How to apply for art and design at Sheffield Hallam University: BA Fine Art, Graphic Design, Illustration, Animation, Photography, Fashion, Interior and Product Design, a portfolio link requested after you apply, direct or UCAS applications, portfolio requirements and timelines for students from China, Canada and transfers

Art and design degrees at Sheffield Hallam University are taught by the Sheffield Creative Industries Institute at City Campus in the city centre. This guide summarises 2027/28 entry from the university's official pages for students at high schools in China, students at Canadian high schools (including BC and Vancouver), and transfer students.

1. Courses

Full-time BA (Honours) courses starting in September 2027 in the art and design area (UCAS codes in brackets):

• Fine Art (W102)
• Graphic Design (W210)
• Illustration (W220)
• Animation (W615)
• Photography (W640)
• Fashion Design (W232)
• Fashion Management and Communication (9I7Y)
• Interior Architecture and Design (W250)
• Product Design (W240)

Each runs for three years, or four with a placement year; the placement-year fee is capped at 20% of the normal fee, and completing it earns an Applied Professional Diploma. The Fine Art page also offers a semester abroad at a partner institution in the second half of Year 2. Each course has a with Foundation Year version, for example Fine Art with Foundation Year (A011), over four or five years.

2. Portfolio: a link after the first review

• The university asks for a portfolio for creative courses including animation, fashion design, fine art, game art, graphic design, photography, product design, illustration and interior architecture and design.
• If your application is successful at the first stage, you receive an email inviting you to submit a link to your portfolio, with no viewing restrictions. If you can't submit that way, email portfoliolink@shu.ac.uk to arrange an alternative.
• No number of pieces is set. Choose a good, clear selection and open with your strongest piece. Put your UCAS number at the start, and give each piece a short title and one or two sentences on what it is, how it was made and what inspired it.
• It may include drawing (including life and observational drawing), experiments with media such as printmaking, photography and collage, digital work (concept art, 3D, characters and environments), typography and layout, time-based work, 3D making, and sketchbooks showing research and idea development. The university wants to see process and experimentation as well as finished work; label any references to other people's work.
• Portfolios are reviewed by Sheffield Creative Industries Institute academic staff, and the outcome comes through the UCAS Hub. A portfolio review doesn't guarantee a place; your personal statement and reference also count.

3. Entry requirements

• A-Levels and equivalents: the standard offer is 104 UCAS points (96 for eligible local contextual applicants). The Fine Art page says at least 64 points must come from two A-Levels or equivalent BTECs including a relevant subject such as Art and Design, for example BCC; a Merit in an art and design Foundation Diploma is also listed. GCSE English at grade C or 4 is required.
• Foundation-year versions: Fine Art with Foundation Year asks for 64 UCAS points, for example CC at A-Level with a C in a relevant subject.
• English: IELTS 6.0 with at least 5.5 in each skill if English is not your first language; the English page lists equivalents including TOEFL iBT 67 (12 in listening and reading, 14 in writing) and Duolingo 105.
• China: the China page lists a Zhongzhuan or Zhixiao diploma, a three-year middle school diploma plus a foundation course, or A-Levels, with a minimum average of 60%; students who have finished the first year of a Chinese degree may be considered for direct entry, and IB students with 28 points usually get an offer. The page does not mention the Gaokao, so entry with Gaokao results is not published; ask international admissions.
• Canada: there is no Canada page in the country list, so requirements for a BC or other Canadian diploma are not published; ask international admissions.

4. How and when to apply

• UK applicants must use UCAS; applicants from outside the UK can apply direct (online application form) or through UCAS.
• The university's 2027–28 UCAS timeline: the equal consideration deadline is 13 January 2027 at 6pm; if you apply by then you should hear by 12 May; the late application deadline is 30 June, after which Clearing applies.
• The pages we read don't give a deadline for direct applications; confirm with international admissions.

5. Fees and scholarships

• International fees for 2027/28 are £18,900 a year (UK students £10,050), as listed on each art and design course page; the placement year is capped at 20%. Some courses have extra costs for materials and trips, set out in an institute cost document.
• Vice-Chancellor's Award: an automatic first-year discount of £2,000–£4,000 for self-financing international undergraduates and postgraduates starting in September 2026 or January 2027, but only for the listed regions (South Asia, South East Asia, Nigeria and Ghana). China and Canada are not on the list, and September 2027 arrangements aren't published yet.
• Transform Together Scholarships are described as for high-achieving international students, but the current round is for January 2027 postgraduate courses only; check later for undergraduate eligibility and amounts.
• Fine art students can also apply to the Joyce Spurr Art Travel Fund for visits to exhibitions in the UK.

6. Transfers

• Transfers from another university also use UCAS: state the level you want to join, the modules you've studied and your results, and give a reference from someone who knows your current studies.
• If your current course is similar, you may be able to join at a higher level; moving to a new subject means starting in Year 1. You still need to meet the entry requirements and pass any portfolio review.
• International students should check visa implications first; restarting in Year 1 may need a visa extension.

7. Checklist by background

Students at high schools in China:

• The listed routes are a high school diploma plus foundation, or A-Levels and similar, at 60%; ask international admissions whether Gaokao results alone are accepted
• IELTS 6.0 (5.5 in each skill); submit a portfolio link without viewing restrictions when invited
• Apply direct, or through UCAS by 13 January 2027

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

• Requirements for Canadian diplomas are not published; confirm with international admissions before applying
• Prepare a portfolio that shows research and process, and send the link when invited

Transfer students:

• Apply through UCAS stating the level you want and your modules and results; advanced entry is only possible from a similar course

Sources: Sheffield Hallam University, Art and design courses; BA Fine Art (2027); BA Fine Art with Foundation Year; BA Graphic Design; Portfolio reviews for creative courses; Entry requirements for China; English language requirements; UCAS deadlines; Applying for an undergraduate degree; Transfers; Vice-Chancellor's Award. Information is for 2027/28 entry (the scholarship pages currently cover September 2026 and January 2027 starts only). Check Sheffield Hallam for the latest details.