Top tips for art, design and media courses in Clearing
Do you want to apply for an art, design or media course in clearing? Our programme leader and admissions tutor gives his top tips to help you prepare.
Art, design and media university courses for clearing 2023
My name is Johnny Magee. I’m the academic lead for recruitment and admissions for our university art, design and media courses.
What research do I need to do?
Think about the subject you’re interested in and find a course that reflects your interests.
Take filmmaking, for example. Some students want technical training, while others want a creative learning experience. Our courses take a creative arts-based approach.
Most undergraduate art, design and media courses reflect the research areas of teaching staff. Our experts are passionate about what they teach, and you’ll benefit from their technical expertise and research skills.
Our teaching staff all have profiles on the website, which are worth looking at. You can also browse our students’ work, and the latest news and events from the Manchester School of Art.
What do I need to know about studying art, design and media at university?
You’ll be moving from a structured taught environment at school or college to a more independent learning environment in higher education.
Of course, you’ll get support and encouragement, but university art courses expect you to lead your own independent learning.
You’ll have freedom in your art practice and skills development. This means you’ll grow into a confident, creative artist with the ability to control, develop and own your work. Our approach also encourages problem solving and innovation.
What do I need to know about the application process?
At the Manchester School of Art, our focus has always been on the portfolio.
You’ll also need qualifications and UCAS points. You can find the entry requirements for your undergraduate degree on the course page.
However, we are mostly interested in your art and design practice. What do you think about your practice and which direction do you want to take it in? We best understand this by looking at your work. You can find guidance on how to create your portfolio on our website.
Applying to art school is competitive. Many students take a foundation course before applying for an undergraduate degree. This foundation year of study can focus your mind on your subject and improve your portfolio.
What can I do to make my application stand out?
The chief attribute we are looking for is ‘engagement’.
We want to see how you engage with – and pursue a deeper interest in – your field of study. This tells us a lot about your knowledge and understanding of your subject.
We also like to see 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 show this through volunteering, membership of clubs and societies, sports, team games, engaging in communities, or contributing to the world around you.
What should I do on the interview call?
Be clear on what you want to study and show that you know your chosen art subject well.
For art clearing, we’ll always ask you to send us a link to your online portfolio. It’s a really good idea to have this ready before you get in touch with us.