Build a standout portfolio
Whether you're applying to a Foundation Diploma, BA or MA, our portfolio preparation short courses give you the skills, confidence and direction to stand out.
Do I need a portfolio for BA or MA applications?
Most art and design degree courses require a portfolio. It demonstrates your creativity, technical skills and personal direction.
Our courses help you understand what tutors are looking for and how to present your work effectively.
How can these courses help me get onto a MA?
For MA-level applications (including UAL Online), your portfolio should show:
- Conceptual thinking
- Personal voice and direction
- Evidence of independent practice
You’ll receive:
- Tutor feedback and portfolio reviews
- Support refining and editing your work
- Guidance on digital presentation formats
I don’t have a portfolio yet can I still join?
Yes. Many students start with little or no portfolio.
You’ll be supported to:
- Explore different disciplines
- Build essential creative skills
- Develop ideas into finished work
What will I learn?
By joining one of our portfolio development courses you’ll:
- Create a strong, focused portfolio
- Experiment with new ideas and media
- Improve technical and conceptual skills
- Learn how to present your work professionally
Which course format is right for me?
- Choose an in-person, campus-based short course for immersive learning and the art college experience
- Choose a live online short course for structured teaching you can do anywhere
- Choose a self-paced short course for flexible, independent study in your own time
Where can this lead?
After completing their course students go on to:
- Foundation Diploma in Art & Design
- BA and MA courses at UAL or other institutions
- UAL Online postgraduate study
- Creative careers and freelance practice
Portfolio preparation short courses
Featured online courses
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Image: Vishala Chouhan, Business Pathway, LCF, UAL | Photographer : Alys Tomlinson
Portfolio preparation courses for teenagers
Find your path
Prepare for your next step in education or career with:
- personalised feedback: practical one-to-one advice on how to refine your portfolio
- hands-on learning: develop your skills at UAL’s inspiring studios and workspaces
- strong progression routes: portfolio preparation students have a high success rate of entering their first choice College
Portfolio preparation stories
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Student portfolio, Fashion Folio UAL What is Fashion Folio?
Discover what to expect from Fashion Folio, an intensive course designed to help you build a professional portfolio for further study or career progression. Hear from past students and find out how to apply.
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Image: Photograph by Ushio Kageyama How to become a professional photographer
Professional photographer and tutor Daniel Keys shares his advice on building a career in photography. Daniel teaches on our Complete Photography Short Course alongside photographer Jet Jet.
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Image: UAL International Summer School 2025 | UAL Short Courses Discover International Summer School through the eyes of our students
We chat to students from 2025's International Summer School for 16 to 18 year olds Short Course to hear about their experiences at UAL.
