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Preparing your portfolio for interview: a guide
The Covid-19 pandemic hasn’t been the easiest time for anyone, but without proper access to suitable facilities and resources, you may have been prevented from creating the work you’d like to present for an interview. It may be more challenging this year to compile a large body of work with diverse outcomes, but rest assured that the Plymouth College of Art team are here to support your future in creative study despite the limitations.
After you’ve submitted your application, UCAS will send a welcome email confirming your personal details and course choices. Our Admissions team will also receive a copy, and if successful, we will be in touch to arrange an interview with a member of our academic team.
Your interview may take place online or in-person (subject to UK government guidance at the time) and could either take place before or after you receive an offer.
We will ask you to bring along a portfolio of work. This could be a physical sketchbook, a digital showreel on an iPad or if your interview is online, it could be a website or digital publication. Your interviewer will then discuss your creative inspirations and ambitions, along with why you chose Plymouth College of Art. This is also a great opportunity to ask any questions you may have and to find out what the course can offer you.
If travel restrictions are in place, you’re unable to make the trip or you’ve already attended an Open Day, your interview can take place online via Google Meet, WhatsApp, or a phone call. We will ask you to email over your digital portfolio or showreel to us in advance and interview slots are organised with the Admissions team.
When it is safe to do so, we encourage you to visit the college so that you can see the facilities, meet our expert teaching and technical staff, and discuss any other queries you may have. Your interview visit can be combined with a campus tour - click here to register your interest and be one of the first to visit us in person once lockdown restrictions are lifted.
We can also offer a bursary of up to £80 to help pay you for your travel expenses when it is safe to visit our campus in person. Find out more and plan your visit here.
A portfolio isn’t just documenting your artistic journey so far, it’s a statement of your creative intent.
We’ve compiled a list of resources to help you in compiling a good example of your hard work below, with PDF guides as well as accessible Word documents to help you build a portfolio to be proud of.
You can also find out what some of our Subject Leaders said about what they’re looking for from an applicant, as well as get some of their top tips for interviews and portfolios.
We base our decisions on the work you show us and your creative potential - we know that you are much more than your qualifications, and will make sure that your application is considered fairly, no matter what happens with assessments this year.
For more information and to gain personalised advice on your application, please contact our Admissions Team.
Call: +44(0)1752 203400
WhatsApp: 07722744184
Email: admissions@pca.ac.uk
Live Chat: Speak to a current student on Unibuddy or click the speech bubble at the bottom of your screen to make an enquiry.
