How to apply for art and design at Teesside University: Fine Art, Comics and Graphic Novels, Fashion, Graphic Design and Interior Design need a creative subject and a portfolio, January and September starts, Gaokao 65% accepted, portfolio requirements and timelines for students from China, Canada and transfers

Teesside University is in Middlesbrough in north-east England. This guide covers its art and design degrees using Teesside's own website, for students at high schools in China, students at Canadian high schools (including BC and Vancouver) and transfer students. Course pages and fees currently cover 2026-27 entry, so watch for updates for 2027.

1. Courses

Art and Design (UCAS course codes in brackets):

• Fine Art (W100)
• Comics and Graphic Novels (W211)
• Fashion (W291)
• Graphic Design (W202)
• Interior Design (W250)

• All take three years, or four with a work placement, and each is also offered with a foundation year (four years, or five with a placement).
• Course pages list January or September starts.
• Illustration (W221): the course page says it is no longer running for September 2026 onwards; students with relevant qualifications can join Year 2 or 3 in September 2026, or Year 3 in September 2027.

The Animation, Concept Art and Visual Effects subject also has art degrees, for example:

• Animation (I153), 2D Animation and Stop Motion (I156) and Concept Art (IW29), starting in September
• The same subject lists Visual Effects and Motion Graphics (BA) and Virtual Production (BSc), which this guide doesn't cover

2. Portfolio

The five Art and Design courses:

• Year 1 entry needs 96–112 UCAS points including a creative subject, plus a creative portfolio showing skills in your chosen discipline.
• Digital portfolios are accepted, and you can attend a session on campus to discuss your portfolio with staff.
• Applicants without formal qualifications but with practical experience at an appropriate level are also considered.
• Offer holders are invited to an Offer holder day, where staff review your portfolio and give feedback.
• The course pages don't give the number of pieces, format or submission method, so these aren't published; follow the instructions you receive with your offer or interview invitation.

Animation, 2D Animation and Stop Motion, and Concept Art:

• A portfolio is needed only if your Level 3 qualifications don't include a creative subject such as art, design, drawing, animation or games art/design.
• It should show fundamental drawing skills, such as life drawing and observational drawing, alongside your creativity.

3. Entry requirements

Students from China: the China country page accepts any one of these for first-year undergraduate entry:

• Three years of senior secondary school with a minimum average of 65%
• Gaokao with an overall 65%
• A vocational high school or secondary vocational graduation certificate with an overall 65%
• Named programmes such as the Three-Year Art International Foundation Programme at the High School Affiliated to the Central Academy of Fine Arts, the Central Academy of Fine Arts International Foundation Course or the Communication University of China International Foundation Programme, with at least 70% plus a portfolio if required

Year 2 entry: named programmes such as the Communication University of China International Creative Digital Art Program, with at least 70% plus a portfolio if required.

Students from Canada: the Canada country page asks for 65% or above in the Secondary School Diploma; it doesn't list provinces such as BC separately.

English: the English page lists minimum requirements by subject:

• Year 1 of Art and Design, Animation, Concept Art and Visual Effects and similar subjects: IELTS 5.5 (PTE 59)
• Year 2 and 3 entry where permitted: IELTS 6.0 (PTE 59)
• You also need a minimum score in each band; check the English page
• Non-EU students who need a Student visa should check the UKVI-compliant English requirements linked from the course pages

4. How to apply and deadlines

• International students can apply through UCAS or directly with Teesside's online form, which the international applications team processes.
• The pages read for this guide don't give the UCAS deadline for 2027 entry; check UCAS.
• The international key deadlines page says that for September 2026 entry all offer conditions and maintenance documents were due by 7 September 2026; dates for January and May 2027 entry are "to be confirmed". Teesside recommends accepting your offer and paying your deposit early, as courses that reach capacity may close.

5. Fees and scholarships

• International fee: £17,000 a year (2026-27) for these courses; UK students pay £9,790. Fees for 2027-28 haven't been published.
• Two different statements on the placement year: the Fine Art and other course pages say the optional placement year is "at no extra cost", while the international fees table lists £1,350 for an undergraduate placement year. Check your offer letter.

The international scholarships page lists these awards for undergraduates, all given as fee waivers:

• Vice Chancellor's Scholarship: a one-off £7,000 in the first year
• Global Excellence Scholarship: £2,000 in the first year, for students with the highest grades before joining
• China Bursary Scholarship: £1,000 in the first year
• China Merit Scholarship: £3,000 in the first year
• Each award's conditions are on its own page, which this guide didn't read one by one; the Fine Art page says foundation-year applicants are excluded from scholarships.

6. Transfers

• The animation course pages say that if you have Level 4 or higher credits in a related subject from college or university, credit transfer may be possible.
• Chinese students who complete one of the named programmes above can apply for Year 2.
• Illustration only accepts Year 2 or 3 entry (see section 1).
• Other conditions aren't published; ask the international admissions team.

7. Checklist by background

Students at high schools in China:

• Gaokao 65% or a 65% average over three years of high school for Year 1; IELTS 5.5 for art and design
• Prepare a portfolio for your chosen discipline for the five Art and Design courses; for Animation or Concept Art, prepare one if you haven't taken an art subject
• Apply through UCAS or directly, for a January or September start

Students at Canadian high schools (including BC and Vancouver):

• 65% or above in the high school diploma
• Check the course page and English page for English requirements, or ask the international admissions team

Transfer students:

• If you have relevant credits, ask whether they can transfer or whether you can join Year 2 or 3

Sources: Teesside University, Art and Design undergraduate courses; BA Fine Art; BA Comics and Graphic Novels; BA Fashion; BA Graphic Design; BA Illustration; BA Interior Design; Animation, Concept Art and Visual Effects courses; BA Animation; BA Concept Art; Entry requirements for China; Entry requirements for Canada; International fees; International scholarships; English requirements; How to apply (international); International key deadlines. Course pages and fees currently cover 2026-27 entry; check Teesside for 2027 entry details.