Entertainment Design - BA (Hons) *

Portfolio guidance

The content of your digital portfolio and the skills it demonstrates should be the same as if you were creating a physical portfolio. The only difference is that you will need to submit your portfolio through your applicant portal rather than physically bring it in for us to see.

We recommend that you start by watching our video guidance creating a digital portfolio and then take a look at the course-specific guidance below.

This course is ideally suited for students who have previously or who are currently studying A-level Art subjects (Fine Art, Art and Design, Textiles, Photography, Media, etc.), students from BTEC Art and Design or Foundation Art and Design Diploma courses or for those who have developed an interest in art practice via an alternative route.

Alongside examples of completed works, we are also interested in quick experiments, sketches, ideas, notes and photographs that have been influenced by your environment, experiences, exhibitions you have seen, books you have read or research you have done to indicate ideas you have for work which you might not yet have had the resources to make.

We welcome applicants of all ages and from all backgrounds. Your application will be primarily assessed through your portfolio so even if you do not meet our typical offer criteria it can still be worth applying.

You have the option to attend an in-person portfolio review or to submit your portfolio digitally for an online portfolio review.

What we would like to see in your portfolio

1. Show Us the Range
   Include a variety of work that highlights your creativity. Think beyond final pieces — we want to see experiments, ideas-in-progress, and playful tests. Your portfolio can feature drawings, digital work, models, photos, films, textiles, sculpture, installations, or anything else that shows how you think and make.
2. Let Us See Your Process
   We’re just as interested in how you work as what you create. Include sketchbooks, research pages, storyboards, or process photos that demonstrate how your ideas evolve. Don’t be afraid to show your creative journey — mistakes and all!
3. School Work & Beyond
   You can include work made at school, college, university, or in your own time. Independent projects, personal experiments, or collaborations are all welcome — especially if they show your curiosity and enthusiasm for design.
4. Tell a Visual Story
   Organise your portfolio so it flows in a clear and considered way. Start with something strong, guide us through your development, and finish with recent or refined work. Think about the order and impact of each piece.
5. Be Curious & Connected
   Show us that you’re aware of what’s happening in the creative world. Include examples of artists, designers, exhibitions, or entertainment experiences that have inspired you — and tell us why.
6. Make It Personal
   There’s no single way to build a great portfolio — we want to see your personality, your passion, and your potential. Don’t worry about being perfect. Be expressive, thoughtful, and bold.
7. Share What Excites You
   It’s helpful to highlight areas of the entertainment industry that already interest or inspire you. This might be themed attractions like Disneyland or immersive events like Secret Cinema, innovative festivals like Boomtown, films with strong design elements, or influential creatives working in set design, costume, interactive experiences, or digital storytelling. Even if you haven’t worked on these types of projects yet, sharing what sparks your imagination helps us understand your direction and ambition.

Format

1. Please submit your work as one PDF, PowerPoint or Word Document.
2. Aim to include approximately 15 pieces of work.
3. Your digital portfolio should be no more than 10MB. Please compress your file if it exceeds the limit.
4. Add any links to video, animations, and moving image work to your PDF, PowerPoint or Word Document. (Please check that these links work before you submit your portfolio and that they can be easily accessed. We will not be able to view links that require a password).

Personal statement

The personal statement gives you a crucial opportunity to say why you’re applying and why the institution should accept you.

Here are the three areas you’ll need to address:

• Why do you want to study this course or subject?

Here’s where you explain what makes this course exciting to you. Think about your motivations for studying the course and your future plans. If you’re planning to take a year out, don't forget to give your reasons.

• How have your qualifications and studies helped you to prepare for this course or subject?

This is your chance to show what you’ve learned at school or college. You should include the skills and knowledge you’ve gained from education or training and how this will help you succeed in your chosen course.

• What else have you done to prepare outside of education, and why are these experiences useful?

Not everything you’ve learned comes from the classroom. Life experience counts too! You might want to talk about work experience, employment, or volunteering and how they’ve helped you develop the skills needed for your chosen course or future career.

Worried about Personal Statements?

If you've got no idea where to start or just want to check you're on the right track, we’ve got expert advice and real examples from our students to help you nail your personal statement. You can even download our ultimate personal statement guide for free.

Get personal statement advice