How to apply for art and design at Solent University: three-year Fine Art, Graphic Design, Illustration, Photography, Animation, Fashion Design, Interior Design and Games Art degrees, an electronic portfolio for applicants outside the UK and four-year foundation year options, portfolio requirements and timelines for students from China, Canada and transfers

Solent University (officially Southampton Solent University) is in the port city of Southampton on England's south coast. This guide covers 2027 entry using the university's own website, for students at high schools in China, students at Canadian high schools (including BC and Vancouver) and transfer students.

1. Courses

These are all BA (Hons) degrees listed as starting in 2027, three years full time, each also available as a four-year version with a foundation year. UCAS course codes:

• Fine Art (FA01)
• Graphic Design (GD01)
• Illustration (IL01)
• Photography (PH01)
• Animation (W615)
• Fashion Design (F001)
• Interior Design Architecture (IDA1)
• Interior Design Decoration (IDD1)
• Computer Games (Art) (G450)
• CGI and Visual Effects (CGV1): also four years with a year in industry, or five with a foundation year and a year in industry

The A–Z directory also lists Fashion Photography and Image Production, Fashion Styling and Creative Direction, Make-Up and Hair Design, and Prosthetics and Special Effects Design; this guide hasn't read those course pages.

Foundation years: the Art and Design Foundation Year and the Digital Arts Foundation Year typically ask for 48 UCAS points, and most students progress to degrees such as fine art, photography, graphic design, illustration, interiors and fashion. For international students who don't meet direct entry requirements, course pages also list an International Foundation Year run by partner QA Higher Education.

2. How to apply and deadlines

• Route: course pages say anyone applying for the first year of a full-time degree must apply through UCAS, including overseas students; institution code S30 (code name SOLNT). The China page also says most students find it easy to apply directly, through official representatives. Both statements are on the website, so check the route with Admissions.
• Deadline: course pages say applications should reach UCAS by 14 January for entry the following autumn, without giving a year; late applications run to the end of June. Check UCAS for the 2027 date.

3. Portfolio

What each course page says for applicants outside the UK:

• Fine Art, Animation: send an electronic portfolio; UK applicants attend a portfolio viewing.
• Illustration, Photography: send an electronic portfolio. The Photography course description also says applicants show a portfolio and developmental work at interview.
• Graphic Design: an electronic portfolio, and you may be interviewed by phone or video call.
• Fashion Design: an electronic portfolio; applicants should ideally have studied a creative art and design subject.
• Interior Design Architecture: an electronic portfolio.
• Interior Design Decoration: the same page says applicants outside the UK submit an electronic portfolio and also that they attend a portfolio viewing.
• Computer Games (Art): one line says only applicants not studying an art and design subject must submit a portfolio; another says all students must. Both appear on the page.
• CGI and Visual Effects: all applicants submit an electronic portfolio; code examples are welcome but not expected.

The pages read don't give the number of pieces, format or upload method; email admissions.international@solent.ac.uk. The China page also says most art and design courses need a portfolio.

4. Entry requirements

General: 104–120 UCAS points (for example at least two A-Levels). For international qualifications, Solent looks for the equivalent of A-Levels.

Students from China:

• The China page says a good Senior High School Diploma and IELTS 5.5 may qualify you for a foundation year (Year 0 of a degree) or an HND.
• Solent's Course Entry Requirement Statement (2025/2026 PDF) accepts the Senior High School Graduate Certificate (including vocational high school) or Huikao at 60% for foundation entry and 80% for a three-year degree.
• How the Gaokao is used isn't stated in the pages read.
• Students at partner institutions (Anhui Economic Management Institute, Huaiyin Institute of Technology, Qilu University of Technology, Shanghai Jianqiao University, Three Gorges University) may be able to enter Year 2 or 3.

Students from Canada:

• The Canada page says the provincial high school diploma will generally be considered.
• The same PDF accepts a Canadian High School Diploma on its own for foundation entry with at least 60%; the grade for direct Year 1 entry isn't given and BC isn't listed separately.
• English: the PDF says nationals of majority English-speaking countries, including Canada, are exempt under visa rules, though they should have the equivalent of GCSE English grade 4 (C).

English: course pages ask for IELTS 6.0 with 5.5 in each component, or Duolingo 115 (95 in each); TOEFL iBT taken before 21 January 2026 needs 80 (20 in each).

5. Fees and scholarships

• Tuition: 2027/28 fees aren't published yet; for 2026/27, international full-time fees were £19,081 a year for all the courses above.
• Extra costs: course pages list materials and printing costs, such as about £400 to print and bind a Fine Art dissertation and about £750 for a Fashion Design materials portfolio, stationery and final collection.
• Scholarships: the first awards listed on the scholarships page are bursaries for UK students, and no international undergraduate scholarship appeared on the pages read. The China and Canada pages say eligible students can apply for scholarships; ask Admissions.

6. Transfers and advanced entry

• Most course pages say direct entry into Year 2 or 3 may be considered.
• Interior Design Architecture says HND or HNC holders in a relevant subject may enter Year 2.
• Students on a Foundation Degree, DipHE, HNC, HND or modules of another university's degree can apply for Year 2 or 3; contact Admissions.

7. Checklist by background

Students at high schools in China:

• The entry requirements PDF accepts the senior high school certificate at 80% for a three-year degree, or 60% for a foundation year; IELTS 6.0 with 5.5 in each component
• Prepare an electronic portfolio and confirm the number of pieces and format with Admissions
• Apply through UCAS (S30) or directly, after confirming the route with Admissions

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

• The grade needed for direct Year 1 entry isn't published; ask Admissions
• Canadian nationals are generally exempt from an English test
• Prepare an electronic portfolio; 2026/27 fees were £19,081 a year

Transfer students:

• With an HNC, HND, DipHE or other university study, ask about entry to Year 2 or 3

Sources: Solent University, Art and design subject page; A–Z course directory; BA Fine Art; BA Graphic Design; BA Illustration; BA Photography; BA Animation; BA Fashion Design; BA Interior Design Architecture; BA Interior Design Decoration; BA Computer Games (Art); BA CGI and Visual Effects; Art and Design Foundation Year; Students from China; Students from Canada; Course entry requirement statement (PDF, 2025/2026); Scholarships and bursaries. Course pages are for 2027 entry; 2027/28 fees are not yet published, so fees shown are for 2026/27. Check Solent for the latest details.