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art & design

Supporting student applications

The application process for art & design at Borders College is designed to ensure that you are placed on courses that best match your skills and aspirations.

A portfolio is required which should include finished images and sketchbook work – this allows the College to assess your practical and contextual art and design work, ensuring that you are well-prepared and suited for your chosen course. The interview process supports you by providing clear guidelines and opportunities for feedback, helping you to develop your skills and succeed in your creative journey. Many applicants are offered a Further Education funded NC before progressing onto a specialist SAASfunded HND. This is common practice and is beneficial for your long-term development and progression as an artist or designer.

The application process

1. Online application

Apply online via the Borders College website for your chosen course.

2. Portfolio submission

After applying, you will receive instructions on how to prepare and submit your portfolio. This can be physically handed in at the Scottish Borders Campus or, where you are unable to attend the interview, a digital portfolio and online interview will be available.

3. Interview

Attend an interview to discuss your portfolio and application.

4. Offer

Based on the review of your application and portfolio, you will receive an offer for a course that will enable you to develop your creative skills at the appropriate level

5. Post-offer

Accept the offer, plan to study, enrol, apply for student funding, and attend an introductory session in early June to meet staff and classmates.

If you are unsuccessful then you can explore other options available at Borders College and also meet the SDS advisor team.

Portfolio advice and support

General guidelines

Organisation

Arrange your portfolio into projects that showcase your enthusiasm, commitment, and understanding of the creative process...

Content

Include work from school, college, and personal study. Use high resolution scans or photographs of 2D and 3D research, development, and final outcomes. You can also include hyperlinks to videos or websites you have created.

Variety

Show a range of work that highlights your creative potential and imagination. Demonstrate your drawing abilities using various approaches and media. Include your most recent and current work.

Sketchbook pages

Strong portfolios often contain sketchbook pages that display contextual and visual research, as well as the exploration and development of your ideas and concepts. Use imagery with written comments to illustrate the artists, designers, and any other influences on your creative journey.

Dropping off your portfolio

Once you have your portfolio ready to submit, then you can drop this off at the Scottish Borders Campus. This campus is located at Nether Road in Galashiels and once you arrive at the building you can hand over your portfolio at reception. From here, this will be reviewed by the art and design team, and securely stored until the scheduled interview date.

Digital portfolios

If you have to submit a digital portfolio, save it as a PDF and name your file with your full name and the course you are applying for. Email the PDF to the portfolio email address provided after your online application submission.

No portfolio?

If you don’t have a portfolio, apply for the foundation course. You will need to complete and submit five drawings of household objects using various media. This also helps you to build a portfolio suitable for higher-level courses.

After portfolio review

Once your portfolio and application are reviewed, you will receive an offer, then you can plan ahead, enrol, apply for student funding, and attend an introductory session in early June to meet staff and classmates.

Support for school teachers

Borders College offers advice and support to teachers assisting pupils with applications and portfolio submissions. Teachers can contact the college for tours, online portfolio advice sessions, or visits from staff to school creative arts departments.

Portfolio submission deadlines

Submit your application by late March to avoid missing out. Applications open in January. Later applications are welcome but portfolios must be submitted within 10 days of receiving instructions.

We look forward to supporting you in your creative journey at Borders College