Graduate Diploma application process

Applications for the January 2025 intake of the Graduate Diploma Art & Design are now open.

We receive a substantial number of applications for the Graduate Diploma which are are reviewed in the order they are submitted. We encourage you to apply as soon as you are ready; if you delay your application, your preferred intake may be full.

You may not apply for the same programme more than once, and can apply for a maximum of two (2) different programmes, in the 2025 admissions year.

Visit our online application portal to begin your application.

Your application consists of an initial upload of information (Stage 1), followed by your portfolio submission (stage 2).

Note:

• You can save your application and retrieve it later, so you do not have to complete it all in one go.
• Once you've submitted your application, we'll send you an Application Reference Number. This number should be quoted in all correspondence regarding your application.
• Please do not submit any information other than via the application portal as this may not be shared with the selection panels.
• You may not apply for the same programme more than once, and can apply for a maximum of two (2) different programmes in the 2025 admissions year.

If you don’t yet have an account, you’ll need to create one so that we can process your application and keep you informed of progress.

You will need to provide your personal details, date of birth and contact information. In addition, we'll ask you to provide:

• predicted or achieved performance in previous qualifications and/or evidence of equivalent professional experience
• evidence of English language proficiency if English is not your first language
• context in which qualifications have been achieved or are being completed
• relevant employment history

Once you have completed stage 1, you will receive an email with instructions on how to submit your portfolio.

Once you've provided your basic information, we'll send you a link to submit your portfolio. We'll also provide a video and guidance notes explaining what the Head of Programme would like to see in your portfolio. Please review these requirements carefully before submitting your application.

You will then need to:

1. Upload your portfolio following the guidance provided. Depending on the programme, your portfolio may include files of your work and any written descriptions, explanations or justifications required. 
2. Provide a 300-word written statement about your motivation to study on the programme. 
3. Complete the critical challenge – a short video, up to two minutes, of yourself talking to the camera about your personal creative journey. 
4. Upload one written reference.

Once you have completed your application it will be reviewed by our academic staff including the Programme Lead and in some cases Senior Tutors and Admissions Tutors. 

In a small number of instances, it may not be possible to make a decision based on an application alone. In these cases, you will be invited to attend an interview in-person or by video call. Your invitation email will contain full details of the interview and anything you may need to prepare. 

Once your application has been reviewed and interview completed (if applicable), you will receive one of the following application outcomes:

• a formal offer of a place
• a place on the waiting list, if the programme is already full
• an unsuccessful notification

All decisions will be communicated by email.

If you do receive an offer, we encourage all successful applicants to secure their place by returning their acceptance and deposit as soon as possible.