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Interview and Portfolio Guides

Your interview provides us with the chance to meet you, see your portfolio of work and discuss your interest in studying 3D Design at Northumbria. We really want to find out about you, your skills and your enthusiasm for learning with us.

It’s also a great opportunity for you to see an additional presentation on the course, take a tour of the facilities, and ask any questions you may have. You'll also meet current students and be able to ask them any questions regarding the course and their experiences of living in our great city. 

You will receive your interview information from our Applicant Services Team. If you have any queries you can contact them via bc.applicantservices@northumbria.ac.uk or by calling 0191 406 0901.

Where do I go when I arrive on campus?

Upon arrival, please report to the Design Building, City Campus East, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 2SU, where you will be met by a member of staff or a current student from the course (No. 4 on this Campus Map). You can also find information on how to travel to Northumbria University here.

What should I expect on the day?

Our interview days are very informal. The day is a chance for you to get more of a feel for the University and for us to get to know a little bit more about you, your passions, and why you want to study with us.

On arrival you'll be greeted by our helpful student reps who will provide you with more information about your day and a schedule of events. As well as your interview, you will also receive a tour of the facilities and be given the opportunity to go on a Campus Tour.

What will the interviewers be looking for?

Interviewers will be looking for you to demonstrate how you meet the criteria advertised in the prospectus and UCAS entry profiles, but will not always ask you about them directly.

Some examples of criteria include:

  • Interest, motivation and commitment to the subject
  • The ability to study independently
  • The ability to work with others
  • The ability to manage time effectively
  • An interest in the university.  

What should I include in my portfolio?

Your portfolio will be a collection of your creative work and is a means for you to demonstrate both your abilities and your interests. We are particularly interested in seeing how you think and develop your ideas, so please bring sketchbooks and work-in-progress.  

It should evidence your interest in design related subjects. You might want to show us:

  • observational sketching, including life drawing
  • a range of media explored (2D/ 3D/ photography/ digital)
  • relevant work experience
  •  any self-motivated work which is not part of your college/school’s art and design course curriculum

How should the portfolio be presented?
Portfolios range from A1 to A3 and should be organised to allow you to show your work in a coherent manner. Whether you use a formal folio with sleeves, make a book or collate your chosen work on mounted boards is up to each applicant to best arrange the work produced.

Please note digital media on CDs/ DVDs/memory sticks cannot be viewed during the interview.

Student Advice and Tips: Check out the handy '10 Portfolio Hints and Tips Guide' by our Fashion Communication student Bethany. 

What should I wear to my interview?

Smart casual is fine. There is no set dress code. We want you to feel relaxed and comfortable in what you are wearing.  

Do I need to practice my interview?

Yes this would be beneficial. Why not do a dry run interview with your tutor, a friend or your parents? This will help you feel more relaxed about the process and confident in what you want to say. You should also prepare and practise any questions that you’d like to ask the interviewers.  

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