Frequently Asked Questions - Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design

What courses do you offer?

How do I apply?

All applications must be made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) at www.ucas.com before 15th January 2010. All applications received on or before this date will be treated equally. Applications received after this are treated as late applications and may not be considered. We tend, whenever possible, to make exceptions for Mature Students and students from out with the UK who may have difficulty in completing applications on time.

How do I qualify for entry to the BDes (Hons) / BA (Hons) programme?

Students wishing to study one of these courses normally apply to enter the first year General Course in Art & Design.

On successful completion of the General Course, you can progress into Level 2 of the BA/BDes (Hons) programme for a further three years of specialist subject study (to Honours level).

Applicants who are applying from school or who do not have a Foundation qualification or equivalent must apply to the General Foundation course (level 1).

Further information about the General Course can be found at: www.dundee.ac.uk/prospectus/artdesign.

Alternatively, successful completion of a recognised foundation course, HNC/HND, EDEXCEL qualification or equivalent, will allow you to apply for direct entry to Level 2 in the subjects listed. Applications will be considered on an individual basis.

Can I be considered for advanced entry into a specialist subject?

Advanced entry for all levels of the undergraduate programmes can be considered depending on your qualifications/strength of portfolio/academic references etc and at the discretion of the selection panel. 

Do I need to submit a portfolio?

A portfolio of art/design related work is required for all courses.

Applicants will be asked to submit a comprehensive portfolio of art and design work during the admissions cycle either on submission alone or during an in-person interview.

The portfolio should give a clear indication of the candidate, their visual awareness, the range of their interests and experience and the level of their commitment to art and design. The portfolio should include representative examples of work undertaken as part of an academic programme of study, sketchbooks and drawings or any other creative work that you may have produced in your own time.

Please remember that we are interested not only in finished work but also the process that led you to the final piece of work. It is therefore important that you include sketchbooks or rough work which demonstrates your thought process and the development of ideas.

The portfolio is the primary means by which candidates present themselves for selection and therefore care should be taken over how the portfolio is prepared. There is no virtue in quantity alone and candidates should not include multiple colour variations of prints.  We are interested in a candidate's most recent work and current attainments, therefore earlier work included in the portfolio should be dated.

Applicants from outwith the UK will be asked to provide an electronic portfolio.

For entry to the BA (Hons) Art, Philosophy, Contemporary Practices course, appropriate examples of written work must be submitted in addition to portfolio.

Will I be interviewed?

Interviews are required for entry to the following courses for all suitable UK applicants:

BDes (Hons) – Graphic Design / Interior Environmental Design / Jewellery & Metal Design / Textile Design
BA (Hons) – Animation / Art, Philosophy, Contemporary Practices / Illustration / Time Based Art

BA (Hons) Fine Art applications are normally considered on submission of portfolio and application only but interviews are sometimes arranged for advanced entry applicants. 

Applicants from outwith the UK will not normally be interviewed.

When will I hear the decision of the selectors?

A final decision on your application is reached when your application is assessed by at least two Admissions Tutors. Given the care taken and the timing of the UCAS deadline for normal applications, this can mean you may have to wait some time before you are notified of our decision.

ince you are not under any pressure from UCAS to reach your final decision until you have heard from all the universities and courses for which you applied, we are sure that you will appreciate the benefits of careful selection.

How can I obtain further information?

Contact us ...

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