How to apply for art and design at the University of Chester: Fine Art, Graphic, Fashion, Interior, Photography and Product Design, portfolio interviews or e-portfolios for shortlisted applicants, free direct applications, and portfolio requirements and timelines for students in China, Canadian high school students and transfer students

The University of Chester is in Chester in north-west England. Its art and design courses belong to the School for the Creative Industries and are taught at the Creative Campus, Kingsway (Fine Art with Foundation Year starts at Gateway House). This guide uses Chester’s official information for September 2027 entry and is written for students at high school in China, students at high school in Canada (including BC and Vancouver) and transfer students.

1. Courses

The Art and Design subject page lists these BA (Hons) degrees, starting September 2027. The first code is the three-year course, the second the four-year version with a foundation year:

• Fine Art (W100 / W104)
• Graphic Design (W213 / W214)
• Fashion Design (W230 / W231)
• Interior Design (W251 / W252)
• Photography (72W9 / 74W9)
• Product Design (PD38 / PD39)
• Fashion Communication, Marketing and Social Media (W235): a two-year accelerated degree starting August 2027. The course page lists only home fees and has no international tab, so whether international students can apply is not stated.

• Common first year: the Fashion Design page says fashion, graphic, interior and product design share a “design and innovation” first year before specialising in years 2 and 3; Fine Art and Photography also share their first year.
• Year abroad: Graphic, Fashion, Interior and Product Design list an optional international placement or study abroad year; Fine Art and Photography list an optional Study Abroad Immersive Year. Fine Art also has a 140-hour work placement module in year 2.

2. Portfolio and interview

• Fine Art, Fashion Design and Photography: shortlisted applicants are invited to an interview with a portfolio.
• Graphic, Interior and Product Design: shortlisted applicants are asked for an electronic portfolio.
• Fashion Communication: applicants who meet the entry criteria are invited to interview.
• The number of pieces and format are not published on the course pages. The international application page says that if your course needs a portfolio and you did not include it, the International Admissions team will email you for it.

3. Entry requirements

UK qualifications:

• Three-year courses: 112 UCAS points, typical A Level offer BCC–BBC, BTEC DMM, IB 28.
• With foundation year: 72 points including at least a D in Art & Design, Fine Art or Textiles; IB 24 including 4 in HL Visual Arts.

English: course pages ask for IELTS 6.0 with at least 5.5 in each band, while the English line on the China page says IELTS 6.5 with no band below 5.5. Check with international admissions before you apply.

Students in China (any one of the following, from the China page):

• Senior High School Certificate at 75% or above, or Huikao at 75% or above
• Gaokao “with good grades” (no score given)
• UK foundation or pathway course at 50% or above; Zhongzhuan at 75% or above
• Dazhuan considered for entry to year 3
• Foundation year courses: Senior High 2 at 70% or Senior High 3 at 65%

Students in Canada (Canada page):

• British Columbia: Senior Secondary Graduation Diploma with at least five Bs in acceptable Grade 12 courses
• Ontario: OSSD with 65% in six Grade 12 U or U/M courses; Alberta, New Brunswick, Saskatchewan and several other provinces, 65% in five Grade 12 subjects
• The page also lists an Associate Degree with C / GPA 2.0 (60%)
• Whether Canadian students can skip an English test is not published

4. How to apply and deadlines

• International students can apply directly online for free, or through a local representative. You need transcripts and certificates, proof of English, an academic reference, a statement of purpose and a copy of your passport.
• Through UCAS: institution code CHSTR C55; the equal consideration deadline for 2027 entry is 13 January, though you can still apply after that; the 2027 UCAS fee is £34.50.

5. Fees and scholarships

• International tuition: £15,450 a year in 2027/28, and the course pages say this fee is set for each year of study. For courses with a foundation year, year 1 is TBC and later years are £15,450. UK students pay £10,050 in 2027/28.
• International scholarships: you are considered automatically when you apply and any award appears on your offer letter; the undergraduate amount is not published on the pages read.
• Fine Art students may pay about £30 to secure a place on a London residential trip.

6. Transfer and advanced entry

• Course pages say that if you have completed a relevant HND or Foundation Degree (Level 5), you may be considered for the final year (Level 6), usually one more year to a BA (Hons); full-time applications go through UCAS.
• International applicants need a qualification equivalent to UK Level 5 or 6 in a related subject to be considered for advanced entry.
• Dazhuan graduates from China may be considered for year 3 (see above).

7. Checklists

Students in China:

• Senior High School Certificate or Huikao at 75%, or good Gaokao grades; prepare for IELTS 6.0–6.5 and confirm with international admissions
• Fine Art, Fashion and Photography: prepare for a portfolio interview; Graphic, Interior and Product Design: prepare an electronic portfolio
• Apply directly on Chester’s website for free

Students in Canada (including BC and Vancouver):

• At least five Grade 12 courses at B
• Ask international admissions whether you need an English test

Transfer students:

• With a relevant HND, Foundation Degree or Level 5 equivalent, ask about joining the final year

Sources: University of Chester, Art and Design undergraduate; Fine Art BA; Graphic Design BA; Fashion Design BA; Fashion Communication, Marketing and Social Media BA; Interior Design BA; Photography BA; Product Design BA; Entry requirements: China; Entry requirements: Canada; International scholarships; Making an international application; Applying through UCAS. Information is for September 2027 entry; check the University of Chester’s website for updates.