Who attends the Portfolio Preparation courses?

Anyone 18 or over of any nationality can attend one of our courses. As long as you have a passion for art and design you are welcome to apply.

How many people attend?

There are between 15 and 20 students per course. This small size allows a good deal of individual attention from your tutors.

How good do I need to be to attend one of these courses?

The portfolio preparation courses are aimed at anyone who has some experience of art or design and who wishes to build a portfolio towards applying to a foundation, undergraduate or postgraduate course or to improve current career opportunities. You must have evidence of your interest in your chosen field whether it is through professional practice or sketchbooks, or art and design work produced in earlier courses.

Why do I need to show examples of my work to apply for a Portfolio Preparation Course?

In order to ensure that you will be able to finish the course with a portfolio suitable for application to future studies the Course Leaders need to see some examples of your work to assess what stage you are currently at and whether you have the potential to develop during the course. You do not need to submit a formal portfolio with your application but you should send a selection of images (12 to 20 images) in digital format (no originals please!).

I don't have work for my application to a Portfolio Preparation Course. How can I prepare?

Central Saint Martins also runs short courses in many subjects that can help build upon your skills. These courses are open to all students and in most cases you do not need any previous experience. A full list of short courses can be found at www.csm.arts.ac.uk/shortcourse

When do I need to apply?

There is no strict deadline for applications. We take enrolments until each course is fully subscribed and so we recommend you apply as early as possible, ideally at least three months prior to when you wish to start.Your place on a course is only guaranteed once the fee has been received.

If I am from overseas will I be able to get a Visa for my stay?

The courses do fit the current criteria for obtaining a Student Visitor Visa for the UK (or General Student Visa if applying to Course 4 of the Orientation to Art and Design course with a conditional or unconditional offer for Foundation). We can issue a letter to confirm your enrolment once your place has been agreed and the fees paid in full. However, rules about Visas do change and so we recommend you check with the UK Border Agency at http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk for up to date information.

How can I find accommodation for my stay?

Unfortunately these courses do not give access to the University of the Arts London's Halls of Residence. However, Housing Service can offer many options for either a short or long term stay in London. Further details can be found at www.arts.ac.uk/housing.

Will I get on to a full-time course once I have completed my portfolio course?

Not automatically. Success rate is high and you will be given plenty of good advice about how and when to apply to future courses, but you will still proceed through the same entry system as all other students, whereby your place will be judged by the quality of your portfolio. For further details on full-time studies at Central Saint Martins go to www.csm.arts.ac.uk.

How good does my English need to be?

All students must have a minimum IELTS score of 5 (IELTS score of 4 to join the Orientation to Art and Design). You may wishto combine your art or design course with English language studies run by the Language Centre at the University of the Arts London. Further details can be found at www.arts.ac.uk/international.

Do you have facilities for students with disabilities?

The college aims to respond positively to disability so that all students can take advantage of our courses. Please contact our office before you enrol so that we can ensure every effort will be made to accommodate your needs.