How to apply for art and design at the University of Worcester: three-year Fine Art, Graphic Design, Illustration and Game Art degrees at 104 UCAS points, interviews and portfolios for shortlisted Illustration applicants, an online portfolio for Game Art, Gaokao around 500 accepted, portfolio requirements and timelines for students from China, Canada and transfers

The University of Worcester is in the city of Worcester in the West Midlands of England. Its art and design courses sit in the Institute of Arts and Humanities, and Fine Art students get their own studio space at the Art House. This guide covers September 2027 entry using Worcester's own website, for students at high schools in China, students at Canadian high schools (including BC and Vancouver) and transfer students.

1. Courses

The A-Z of courses lists four single honours art and design degrees. All are BA (Hons), three years full-time (part-time is also possible), starting in Worcester in September 2027:

• Fine Art (UCAS code W100): painting, printmaking, sculpture, digital media and photography; the course page says a placement is available
• Graphic Design (W210): branding, typography and digital design, with live client briefs
• Illustration (W220)
• Game Art (I758): character, environment, concept and technical art; the course page says a placement is available

The A-Z also lists Graphic Design, Advertising and Marketing, and Animation as a joint honours subject only. We did not check these two in detail; see their course pages.

2. Portfolio and interview

The four course pages treat portfolios differently:

• Illustration: shortlisted applicants may be invited to an interview and asked to provide a portfolio.
• Game Art: you are invited to provide an online portfolio with your application. It helps Worcester assess you and in some cases allows a reduced offer. The course also requires evidence of prior study in an art and design discipline (or equivalent experience for mature applicants).
• Fine Art and Graphic Design: the entry requirements on the course pages do not list a portfolio or interview.

None of the four pages gives the number of pieces, format or upload method. Worcester has not published these; ask admissions at admissions@worc.ac.uk or 01905 855111.

3. Entry requirements

Typical offer (the same for all four): 104 UCAS points, A-Level BCC, BTEC National Extended Diploma DMM or T Level Merit; Access to HE and other qualifications are also accepted. If English is not your first language you need IELTS 6.0 with no band below 5.5. The English language page also lists TOEFL iBT 4.0 overall with 4.0 in each section (tests from 21 January 2026), or 76 on the older scale (Listening 17, Reading 18, Speaking 20, Writing 17), and PTE 59 with 59 in each component.

Students from China: for undergraduate courses asking for 96–112 UCAS points, the China page accepts the Gaokao with a recognised foundation qualification, or the Gaokao with good results (500 out of 750 in most provinces), plus IELTS 6.0 with no band below 5.5. All four art and design courses ask for 104 points.

Students from Canada: the North America page only covers the US High School Diploma (GPA 3.0). Worcester does not publish a requirement for Canadian or BC diplomas; email the international team at international@worc.ac.uk.

Mature applicants (21 or over) may receive a different offer that takes work and life experience into account.

4. How to apply and deadlines

• The international applications page strongly advises applying for full-time undergraduate courses through UCAS. Common App users can add Worcester to their list, and you can also apply through an overseas representative.
• Key dates for 2027/28: UCAS opens on 12 May 2026 and completed applications can be sent from 1 September 2026. The equal consideration deadline is 13 January 2027 at 6pm UK time; many courses still consider later applications. The UCAS deadline is 30 June 2027, after which applications go into Clearing (opening 2 July). The final date for 2027 entry applications is 23 September 2027.
• International applicants: from February 2027 successful applicants get a CAS Shield link to upload passports and English results; CAS letters are issued from April; tuition fee deposits are due by 1 June 2027, with the amount in your offer letter. The fees page says the international deposit is 50% of the tuition fee and is non-refundable, though a refund minus a £500 administration charge may be considered in exceptional circumstances.

5. Fees and scholarships

• The four course pages give the 2027/28 international full-time fee as £17,700 a year (£10,050 for UK and EU students), reviewed annually. The fee summaries on the China and North America pages still show the 2025/26 figure (£16,700).
• International merit scholarship (automatic): £1,000 a year for 112 UCAS points or equivalent, £2,000 for 128 and £3,000 for 144, paid each year as you progress.
• Early payment: £500 off if you pay the full year's fees by 30 September (September starters). September 2027 applicants who pay their first-year fees by 1 July 2027 get a further £500, £1,000 in total.
• Only one scholarship, bursary or discount can be used per student, apart from the early payment discount.

6. Transfers

• Students finishing a Foundation Degree or HND can apply to top up to a degree; full-time applicants apply through UCAS and each case is considered individually.
• The pages we read do not say how students from other universities can join Year 2. Worcester has not published this; ask admissions.

7. Checklist by background

Students at high schools in China:

• Gaokao around 500/750, or the Gaokao plus a recognised foundation; IELTS 6.0 with 5.5 in each band
• For Game Art, prepare an online portfolio and evidence of art or design study
• Apply through UCAS by 13 January 2027; pay the deposit by 1 June

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

• Worcester does not publish Canadian grade requirements, so email the international team before you apply
• Scholarships start at 112 UCAS points; ask Worcester how your Canadian grades convert

Transfer students:

• With an FdA or HND you can apply to top up; ask admissions about other routes into Year 2

Sources: University of Worcester, A-Z of courses; BA Fine Art; BA Graphic Design; BA Illustration; BA Game Art; International applications; Key dates 2027/28; China; North America; Fees, scholarships and loans; English language requirements; Applying as an FD, HND or top-up student. Information is for September 2027 entry (2027/28). Check Worcester for the latest details.