated factors such as sporting achievements. While this gives a good idea about you as a whole, it should form a very small portion of the overall essay. If you have plenty of relevant information to add, focus on filling the essay with this instead. However, as mentioned above, if the information is not directly related to Art but includes information that could be useful for your undergraduate study of it, you can briefly write about it. 
• For Design Programs: Conreen also advises students not to ‘over-mention’ Art. For such courses, it is better to focus more on your Design experiences and skills. 

This section will cover the basics of recommendation letters, which are one of the most important parts of the application process. Supplement the following field-specific tips with general tips (under the tab of ‘recommendations’) to ensure you have strong letters of recommendation.

BASIC INFORMATION

Generally, two references are required, with academic references being preferred. Your reference should confirm the kind of information you gave in your personal statement and portfolio. They should attest to your potential as an undergraduate candidate for this degree, highlighting the kind of skills you have that will be useful during your future studies. Important skills include independent work, teamwork, patience, technical skills etc. Your work ethic and artistic talent or skill should be emphasized. Make sure to get references from people who have seen your work or have worked with you. Your Art teacher is a good referee because he/she has seen how you have progressed in your work. 

ACTION-STEPS/RESOURCES

• Before requesting your recommenders for LoR, go over the following links carefully: 
  • How to get UCAS Undergraduate References 
  • How to write UCAS Undergraduate References (share this resource with your references)

PORTFOLIO

Basic Information:

One of the most important components of your application for this degree will be the portfolio of your work. If your portfolio is exceptionally good, then chances are that other entry requirements will be relaxed for your admission. 

Your portfolio will generally require around 15-20 pieces of work (the maximum allowed is 30 pages), alongside rough work, sketches and samples. The average size of the portfolio is usually A3. However, the size of your work doesn’t have to be uniform. If you have small pieces of work, you can paste them onto the paper; if you have large pieces of work, you can photograph and print them. 

You will most likely have to submit the work online, and depending on the content, you may progress to the interview stage. 

For Design programs:

The purpose of the portfolio is to demonstrate your “research, visual communication and skill base” (Warren Fearn, Senior lecturer of Design at York St. John University). You are supposed to present your artistic personality through this while also giving an idea about your past and present work/projects. 

Note that:

• If you have any queries, make sure to contact the department you are applying to. Specifics about mediums, scales etc., can be found out in this way. 
• If you mail the work to the university, do not expect the work to be mailed back. Universities are receiving many submissions, so they can’t ensure that your work is delivered back. That is not to say that it won’t be – just that it may not be delivered back. That is why universities often suggest not submitting original work. Make sure to carefully read portfolio guidelines to confirm whether this applies to the programs you are applying to.

Tips:

• Make sure to keep the program (that you are applying to) in mind when you are preparing the portfolio. Keep things relevant to the program. 
• When designing the portfolio, be inventive. Roger Griffiths (Senior Lecturer at Cardiff School of Art and Design) advises students to be “… experimental – shock, be innovative, break the rules!”  
  • Try to include diversity in your work. Include different ideas, media, techniques and skills – all within your specialized area of interest. 
  • If you feel that any of your work could be improved, improve it. 
• Keep a diary or sketchbook handy (A4/A5 size) and keep recording artwork within it. This could be images, sketches, thoughts, ideas, samples, cuttings of things you found interesting or inspirational and more. This can help you add content to your portfolio later.
• Include things that you are confident about. You will need to present your work and take in their feedback, so you need to be able to take pride in your work.
• Consider everything you thought about while making the artwork – the kind of inspirations, the theoretical concepts or ideas, the techniques and the reasoning behind these techniques, the hurdles you faced, the kind of things you liked about it, what worked and what didn’t work etc. It is important to think about each piece in this way because it will come in handy for your potential interview. So, while making the portfolio, keep these things in mind.
• While following guidelines is extremely important, you also need to be yourself when you are preparing the portfolio. Follow the guidelines that the program specifies, but then aside from this, work however you feel comfortable. Don’t let other people’s portfolios influence you too much. Essentially, you need to present yourself through the portfolio – so every portfolio should ideally be different. You need to show your uniqueness in your approach. 
  • The same goes for advice provided by your teachers. It is important to listen to their guidance, but don’t expect the portfolio to follow any particular format. What your work/portfolio looks like at the beginning and what the final product is will each be very different. Follow your intuitions and interests and produce work that best represents you as an artist.
• Even if you land an interview, you won’t have the time to explain each and every artwork within the portfolio. So, make sure it is structured in such a way that it speaks for itself. The following are some ways in which you can do this:
  • Make sure the portfolio is easy to read in terms of visibility (so they can read it easily) and content (so that they can easily understand what is being said).
  • Include any references or clarifications you feel will help the viewer better understand your projects.
  • Clearly state the medium, scale (for photographs or copies) and the date it was made alongside any other notes. 
  • If you have used a particular skill, for example, drawing with your left hand, then include that within the notes. Similarly, if there were any important circumstances surrounding your work (for example, it was timed etc.), then include this information too, to show that you can record how you have developed as an artist.
• Admission tutors usually pay more attention to current work to get an idea about the kind of work you have done recently and about your interests and methodologies. 
• It could be useful to present your strongest piece first to give a good first impression.
  • Note that your work does not have to be in chronological order.
• Along with your creative talents, the tutors also want to get an idea about your technical skills. A good way to display these is by organizing your portfolio in a meaningful way – every piece of work included should be there for a reason. As mentioned before, you should be well aware of what this reason is for the potential interview.
  • Try to make the portfolio concise, crisp and tight. Avoid clutter or elaborate framing. It is best to keep the work raw and simple – your aim is to showcase your talent.
  • The way that your portfolio is structured and displayed will influence the way it is read. So your presentation skills are almost as important as the work. 
• If you have any strong interests/hobbies, try to showcase them within your portfolio or work. For example, if you have an interest in music, politics, stamp collection etc., try to incorporate them in your artwork.  

Common mistakes in portfolios:

• No observational artwork (drawing/painting by observing something in real life) is included in the portfolio.
• Not including artwork because you feel that it is ‘not finished’. Sometimes, students overthink and consider the artwork as incomplete, in which case it can be a mistake to not include it.  
• Not paying attention to or not being clear about the nature of the program/s the portfolio is being sent to.
• Under-presenting items/components that deserve more attention.

INTERVIEWS

Basic Information:

Students are often required to give an interview, generally after the approval of the portfolio. You may have to present the portfolio during the interview and answer questions about the work within it. Otherwise, they will likely ask you questions about yourself to find out about your suitability for the program. 

Below is a list of potential questions you could be asked in an interview:

(note that this information was extracted from Tate)

• Why do you want to do this course?
• Did you attend the open day?
• Why do you want to study here?
• Do you have a favourite artist?
• What are your favourite books/magazines/films?
• What contemporary practitioner or artist inspires you?
• What are your most successful pieces of work?
• What exhibitions have you visited recently?
• Have you any ambitions of what you want to do in the future?

Interview Tips:

• Before the interview, practice discussing the portfolio. For each item, you should know the what, the why (you made this) and the how (you made it). Also, go through your personal statement so you remain consistent during the interview. 

• Make sure to keep the program (that you are applying to) in mind when you are preparing for the interview. Keep things relevant to the program when you are speaking to the admission committee. Show that you have done your research and feel that this particular program is right for you.
• Make sure to have your sketchbook handy during an interview
  • When talking about artists, avoid using generic or obvious artists – think about those that specialize in areas that you are interested in. 
  • Also, if you are going to cite or mention an artist who inspired you, make sure you are well-informed about them. You don’t need to know every detail about their life, but enough to show the ways in which they inspired you – enough to prove your argument.
  • Avoid silence – show that you have plenty of ideas and input. 
  • Don’t be nervous! Be authentic, genuine and honest about who you are — don’t try to be someone that you are not. Show them the kind of strengths you have in your technique or approach. If you had weaknesses that you overcame, you can mention these to show that you learned and improved. You passed the interview stage, which means that they liked your work and think you have potential. You just have to show them that you are a good candidate for the program.
  • For Graphic Design: You should mention artists that you connect with or that inspire you, but don’t solely rely on them as your source of motivation. Bryan Clark (Level 2 Head Tutor in Graphic Design at the University College Falmouth) advises students to think about the things they have done, the places they have seen etc. and how these shaped their artistic sense or approach. He comments, “It’s about having this broader influence”.  
• Complement the above field-specific tips with general tips on preparing for interviews (under the tab of ‘interview’).

STANDARDIZED TESTS

Basic Information:

As an international student, you will be required to prove proficiency in the English Language. Most universities require IELTS or TOEFL results, stating the minimum they will accept of their applicants. 

Tests Needed:

Note that the following are general guidelines – you should always consult program pages because requirements tend to vary across programs.

English Language Proficiency Tests – most common of which are IELTS and TOEFL:

• IELTS: Usually, a minimum of 6.5 is accepted, with no lower than 5.5 in each component.
• TOEFL: Usually, a minimum of 90 is accepted on the internet-based test.

Test Tips:

• Complement the above field-specific tips with general tips on preparing for standardized tests (under the tab of ‘tests’).

See United Kingdom Country Profile | Shaheen

These tips were compiled with the valuable help of SHAHEEN volunteers.

We thank our volunteers for their contribution and hope their tips and advice help you in your application.

In addition, the following sources were consulted in developing this tip sheet and we encourage you to consult these sources for additional information and guidance on your application.

• Art and Design subject guide – taken from UCAS
• What it’s like to study Fine Art – taken from The Independent
• Personal Statement advice – taken from Which? University
• Applying to Art School by the Tate

Furthermore, the following sources were also consulted in developing this tip sheet: 

The Complete University Guide – Rankings, The Complete University Guide – Subject guide, The Guardian – Rankings, The Guardian – Portfolio advice, The Guardian – Art, Which? University – Portfolio and Interview, Which? – Subject Guide, Which? – How to perfectly present your portfolio at an interview, Which? – Qualifications required for Art, Which? – Portfolio tips and The Art Business Info. 

Good luck!