Newcastle University

Portfolio Submission

 A very important part of our selection process for the Fine Art degree is our inspection of a portfolio of your work. Normally, this is submitted in hard copy as a 'real' portfolio, but we also accept digital portfolios submitted on CD/DVD disc or a memory stick.

Your portfolio should be submitted direct to the Fine Art Office. The procedure for this is explained below.

Guidelines for the submission of your portfolio

What are we looking for?

The portfolio should include coursework, for example from A/A1 Level or Foundation, but very importantly, should also include self-initiated work. You should carefully select the work that you want us to see.

We are looking for work that shows:

• your enthusiasm and excitement about making art
• your ability to study through looking – drawings or paintings made from observation
•  your creative ideas, and the way you explore and develop these using different approaches and media
•  your readiness to experiment, and to take on risks and challenges in your work

We are interested in seeing how your ideas are generated and how they develop. We expect to see work in progress, notebooks, sketchbooks and working drawings alongside more resolved drawings, paintings, sculptures or other work.

How should the work be submitted?

For 2013 entry, we will accept either ‘real’ portfolios or digital portfolios (on a CD/DVD or memory stick - Please note, we will not accept digital portfolios sent to us by email).

If you submit an digital portfolio please ensure that all the work is clearly identified (eg: ‘pages from sketchbook’, ‘acrylic painting’, ‘screenprint’) with title, materials and dimensions. Please ensure that you write your name on the disc/memory stick as well as on the case. We would prefer digital portfolios to be formatted as MS Powerpoint presentations. These should include a minimum of 20 slides and a maximum of 40. Please check that your portfolio can be opened and easily read on a PC. We will not be able to consider applications where the portfolio does not readily open.

If you submit a digital portfolio, please write your name and FINE ART BA APPLICATION on the outside of the envelope.

If you submit a real portfolio please:

• Send your work in a sturdy portfolio, which should not measure more than 100 x 120cm
• There is no need to wrap the portfolio, though fragile items should not be included
• Include photographs of large paintings/drawings and three-dimensional work that would otherwise be too large for the portfolio. Do not send 3-D material or any other hazardous material
• Clearly mark the portfolio on the inside with your name, return address and telephone number
• Mark the back of each piece of work in the folder with your name and address

Send your portfolio to:

Nigel Villalard

Fine Art General Office
School of Arts and Cultures
The Quadrangle
Newcastle University
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE1 7RU

Candidates may deliver their portfolio by hand, but please email or phone us first.  International students can submit their portfolio of images electronically.

Please note that if you are invited for interview we will want you to bring and discuss actual work.

Handling fee

A handling fee of £18 is required  for return of portfolios by post. If you plan to collect your portfolio yourself no handling fee is necessary. There is no handling fee for electronic portfolios. Please make your cheque payable to 'Newcastle University' and include it in a separate envelope inside your portfolio.

When will the portfolio be returned?

We will return your portfolio to you as soon as possible after inspection, normally within 10 working days. Digital portfolios will be retained as long as necessary and only returned when a SAE is provided.

The interview

If from looking at your portfolio, we are interested in your work and feel that you would be suited to our programme, we will invite you for an interview. At this stage we will want to see 'real' examples of your work and we will ask you to bring your folder with you. We also encourage you to bring any additional work made after your portfolio was first submitted. If you have recently been inspired by visits to galleries or exhibitions you may wish to include material that will prompt discussion.

What happens at the interview?

• The interview lasts approximately 20 minutes
• It offers you the opportunity to discuss your work and interests with two members of Fine Art staff
• We are interested in finding out about your previous learning experience, your interests, and the work you have brought to show us
• We may ask you to talk about particular pieces of work or a project which has been very important to you

At the interview we are keen to find out if you are likely to benefit from the course and whether we offer the kind of environment in which you can thrive.

You will have plenty of opportunities to ask questions about us, the course and about the city. You will also have the opportunity to have a good look around the Fine Art Department and to talk with the students here, so that you can decide whether this is the right course for you.

If you have any further application enquiries relating to undergraduate Fine Art at Newcastle please email us at fineart@ncl.ac.uk

AAB-BBB preferably including Art, History of Art, or Applied Art and Design. A key feature of our selection process is the inspection of a portfolio of artwork. We may consider lower offers for candidates where the portfolio is exceptional.

AAABB-BBBBB at Higher Grade, preferably including Art or Art History. Combinations of Highers and Advanced Highers accepted.

A minimum of 32-35 points, including three subjects at Higher Level grade 5. Art or Art History is desirable at Higher Level.

A1A1A1B1B-ABBBB at Higher Level, preferably including Art.

Candidates are welcomed and considered on an individual basis.

Applicants will be considered on an individual basis.

In Foundation Studies in Art and Design - overall pass grade in addition to two A Levels or equivalent. Other BTEC National Diplomas in a relevant subject at overall DDD-MMM.

D3,D3,M2-M2,M2,M2 in Principal Subjects preferably including Art and Design, Art History or Art and Design (Fine Art). A key feature of our selection process is the inspection of a portfolio of artwork. We may consider lower offers for candidates where the portfolio is exceptional.

For this degree you will need a minimum score of IELTS 6.5 or equivalent.

Visit our International Students webpages to find out more about our English language admission requirements and English language support courses offered by INTO Newcastle University.