Parents and guardians: supporting an undergraduate application

<p dir="ltr"><strong>What you can do now (in order):</strong></p><ol><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr"><strong>Check the offer details</strong> for any conditions (this may include a portfolio).</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr"><strong>Support portfolio submission</strong> (online, by email, or in person).</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr"><strong>Reply in UCAS</strong> by the relevant deadline (firm and insurance choices).</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">If Arts University Plymouth is their <strong>firm choice</strong>: book accommodation early and apply for student finance when applications open.</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Encourage them to <strong>connect early</strong> with the applicant community and use the Welcome information sent in early summer.</p></li></ol> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Quick contacts:</strong></p><ul><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Accommodation support: <strong>accommodation@aup.ac.uk</strong></p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Reasonable adjustments: <strong>studentsupport@aup.ac.uk</strong></p></li></ul> <p>Students’ Union: <strong>studentsunion@aup.ac.uk</strong></p>

<p dir="ltr">After an application is received, it’s considered by the Admissions team. If successful, the offer letter confirms what happens next and outlines any conditions that must be met, which can include submitting a satisfactory creative portfolio.<br /></p>

<p dir="ltr">Shortly after applying, applicants are emailed with instructions to submit their portfolio online using a form, or by email. If they prefer to present in person, they can do so at an Applicant Experience Day or in a 1:1 chat with an academic.</p> <p dir="ltr">A successful portfolio/interview can lead to:</p><ul><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">a revised conditional offer (tailored to the student’s grade profile), or</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">an unconditional offer if the portfolio is exceptional.</p></li></ul>

<p>Applicant Experience Days help students prepare for study at Arts University Plymouth. Applicants can meet classmates, chat with academics, explore facilities, join creative workshops, view accommodation, and talk through student finance and support options.</p>

<p dir="ltr">After receiving decisions from UCAS choices, students reply by selecting one <strong>firm</strong> choice and one <strong>insurance</strong> choice by the UCAS deadline.<br /></p>

<p dir="ltr">Encourage these early actions.</p><ul><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr"><strong>Book accommodation</strong> as early as possible. Many providers offer a no-place-no-pay policy.</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr"><strong>Apply for student finance</strong> when applications open in the spring before the course begins.</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr"><strong>Use the Welcome information</strong> emailed in early summer to prepare for arrival.</p></li></ul>

<p dir="ltr">Applicants for all courses are required to submit a portfolio as part of the application process. </p> <p dir="ltr">A creative portfolio is a collection of work that shows skills, ideas and potential. It can include finished pieces, sketches, experiments and works-in-progress. Arts University Plymouth recommends no more than <strong>20 pieces</strong>, and students should ensure all work is their own (or clearly explain their role in group projects).</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>What it can include</strong><br />Drawings, paintings, photographs, moodboards, moving image, animation, music or digital designs, 3D work, fabric samples, costume or prop ideas, and written pieces such as essays, scripts or storyboards.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Portfolio tips</strong></p><ul><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Choose work that shows passion and personality.</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Include process as well as outcomes.</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Quality over quantity.</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Put the strongest work first.</p></li></ul>