How to apply for art and design at the University of Lincoln: an interview for Fine Art, a digital portfolio for five other degrees, an optional Arts Foundation Year, Gaokao 65% accepted, portfolio requirements and timelines for students from China, Canada and transfers

The University of Lincoln is in the city of Lincoln in the east of England, and its art and design courses are taught on the Brayford Pool campus. This guide covers 2027/28 entry using Lincoln'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 Art and Design subject page lists six undergraduate degrees, all BA (Hons) over three years (four with the Arts Foundation Year). UCAS course codes are in brackets:

• Fine Art (W101)
• Graphic Design (W290): the course page describes an optional Industry Placement Year, which carries a separate fee
• Illustration (W220)
• Photography (W600)
• Product Design (W200)
• Creative Advertising (W213)

Arts Foundation Year: this is the first year of a four-year degree. Everyone follows the same curriculum and then moves onto their named degree. Lincoln says it suits students who aren't sure what to study, have had a break in education or don't meet the standard entry requirements. Foundation routes have their own UCAS codes, for example Fine Art W103, Graphic Design W292, Illustration W224, Photography W602, Product Design W202 and Creative Advertising W215, plus Animation and Visual Effects (W271), Interior Architecture and Design (W252) and Architecture (K104). The A Level requirement is 64 points from two A Levels at grade C or above.

2. Portfolio and interview

• Fine Art: the 2027/28 entry requirements say "Applicants will be invited to attend an interview". A portfolio isn't mentioned.
• Graphic Design, Illustration, Photography, Product Design and Creative Advertising: applicants are asked to produce a digital portfolio.
• The course pages don't publish the number of pieces, format or submission timing. Watch UCAS Hub for interview or portfolio requests after you apply, or email admissions@lincoln.ac.uk.

3. Entry requirements

UK qualifications (2027/28), the same for all six courses:

• 104–112 UCAS points from at least two A Levels or equivalent Level 3 qualifications; typically A Level BBC
• IB 29 points overall
• Eligible applicants get a contextual offer one grade or 8 points lower
• English: IELTS 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each element; pre-sessional English courses are available if you fall short

Students from China: the China country page accepts any one of these for first-year entry:

• Gaokao with a minimum average of 65%
• Huikao (Senior High School Graduation Examination) with a minimum average of 75%
• Three years of senior high school with a minimum average of 75%
• The first year of a Chinese bachelor's degree or diploma with an average of 70% or above
• A recognised International Foundation programme
• IB with 27–34 points, or three A Levels

The country page also says requirements vary by programme, so check the course page; the Fine Art and other course pages ask for IB 29.

Students from Canada: the Canada country page says:

• British Columbia: the BC Certificate of Graduation with a minimum average of 65% and at least five Grade 12 courses (the same rule applies to Alberta, Manitoba and other provinces)
• Ontario: the OSSD with at least six Grade 12 U or M courses at a minimum average of 65%
• English: for programmes requiring IELTS 6.0, Lincoln accepts the High School Diploma or regional equivalent with grade C in English instead. It should usually be no more than five years old at enrolment. All six art and design degrees require IELTS 6.0

4. How to apply and deadlines

• Full-time undergraduate applications go through UCAS, and applications for 2027 entry are open.
• 13 January 2027 is the UCAS Equal Consideration Deadline: applications submitted before it are considered equally, and after it universities only have to consider you if they have space.
• Check UCAS Hub for offers and interview invitations; offer holders are invited to an Offer Holder Day.
• Students in China can also apply through one of Lincoln's education agents, as the country page explains.

5. Fees and scholarships

All six courses are in undergraduate fees group C:

• International students in 2027/28: £18,800 a year (£18,300 in 2026/27); UK students £10,050 a year
• For continuing international students, fees rise 2% each year, rounded to the nearest £100
• Fine Art students should also budget £100–£500 a year for materials, according to Lincoln; optional study trips are extra

Scholarships:

• International Undergraduate Scholarship: the page currently covers September 2026 entry. It is a £2,000 tuition fee discount every year. You don't apply separately: it is automatic if you meet the entry requirements and apply before 1 June 2026. It doesn't apply in a placement year or study-abroad year. Arrangements for 2027 entry haven't been published.
• Students eligible for the International Undergraduate Scholarship may also get a £1,000 Early Payment Discount.
• Lincoln's pages give different ranges for international scholarships: the China country page says "£1,000 up to the value of 50% of tuition fees", while the international fees page says "£2,000 to 50 per cent of tuition fees".
• Lincoln's Canada Scholarship is for postgraduate taught students only, not undergraduates.

6. Transfers

• Both the China and Canada country pages say that, depending on your background and course, you may be able to enter Level 2 or Level 3 (advanced entry).
• The conditions aren't published; email the International Admissions Team at intadmissions@lincoln.ac.uk.

7. Checklist by background

Students at high schools in China:

• A Gaokao average of 65% (or Huikao or a high school average of 75%) qualifies for first year; IELTS 6.0 with 5.5 in each band
• Prepare for an interview for Fine Art, or a digital portfolio for the other five courses
• Submit through UCAS before 13 January 2027

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

• BC needs a 65% average across five Grade 12 courses; grade C in high school English can replace IELTS 6.0
• Apply through UCAS and prepare for the interview or digital portfolio your course asks for

Transfer students:

• Ask the International Admissions Team first whether you can join Year 2 or 3; otherwise you can start in Year 1 or the Arts Foundation Year

Sources: University of Lincoln, Art and Design subject page; BA Fine Art; BA Graphic Design; Arts Foundation Year; Undergraduate fees group C; How to apply; Entry requirements for China; Entry requirements for Canada; International fees and funding; International Undergraduate Scholarship. Entry requirements and fees are for 2027/28; the international undergraduate scholarship page currently covers September 2026 entry only. Check Lincoln for the latest details.