How to apply to the University of Brighton for an art and design degree: more than ten BA courses including Fine Art, Illustration, Graphic Design, Animation, Photography, Fashion, Interior and Games Art, with a 15–20-piece online portfolio after you apply, plus portfolio requirements and timelines for students in China, Canadian high school students and transfer students

The University of Brighton's art and design degrees are based on its City campus in Brighton. This guide covers 2027 entry for students at high schools in China, students at Canadian high schools (including BC and Vancouver) and transfer students.

1. Courses

The art and design degrees listed on the portfolio requirements page (Architecture and Electronic Music have their own requirements and are not covered here):

• Fine art: Fine Art BA(Hons), UCAS W150; Fine Art Painting; Fine Art Printmaking.
• Design and visual communication: Graphic Design BA(Hons), UCAS W210; Illustration; Animation; Photography; Games Art and Design.
• Fashion: Fashion Design with Business Studies; Fashion Communication with Business Studies.
• Spatial and product: Interior Design; Interior Architecture; 3D Craft and Design; Product Design (BSc).
• Length: Fine Art and Graphic Design are three years full time, or four with a placement year; Fine Art also offers study abroad at a partner institution.

2. What the course is like (Fine Art as an example)

• Work in dedicated studios in collage, sculpture, performance, text or digital media, with specialist workshops and technical demonstrators.
• A public group exhibition in Year 2 teaches curating, installing and teamwork; an optional paid placement year follows Year 2.
• In the final year you produce a body of work for the Graduate Show.

3. How to apply and the portfolio

• Route: international students apply the same way as UK students, through UCAS or directly to Brighton from the course page (direct applications suit students who only want Brighton).
• The portfolio comes first: the Fine Art page says the portfolio is the most important part of the application; grades matter but are not the only factor, and applications with predicted or actual grades below the usual range are still reviewed if the portfolio is strong.
• When to submit: after you apply, Brighton tells you how to activate your university username, log in to Student View and share one portfolio link under "Your Tasks". Submit as soon as possible and at least within three weeks of the request; contact admissions early if you need an extension.
• Format: combine images and text into one PDF (recommended) shared through Google Drive, Adobe Portfolio or your own website, with no password needed. Add a title page with your name and course; label each piece with title, date, material or process and project type; a sketchbook page counts as one image.
• Size by course (portfolio requirements page):
  • Fine Art, Fine Art Painting, Graphic Design, Illustration, Animation, Photography, Fashion Design, Fashion Communication, 3D Craft and Design and Product Design: 15–20 pieces (images or short moving images);
  • Interior Design and Interior Architecture: around 15–20 images;
  • Fine Art Printmaking and Games Art and Design: 10–15 pieces;
  • Fashion Design: sketchbook and idea development should be about three-quarters of the portfolio; pattern cutting and garment making are not required.
• Support: regular online portfolio advice sessions, plus bookable online application portfolio talks with Q&A.
• Deadline: the pages we read don't give an application deadline for 2027 entry; check UCAS or Brighton's application pages.

4. Entry requirements (2027 entry, Fine Art and Graphic Design)

• A-Levels: ABB–BCC; UCAS tariff: 104–128 points.
• IB: 27 points with three subjects at Higher Level.
• Art foundation: Art foundation diploma Pass; Brighton states a foundation diploma is not required, only one accepted qualification. UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma: Merit.
• English: if English is not your first language, IELTS 6.0 overall with 5.5 in each element.
• Contextual offers: at least two grades or 16 UCAS points lower if you meet the criteria.
• Other courses: check each course page.

5. Students from China

• Gaokao: the China page asks for at least 450/750, or 60% overall, for most courses; some need 525/750 or 70%, and some need specific subject grades.
• Huikao or Senior Secondary School Certificate only: you need to complete an international foundation year or equivalent first.
• English: Brighton does not accept Chinese English qualifications as meeting its English requirement; take IELTS or another accepted test.
• Preparation: the University of Brighton International College (UBIC) on campus offers degree preparation courses.

6. Students from Canada (including BC)

• BC: the Canada page groups BC with Alberta, Newfoundland and Labrador and others: a high/secondary school graduation diploma with at least 65% in five Grade 12 courses.
• Other provinces: Ontario needs 65% in six Grade 12 U or M courses; Manitoba 65% in five 300-level Grade 12 subjects; Quebec DEC 65% overall.
• English: the English requirements page lists Canada among the countries exempt from English requirements; nationals of UKVI majority English-speaking countries don't need an English test.

7. Fees and scholarships

• Tuition: the Fine Art and Graphic Design pages show £18,108 a year for international students, but this is the rate for students starting in 2026–27; 2027 fees are not yet listed, and fees may rise each year.
• Vice-Chancellor international scholarships: the China and Canada pages list up to £4,000 at bachelor's level as a tuition fee reduction; see the scholarship page for eligibility.

8. Transfer students

• The course pages say suitable qualifications, credit from previous university study or relevant experience could let you start in Year 2 or 3; if you are transferring from another university, Brighton suggests checking its transfer page and calling. A portfolio is still required. Specific conditions are not published; contact admissions.

9. Timeline (2027 entry)

• Now: applications for 2027 entry are open from the course pages (UCAS or direct); City campus open day on 28 November.
• After applying: activate your account and share your portfolio link within three weeks of the request.
• Deadline: not published on the pages we read; confirm with Brighton.

Checklist

Students at high schools in China:

• Gaokao generally 450/750 (60%) or more; with only a high school certificate, take an international foundation year first
• IELTS 6.0 (5.5 in each); Chinese English qualifications don't count
• Prepare 10–20 pieces depending on the course, shared as one PDF link

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

• BC: 65% in five Grade 12 courses; Canadian nationals are exempt from English tests
• Apply through UCAS, or directly if Brighton is your only choice

Transfer students:

• Year 2 or 3 entry may be possible; confirm credit and portfolio requirements with admissions

Sources: University of Brighton, Fine Art BA(Hons); Graphic Design BA(Hons); Portfolio requirements by course; How to apply (international); English language requirements; Information for China; Information for Canada. Information is for 2027 entry (fees are 2026–27 rates). Check Brighton for the latest details.