Top tips for art, design and digital media courses in Clearing

My name is Johnny Magee. I’m the academic lead for recruitment and admissions for our university art, design and digital media courses.

What research do I need to do?

Think about the subject field you’re interested in and be clear about whether that subject area reflects your interests and ambitions. Design blends artistic expression with functional problem-solving to meet the needs and desires of users, clients, or stakeholders. Art expresses aesthetic, emotional, and intellectual ideas through a range of mediums. Digital Media refers to any content that is created, distributed, and accessed through digital technology. You might be thinking about skills training or more of a creative learning experience. Our teaching staff have profiles on the website, which are worth looking at. You can also browse our students’ work, and the latest news and events.

Do I need to show a portfolio?

Not all of our courses will ask you for a portfolio. We’ll advise you which subject areas require one when you contact us. If we do need to see your work, we will ask you to provide us with a link to a digital portfolio. If the subject area you are interested in requires a portfolio, and you have taken GCSE’s or A Levels/Diplomas in creative subject areas, those courses will help form the basis of your portfolio content. We also welcome enquiries from applicants who have built up a body of work through their own personal development.  You visit our website for guidance on how to create your portfolio.

What do I need to know about studying art, design and media at university?

Our courses are developed to recognise and nurture the academic strength of our undergraduate students and to reduce barriers to their future. University courses in creative subject areas expect their students to become more involved with independent learning. Our approach encourages problem-solving and innovation. This means you’ll grow into a confident, creative practitioner with the ability to control and progress your work. You’ll get support and encouragement throughout your development - it will be a rich, exciting and rewarding experience.

What do I need to know about the application process?

For courses that do not require a portfolio, a decision will be made based on the entry requirements alone.  Some of our courses may ask for specific subjects in your qualifications, so be sure to check with the call handler.  If you are unsure about choosing the right subject area to study, you may want to consider taking a foundation diploma before applying for an undergraduate degree. This foundation year of study can focus your direction toward a subject area that is right for you.

What can I do to make my application stand out?

We want to see how you engage with your field of study. This tells us a lot about your knowledge and understanding of your subject.   We are also interested in how you get involved with broader aspects of culture and life itself. This is important because it shows an awareness of the world around you. You could demonstrate this through volunteering, membership in clubs and societies, sports, team games and engaging in communities.