University of Sunderland

Interview and Portfolio preparation

If you are applying for an Arts and Design course you may be asked to come in for an interview and prepare a portfolio of your work.  If you are an international applicant then your portfolio should be supplied on a CD. 

Generally your portfolio should be organised and well presented.  Finished work should be simply mounted and accompanied by preparatory work.  Sketchbooks are an important feature of your preparatory work and should be included.  Where possible, 3D and large 2D work should be photographed.  Digital and screen based work should be saved as a PDF (Acrobat file).  Here are some suggestions of what you may wish to include in your portfolio:

• Drawing - examples of observed drawing and exploratory drawing
• Projects - evidence of project work in the area of creative problem solving and visual communication together with your sketch books and development work
• Self-initiated work - that you have done out of personal interest
• Research - examples of various forms of investigation undertaken for projects
• Writing - examples of various kinds of writing, reports, essays or journals

The purpose of the interview is to allow us to get to know each other.  We are interested in your approach to your work, your awareness and understanding of your subject, what you're passionate about, interests, influences and experiences.  We will also ask you about your plans for the future and the research you have done to find a suitable course.  Of course the interview is a good way for you to impress us with your aptitude, commitment and potential, but it is also an opportunity for you to ask us questions.  Your interview should last around 20 minutes.