Art and Design interviews

Find out everything you need to know about your Art and Design interview. If you've applied for Fine Art, Glass and Ceramics, Photography, Graphic Design, Illustration and Design, Fashion Design and Promotion or Animation and Games Art, you're in the right place.

Your Art and Design interview

Congratulations on being invited for an interview, we are really looking forward to meeting with you.

Our Art and Design interviews are relaxed and friendly and are designed as an opportunity to get to know you. It's also a chance for you to ask any questions you might have about the University, your chosen course, or the application process.

The interview team want to see your work and discover your passion for the subject. We often have a Student Ambassador in attendance as well, who are there to share their experience and to support you on the day. If you haven’t already, you'll soon receive an email with our available interview dates. Please book your place as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Interviews will either be held in person at one of our campuses, or online via Microsoft Teams. If your interview is scheduled to take place online, you’ll receive all information and the link for the interview in your confirmation email.

How to prepare

You'll be expected to prepare a portfolio of your creative work which shows what you have done so far and what interests you. We're not looking for perfection as we appreciate you are still developing work – we are interested in your creative potential.

Your portfolio

Your portfolio should be a PowerPoint presentation, ZIP file or links to websites or videos. Here are some of our top tips:

Remember it's about quality not quantity – aim for between 10-20 pieces of your work.
Display a range of styles and techniques.
Show us work completed in or outside of your studies.
Include ideas that didn't work.
Demonstrate your research, for example, design sheets or sketchbooks/scrapbooks of things that inspire you.
Include photographs of 3D or large 2D work.
We also like to see uncompleted or work in progress.

If you are applying for more than one course, make sure your portfolio demonstrates work relevant to both/all.

To upload your portfolio, please log into your myApplication portal to view any outstanding actions and navigate to the checklist section. Here you will have the option to upload a document.

Please contact applicant.interviews@sunderland.ac.uk for further portfolio guidance.

What to bring

Prior to the interview, our academics will have received your digital portfolio. You can also bring your physical portfolio/USB with you to your interview, or any additional pieces to complement your portfolio, for example a sketchbook or a sculpture.

Dress code

Due to the nature of the interviews, you do not need to wear formal interview attire to your Art and Design interview.

How to get here

Your Art and Design interview will take place at either our City Campus or our Sir Tom Cowie Campus at St Peter's. The campus you'll need to attend will depend on the course you have applied for – remember to check your confirmation email once you've booked your slot to see where you need to go.

You can reach us by car, bus, train or Metro. In your confirmation email, you'll receive a free parking permit. Please note a parking space is not guaranteed. Alternative car parks can be found on the Sunderland City Council website.

If you are travelling by Metro, the nearest stations are University for City Campus and St Peter's or Stadium of Light for the Sir Tom Cowie Campus at St Peter's.

Did you know that we offer a travel bursary to support you with travel expenses? If you are based in the UK and live more than 20 miles away from the University, you could claim back up to £100 depending on your location. For further details including eligibility read our Terms and Conditions or contact us on travel.bursary@sunderland.ac.uk.

View our AccessAble accessibility guides for support with planning your journey.

What to expect on the day

On the day, you’ll meet with our interview team and Student Ambassadors, who will take you on a campus tour and answer any questions you may have. You'll then meet with your course leader and tour the Art and Design facilities. This will be followed by your one-to-one interview with the course leader to discuss your portfolio. During this time, we want to hear all about your chosen pieces and passion for the subject. Please allow all morning or all afternoon for your interview.

Next steps

We'll email you with the outcome of your interview and you'll also be able to view this decision on your myApplication portal and UCAS Hub.

If you have a query about your application, please contact studentadmin@sunderland.ac.uk.

Questions

If you have any questions about your Art and Design interview, please contact us at applicant.interviews@sunderland.ac.uk or 0191 515 3374.

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