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Preparing a portfolio for an Art and Design degree

Thu 02 Nov 2017

Pursuing a degree in fashion, illustration, architecture, product design or other design related fields is a popular choice with international students.  

Sebastian Buser, Course Pathway Leader for our Art and Design Undergraduate Foundation programme, has been teaching at ONCAMPUS London South Bank for six years now. He has helped students from all over the world to prepare impressive portfolios in order to apply for the art and design degree of their choice. Here, he shares his advice and knowledge on creating a portfolio of work that leading universities expect from art and design undergraduates, so you can prepare for a successful future in the field of art and design.

Is a portfolio necessary to apply to an Art and Design degree programme at a UK university? What if I don’t have a design portfolio?
Most UK universities will require a student to submit a design portfolio when applying to an Art and Design degree programme.

One of the goals of the ONCAMPUS Art and Design Undergraduate Foundation programme is to help you put together a successful design portfolio to apply to an Art and Design degree programme. I will work with you in creating and developing your portfolio. And, the great thing is, you don’t need a portfolio before you apply to our foundation programme.

How else can the ONCAMPUS Art and Design UFP help me?
The programme can help you to get a good grounding in the processes involved in becoming an artist and/or designer. This includes learning to experiment, take risks, and try out new things – these are all necessary skills needed to pursue a degree in Art and Design. You will learn to share your ideas, analyse the work of others, reflect on your own learning, and learn how to improve your work independently. Previous students of mine have commented that they felt confident when starting their degrees after completing the Art and Design UFP.

Apply now for an Art and Design Undergraduate Foundation Programme 

After completing the Art and Design Undergraduate Foundation Programme, what universities can I apply to?
One unique aspect of ONCAMPUS is that it offers a guaranteed progression into three universities in the UK, provided you meet the entry criteria. These are: 

What degrees have your past students gone on to study after completing the Art and Design UFP?
Recently, I have had several students go on to study degrees in architecture, product design, film practice, and photography. This year, some students are going on to study games design and digital design – these are relatively new areas of study. Previously, I have also had students, who have gone on to study automobile design, graphic communication, illustration, fine art, fashion, and interior design. This shows you that there are really a wide range of degree options available in the Art and Design field. 
Majda progressed to a degree in Film Practice at London South Bank University

We are really given the chance to express our own ideas and to make them real. At first, I was really scared, wondering if I would have the creative skills needed for the course. But my tutor helped me a lot. He understood what I found difficult and with his feedback I have improved. I’ve tried using new materials and have learnt new techniques.

What kind of career options are there for students who graduate with an Art and Design degree?
There are a wide range of career options after completing a degree in Art and Design. These can range from fine arts to film to fashion to web design and much more. Each degree has its own career path and as technologies and new industries develop, new career paths are being created that did not exist in the past. This might all be daunting, so I am happy to discuss career options with you, even if you are unsure what degree you want to pursue.

What topics or areas of study are covered in the Art and Design UFP?
The Art and Design UFP programme is divided into three modules: 

  • Design
  • Visual Communication
  • Skills for Art and Design

These three modules will give you a solid grounding in art and design, help you put together a design portfolio and help focus your interest in art and design. The modules are designed to cover all the skills you will need at university. You will also learn to reflect and present your material in a professional manner. In third term, you have the opportunity to work on your own project, with guidance from your tutors, and take part in a final exhibition of your work. 

Where can I get more information about the Art and Design UFP?
You can either visit the art and design UFP page, or download our useful guide to the Art and Design Undergraduate Foundation programme.

How do I apply for the Art and Design UFP?
Once you have decided that this course fits your needs, applying is easy. Simply complete and submit our application form online. If you need help with your application, you can email our student advisors or call them on +44 1223 345 698.

Apply online today

 

More about Sebastian:

What is your background and how has your career progressed?
I worked in theatre and television for 10 years, as a model maker, prop maker, and design assistant. I studied Fine Art at Goldmiths College (University of London), studied at the University of the Arts London on a postgraduate level and have an MA in Architectural History and Theory from the Bartlett School of Architecture (University College London). I have taken part in exhibitions, performances, and continue my design work in my studio. 


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