How to make a university portfolio
If you're applying to a practice-based undergraduate course in Nottingham School of Art & Design or the School of Architecture, Design and the Built Environment, you'll be asked to submit a digital portfolio as part of your application.
Your portfolio helps tutors understand your creative interests, how you develop ideas and your potential to succeed on the course. It doesn't need to be perfect – we're interested in your creative process as well as your finished work.
Watch our video for advice from our tutors, then find the specific portfolio requirements for your chosen course.
What tutors look for in a portfolio
What makes a strong portfolio?
- Start early and build your portfolio over time.
- Show your creative process, not just final outcomes.
- Include sketches, experiments and work in progress.
- Focus on the work that best represents your interests and ideas.
- Help tutors understand what motivates you creatively.
Find portfolio advice for your chosen course
Nottingham School of Art & Design
Animation portfolio advice
Content Creation portfolio advice
Costume Design and Construction portfolio advice
Creative Direction and Curation for Fashion portfolio advice
Design for Film and Television portfolio advice
Design for Theatre and Live Performance portfolio advice
Fashion Design portfolio advice
Fashion Knitwear Design and Knitted Textiles portfolio advice
Filmmaking portfolio advice
Fine Art portfolio advice
Games Art and Visual Effects Art portfolio advice
Graphic Design portfolio advice
Illustration portfolio advice
International Fashion Business (one-year top-up)
Music Performance courses advice
Photography portfolio advice
Textile Design portfolio advice
School of Architecture, Design and the Built Environment
Get portfolio advice at an open day
Not sure what to include? At an undergraduate open day you can speak to tutors, explore facilities and get advice on preparing your portfolio.
Book an open dayAny questions about how to prepare your portfolio?
If you have any questions about your university portfolio or applying to NTU, call us on +44 (0)115 848 4200 or use our enquiry form and we’ll be in touch.