How to apply for art and design at Middlesex University London: degrees in Fine Art, Graphic Design, Illustration, Interior Design, Fashion and Product Design in Hendon need 80–112 UCAS points and an online portfolio, mostly with no interview, and a 60% Gaokao score is considered – portfolio requirements and timeline for students in China, Canadian high school students and transfer students

Middlesex University London (MDX) is based at the Hendon campus in north London, which the university says is about 30 minutes from central London. Its art and design degrees are run by the Faculty of Arts and Creative Industries. This guide covers September 2027 entry (2027/28) using Middlesex's own pages, for students at high schools in China, students at Canadian high schools (including BC and Vancouver), and transfer students. The Middlesex UCAS institution code is M80.

1. Courses

These are the BA (Hons) course pages we read. Each is three years full time, starts in September 2027 and is taught at Hendon (UCAS codes in brackets):

• Fine Art (W101): a work placement with art and education organisations in year two
• Graphic Design: the top of the course page gives code W210, but the application section says to apply through UCAS with code B400; check on UCAS before applying
• Illustration (W220): no formal placement, but you can find your own in year two
• Interior Design (W251): an optional paid placement year between years two and three, making four years; you must pass all Level 5 modules to take it
• Fashion Communication and Styling (WF30): an optional year-long industry placement between years two and three, and the placement year is fee-free
• Fashion Marketing (W221)
• Product Design (W240): three years, or four with a placement

The faculty also runs Interior Architecture and other courses whose pages we didn't read. The site doesn't describe a shared first year, and the course pages don't say whether you can switch courses after enrolling.

If you don't meet the entry requirements, the one-year Foundation Year in Arts and Creative Industries asks for 40–64 UCAS points; international fees are also £18,300 a year.

2. Portfolio submitted online after you apply

• When: after you apply, Middlesex sends you a link to upload your portfolio through the applicant portal.
• Format: any digital format that best represents your creativity and skills. For help with file formats, email ACIPortfolios@mdx.ac.uk.
• Course guidance: Fine Art, Graphic Design, Illustration, Interior Design, and Fashion Communication and Styling each have a portfolio guidance PDF under the Portfolio tab of the course page.
• Fine Art: the course page says a successful portfolio should:
  • show range across materials, techniques and themes;
  • include unfinished work, including "creative mistakes" and what you learned from them;
  • show knowledge of historical and contemporary art, with one to three pages of your writing in English, such as an essay extract or an exhibition review;
  • explain how a work was made and where it sits in your practice and in contemporary art;
  • include self-initiated work, not only responses to set briefs.
• Product Design: a portfolio is required; tutors look for passion and potential rather than a complete set of skills.
• Fashion Marketing: the entry requirements we read don't mention a portfolio.
• Interviews: the Fine Art, Graphic Design, Illustration, Fashion Communication and Styling, and Fashion Marketing pages say no interview is required; the Interior Design and Product Design pages don't say.

3. Entry requirements

• A-Level / UCAS points: typically 80–112 UCAS points, A-Level BB–BBC.
• BTEC: MMP–DMM.
• Product Design also asks for GCSE English and maths at 4/C.
• English (English language requirements): undergraduate courses generally need IELTS 6.0 with 5.5 in each component; Middlesex's Pre-sessional English is available if you fall short.
• The course pages say that if you miss your grades, Middlesex also considers work experience, other achievements and your personal statement.
• Students in China (China page; most undergraduate courses):
  • 60% in the Gaokao;
  • or a China High School Graduation Certificate with an average of at least 75.
• Students in Canada (Canada page), any one of:
  • a High School Diploma, Secondary School Diploma or Quebec DEC with at least five Grade 12 courses at 60% or higher, depending on the subject;
  • a High School Diploma plus scores of 3 or more on at least two AP exams;
  • one year of college or university study with a GPA of 3.0;
  • a two-year professional diploma from a technical school.
  • BC courses aren't listed separately, and the site doesn't say whether Canadian students taught in English are exempt from IELTS; check before applying.

4. How and when to apply

• The international application page says international students can apply through the Applicant Portal, Middlesex's international offices or UCAS; if you apply to full-time undergraduate courses at more than one UK university, you must use UCAS.
• That page still gives the 2026-entry UCAS fee and deadline (£28.95 for up to five choices; 14 January 2026 for most courses). Check UCAS for 2027 entry.
• Middlesex recommends applying as early as possible, and you can apply before receiving your final results.
• Most courses start in September, and some also have a January start.

5. Fees and scholarships

• Tuition: all the courses above charge full-time international students £18,300 a year for 2027/28; UK students pay £10,050. International fees may rise each year by no more than inflation.
• Extra costs: Graphic Design, for example, expects you to have your own computer, a stable internet connection, a webcam, a microphone and a headset.
• Regional and International Merit Awards: up to £2,000 towards fees on any taught undergraduate course.
• Students in Canada: the Canada page also lists a limited number of £5,000 Academic Excellence Scholarships for high-achieving students from North and South America. You can hold only one award, and you must apply and hold an offer before applying through the online scholarship form.
• Students in China: the undergraduate scholarships on the China page are for students at SQA partner centres. For what other high school students can receive, see the scholarships page or ask the China team.

6. Transfers

• The course pages say students with a foundation degree, an HND or study at another university may be able to join in year two or three, and previous qualifications or work experience may count towards entry requirements.
• The Canada page says a two-year Associate degree may give advanced standing into year two.
• Middlesex also offers Professional Arts Practice BA, a one-year online top-up degree for arts practitioners. Entry needs:
  • at least two years of undergraduate study, an ordinary degree or a foundation degree;
  • or three or more years of professional experience.

7. Checklist by background

Students at high schools in China:

• 60% in the Gaokao or a 75 average on the graduation certificate; IELTS 6.0 (5.5 in each band)
• Upload your portfolio through the link Middlesex sends after you apply; Fine Art needs one to three pages of English writing
• Check UCAS for the 2027 deadline; Middlesex's page still shows 14 January 2026

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

• Five Grade 12 courses at 60% or above, or a diploma plus two AP exams at 3; BC isn't listed separately
• After an offer, apply for a Merit Award (up to £2,000) or the £5,000 scholarship for students from the Americas

Transfer students:

• A foundation degree, HND or university study may lead to year two or three entry; a Canadian two-year Associate degree may lead to year two

Sources: Middlesex University London, Fine Art BA; Graphic Design BA; Illustration BA; Interior Design BA; Fashion Communication and Styling BA; Product Design BA; Foundation Year in Arts and Creative Industries; How to apply as an international student; English language requirements; China; Canada; Scholarships. Fees are for 2027/28; the UCAS deadline and fee on the application page are still for 2026 entry. Check Middlesex and UCAS for the latest details.