The School of Arts is ambitious, bold and has an essence of brilliance in shaping Derby as a hub of creativity. We’re intrigued by new ideas and concepts, encouraging our students to take risks, experiment with their ideas and processes and develop their creative voice.
Your portfolio interview experience is an exciting opportunity for you to demonstrate your skills, interests, passion and personality for the course you are applying for.
- Take us on a journey on how your work has developed and adapted; how have you reflected on previous work and learned from it
- Start to think about an identity for your work and refine your personal voice as a creator – exploring, being playful and building confidence
- If there are artists and designers that have inspired you, show an awareness of these and any ways you have engaged with their work – an exhibition or event, book or film.
What to expect on the day
You will be invited to a portfolio interview day where you will meet members of the teaching team and current students during an interactive session where you can learn more about the course you are applying for. This session will include your portfolio interview. There will also be the option for an accommodation tour and campus tour if you’ve not already had the chance to do this at an open day.
What will happen in the portfolio interview?
- You’ll present your portfolio to a member of the teaching team, talking through and explaining your creative process
- We will discuss your work, your interests, what inspires you and what your aspirations are
- We will normally look through all your work, but will most likely select one piece of work for you to talk about in more detail, from your initial ideas through to realisation
- You will have the opportunity to ask us anything about the course – yes, absolutely anything! This could be how it’s structured, what sort of modules you will study, what facilities you will use, any trips that are planned and any collaboration opportunities.
What sort of questions will we ask on the day?
As part of your portfolio interview, we may ask you some of the following questions, so give these some thought before you arrive. It’s useful if you can include any examples, talk about events, products or exhibitions/shows that you have attended.
- Why do you want to study this course?
- What attracted you to study at the University of Derby?
- Who or what has inspired you and why?
- What do you want to do in the future?
Ideas on how to present your work
Your portfolio is unique to you so there is no wrong way to present it. We are interested in seeing your work, not what you transport it in; you don't need the most expensive portfolio case, just something that is portable, accessible and will keep your work safe.
If you are showcasing digital work, it's a good idea to bring a laptop or tablet and have it ready to view, as it can take a long time to register or load your work on to a new computer during the interview.
What we're looking for
- Put your best/most recent work first
- Include a digital portfolio of sound works via SoundCloud or equivalent
- You can include any of the following which are most relevant to the course you are applying for: drawing, painting, images of sculptures, mixed media, installations, printmaking, photography, illustration techniques, video work, sound work, costume design, samples of sewing or costume/textiles desing, printmaking, photography, digital design and CAD examples, models
- We would like to see your sketchbooks, notebooks and work in progress. Bring these along so you can talk through the processes you have been exploring
- Your portfolio should primarily be a physical body of work, including journals, folders and other relevant artefacts - this can be supplemented with digital or online work such as PowerPoint, blogs, Tumblr, Flickr or other websites of your choice, as appropriate, that best demonstrates your work, your creativity and expression
- Make sure you are proud of what you are showing us and use it to talk through the interview and ask us questions about your chosen field
- Your aim with your portfolio is to demonstrate a high level of engagement with art and design subjects and a keen personal interest in your selected field.
Top tips to help you prepare for your portfolio interview
- Carefully read any emails or other communications that we send you
- Make sure you know where you are going on the day. Have our phone number in your mobile in case you get delayed
- Write down any questions you would like to ask us – it’s fine to refer to these during your interview
- Stay for the full session so you can meet the teaching team and fellow applicants, tour the facilities and learn more about the course you have applied for
- Enjoy the opportunity
- RELAX!! There’s no need to be nervous. We always look forward to meeting other creators.
Interview location
Interviews for this course take place at Markeaton Street, Derby Campus.
The address is:
University of Derby
Markeaton Street
Derby
DE22 3AW
Find more information here on how to get to our campuses, including maps.
On arrival, please report to the Main Reception, where you will be met by a course representative.
Important note regarding parking when visiting our Markeaton Street site: There is limited car parking available around the Markeaton Street site and no parking available on site, except for disabled access. You may however be able to use the Pay and Display car park (car park 1) at our Kedleston Road site. The parking charges are £5.20 for the day and the machine takes cash (exact change). The Markeaton Street site is approximately a 15-minute walk from the car park, or there are regular free shuttle buses (bus number 4 from our Kedleston Road site). Please allow at least 30 minutes to get from Kedleston Road to the Markeaton Street site.
If you are arriving by train there are taxis outside the station and the Unibus stops outside the station at regular intervals. Travelling to Derby by bus.
When attending your interview, please allow plenty of time for travelling and parking as the roads around the University can be very busy.
Do you have any special requirements?
Please let us know of any special requirements you may have, particularly if you have any disability or special needs, to help us to assist you in the interview process, eg any access or communication issues.
Please note: If you are bringing someone with you, they will not be able to stay with you during the interview selection process, however, they are welcome to stay on-site and make use of our wide range of food and drink outlets.
Useful information and frequently asked questions
Is the Interview Day compulsory?
YES. You will need to attend the interview before we can make you an offer on the programme.
What if I haven't studied the subject before?
We recognise that some applicants may not have studied their subject before, which is why we are interested in seeing your potential. Bring whatever you think reflects you and your potential for the course.
How many pieces should I included in my portfolio?
If you are applying for a course that requires a portfolio with your interview, we recommend you bring between 5-15 pieces, but we would rather see fewer pieces that you are proud or passionate about and can talk us through your thoughts and creative process.
What happens if I am running late on the day?
If you are unable to make your interview date for whatever reason or if you would like to withdraw your application with us, you can request to do this by completing our short form.
We know that delays are sometimes unavoidable so if you are running late on the day, please contact us as soon as you are able to and let us know your estimated arrival time. If necessary, we can advise you of any alternate arrangements for your interview. In some instances, if you expect to be significantly late, we may suggest you book for a different date.
What happens if I am unable to attend my interview or wish to withdraw?
If you are unable to make your interview date for whatever reason or if you would like to withdraw your application with us, you can request to do this by completing our short form.
Can I visit the halls/campus?
Depending on the course, you may have the opportunity to visit halls on the day of your interview. If this has been arranged, you will be given more details on your arrival. If you attend a University of Derby Open Day you will have the opportunity to visit halls and see the different types of accommodation on offer. If you are made an offer to study with us, we also offer visits to halls as part of our Applicant Day experience.
You can also take a Virtual Tour of our campuses and halls of residence.
Contact details
Should you have any questions, or if you require special provision to be made for any aspects of the day, please do not hesitate to contact us by telephone: +44 (0)1332 591167 or email: myinterview@derby.ac.uk.