Postgraduate portfolio requirements

Some postgraduate courses require you to submit a portfolio as part of your application. We use this to assess your suitability for the course.

What your portfolio should show

 Your portfolio should demonstrate: 

  • Technical skill
  • Creative development
  • Independent thinking
  • Relevant experience 

What to include

Include examples of your best and most recent work. 

This may include: 

  • Completed projects
  • Work in progress
  • Sketchbooks or research
  • Final outcomes 

How to submit your portfolio 

Please click on the relevant course from the list below.

School of Architecture, Computing and Engineering

Architecture MArch (ARB/RIBA Part 2) — Portfolio submission

Applicants to the Architecture MArch (ARB/RIBA Part 2) programme must submit a digital portfolio as part of the admissions process. Your portfolio allows the course team to assess your design ability, technical knowledge and readiness for postgraduate architectural study.

 

What your portfolio should show

Your portfolio should demonstrate skills equivalent to an ARB/RIBA Part 1 graduate. 

We are looking for evidence of: 

  • your spatial and conceptual design ability
  • your use of exploratory design techniques (e.g. sketching, model-making, perspective drawing)
  • your technical understanding of building design
  • your ability to develop complete architectural proposals
  • your depth of engagement and commitment to architecture

 

What to include 

Your portfolio should include: 

  • a minimum of three academic projects, preferably from your final two years of study
  • evidence of your design development process
  • examples of technical drawings, such as: plans, sections and elevations
  • any professional or practical experience, including a year in practice where relevant
  • a short personal statement, written clearly and concisely

 

Preparing your portfolio

When preparing your submission: 

  • select your strongest and most relevant work
  • show how your ideas develop from concept to proposal
  • present your work clearly and professionally 

Your portfolio should demonstrate both your creative thinking and technical competence.

 

Portfolio format 

Submit your portfolio digitally via the Applicant Portal. 

  • combine your work into one document or submission
  • ensure your portfolio is well organised and easy to navigate

 

When to submit 

  • Submit your portfolio within two weeks of receiving the request
  • If you cannot meet the deadline, contact admissions as soon as possible

If your portfolio is not received, your application may be withdrawn.

 

After submission 

  • Your portfolio will be reviewed by the course team
  • You may be invited to a portfolio interview as part of the selection process
  • You will be contacted using the details provided in your application 

 

Need help?

If you have questions about your portfolio or application, you can contact the admissions team via:

  • telephone or live chat on the UEL website

Architecture and Urbanism MA — Portfolio submission

Applicants to the MA Architecture and Urbanism programme must submit a digital portfolio as part of the admissions process. Your portfolio helps the course team assess your design ability, technical knowledge and critical thinking.

 

What your portfolio should show

Your portfolio should demonstrate skills expected of a Built Environment graduate. 

We are looking for evidence of: 

  • your spatial and conceptual design ability
  • your use of exploratory design techniques, such as sketching and model-making
  • your ability to create perspective drawings and visual representations
  • your technical understanding of building design
  • your ability to develop architectural proposals from ideas
  • your depth of engagement and commitment to architecture

 

What to include 

Your portfolio should include examples of: 

  • design development work, showing how ideas evolve
  • technical drawings, such as plans, sections and elevations
  • evidence of environmental and structural awareness
  • your understanding of architectural history and theory
  • a range of projects that demonstrate both creativity and technical skill
  • clear presentation and communication of ideas

 

Preparing your portfolio

When preparing your submission: 

  • select your strongest and most relevant work
  • show how your ideas develop from concept to final proposal
  • present your work clearly, logically and professionally 

Your portfolio should balance creative thinking and technical ability.

 

Portfolio format 

Submit your portfolio digitally via the Applicant Portal. 

  • upload a single PDF file (maximum 4MB), or
  • provide a link to an online portfolio

Make sure your work is: 

  • clearly organised
  • easy to navigate
  • accessible to reviewers

When to submit 

  • Submit your portfolio within two weeks of receiving the request
  • If you cannot meet the deadline, contact admissions as soon as possible

If your portfolio is not received, your application may be withdrawn.

 

After submission 

  • Your portfolio will be reviewed by the course team
  • You may be contacted with the outcome or next steps
  • Keep an eye on your email and the Applicant Portal

 

Need help?

If you have questions about your portfolio or application, you can contact the admissions team via:

  • telephone or live chat on the UEL website

Creative Enterprise MA — Portfolio submission

Applicants to the Creative Enterprise MA programme must submit a digital industry portfolio as part of the admissions process. This portfolio supports your application and allows the course team to assess your creative practice, professional experience and entrepreneurial potential.

 

What your portfolio should show

Your portfolio should demonstrate: 

  • your unique creative perspective and strengths
  • the current direction of your practice
  • your understanding of the creative industries and commercial context
  • your entrepreneurial ambitions and professional identity

It should clearly show both where your work is now and what you want to achieve in your creative career.

 

What to include 

Your application must include: 

  • a digital portfolio of your creative work
  • an up-to-date CV outlining: work experience; collaborative projects; personal or passion projects

Your portfolio should include:

  • at least four key projects that showcase your expertise
  • work from a single specialism or across disciplines
  • examples that reflect your skills, methods and development

You can include a range of formats such as:

  • film or video
  • animation
  • photography
  • illustration or design work
  • written or audio content 

These should communicate your ideas, outcomes and industry awareness.

 

Preparing your portfolio

When preparing your submission: 

  • select work that best represents your creative direction and strengths
  • present your work in a way that reflects your professional identity
  • consider how your portfolio demonstrates your understanding of the creative and commercial landscape

Your portfolio should be well-curated, focused, and clearly presented.

 

Portfolio format 

Your portfolio should:

  • be 15–20 pages
  • use A3 landscape format
  • include working links or URLs to digital content where relevant

 If using QR codes or links, ensure they are accessible across devices.

 

When to submit 

  • Upload your portfolio with your application, where possible
  • If not, submit it within seven days of applying

If your portfolio is not received within the deadline, your application may be withdrawn. 

 

After submission 

  • Your portfolio will be reviewed by the course team
  • You will be notified of the outcome by email
  • If you receive an offer, you must accept or decline by the stated deadline

 

Need help?

If you have questions about your portfolio or application, you can contact the admissions team via:

  • telephone or live chat on the UEL website

Fine Art MA — Portfolio submission

Applicants to the MA Fine Art programme must submit a digital portfolio as part of the admissions process. Your portfolio helps the course team assess your creative practice, ideas and potential for postgraduate study.

 

What your portfolio should show

Your portfolio should demonstrate: 

  • your current artistic practices and interests
  • your creative development and experimentation
  • your commitment to developing as an artist

We are interested in your ideas and process, not just finished work.

 

What to include 

Your portfolio should include 10-15 works in any medium, such as: 

  • drawing
  • painting
  • video
  • sculpture
  • installation

You should include:

  • work that shows your artistic development and direction
  • photographic documentation of large or site-specific pieces, where needed

 

Preparing your portfolio

When preparing your submission: 

  • select your strongest and most relevant work
  • include a range of media and approaches where possible
  • present your work clearly, logically and professionally 

Focus on showing your thinking, experimentation and progression.

 

Portfolio format 

Submit your portfolio digitally.

  • upload a PDF or Word document, and
  • include a link to your online work (you can include multiple links if needed)

Portfolios that do not follow these formats cannot be considered.

 

When to submit 

  • Upload your portfolio with your application, where possible
  • If not, submit it within two weeks of applying
  • If you need more time, you must request an extension

If your portfolio is not received within the deadline, your application may be withdrawn. 

 

After submission 

  • Your portfolio will be reviewed by the course team
  • You may be invited to an interview as part of the selection process
  • You will be contacted using the details on your application

 

Need help?

If you have questions about your portfolio or application, you can contact the admissions team via:

  • telephone or live chat on the UEL website

School of Arts and Creative Industries

Filmmaking MA/MFA — ePortfolio submission

Applicants to the Filmmaking MA/MFA programme must submit a digital ePortfolio as part of the admissions process. This allows the course team to assess your creative work, technical skills and experience in moving image practice.

 

What your portfolio should show

Your portfolio should demonstrate: 

  • your creative approach to filmmaking or moving image
  • your technical and production skills
  • your experience or potential in film, media or storytelling

We are interested in both your ideas and your practical work.

 

What to include 

Your portfolio should preferably include: 

  • links to film or video projects you have worked on in a creative role (e.g. directing, writing) or a technical role (e.g. editing, sound, camera) 

You can also include related media work, such as: 

  • photography
  • animation
  • graphic design
  • audio or multimedia projects 

If your background is not in production, you may include: 

  • scripts or written work (e.g. creative writing or journalism)
  • evidence of involvement in the moving image industry, such as: film festivals; exhibitions; production or distribution work

 

Preparing your portfolio

When preparing your submission: 

  • select work that shows your skills and creative direction
  • clearly indicate your role in each project
  • consider how your portfolio demonstrates your understanding of the creative and commercial landscape
  • organise your portfolio so it is easy to navigate

Focus on presenting a clear and professional body of work.

 

Portfolio format 

Submit your portfolio digitally via the Applicant Portal. 

  • upload a PDF or Word document
  • include a link to your online portfolio or showreel
  • you can include multiple links if needed 

Make sure: 

  • links are accessible
  • any passwords are provided if required

 

When to submit 

  • Upload your portfolio with your application, where possible
  • If not, submit it within two weeks of applying
  • If you need more time, you must request an extension 

If your portfolio is not received, your application may be withdrawn.

 

After submission 

  • Your portfolio will be reviewed by the course team
  • You will be contacted about the outcome using the details on your application

 

Need help?

If you have questions about your portfolio or application, you can contact the admissions team via:

  • telephone or live chat on the UEL website

International Fashion Business MA — Portfolio submission

Applicants to the International Fashion Business MA programme must submit a digital portfolio as part of the admissions process. Your portfolio helps the course team assess your creativity, commercial awareness and potential for postgraduate study.

 

What your portfolio should show

Your portfolio should demonstrate: 

  • your creative thinking and ideas
  • your understanding of the fashion industry and commercial context
  • your ability to research, analyse and communicate concepts

We are interested in both your creative work and your planning process, not just final outcomes.

 

What to include 

Your portfolio should include a range of work that reflects your skills and interests, such as: 

  • Written work or essays on fashion, media, business, marketing or advertising
  • Photography, including shoots you planned or produced
  • Social media content, such as: Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest (showing creative work, editorials or campaigns)
  • Mixed media projects, for example: styling projects, promotional videos, and garment design
  • Academic or professional writing related to fashion, beauty or luxury

You should also: 

  • show your creative and planning process
  • include personal projects that reflect your interests
  • present your work in a clear, engaging and well-organised way

 

Preparing your portfolio

When preparing your submission: 

  • select work that best represents your skills and direction
  • organise your portfolio so it's easy to follow
  • demonstrate your ability to reflect on and improve your ideas

The way your portfolio is presented is as important as the content itself.

 

Portfolio format 

Submit your portfolio digitally through the Applicant Portal. 

  • upload a single PDF, or
  • submit a PDF that includes a link to your online portfolio

Only these formats will be accepted.

 

When to submit 

  • Upload your portfolio within 1-2 weeks of receiving the request
  • If you cannot meet the deadline, contact admissions as soon as possible.

 

Are there any exceptions?

You do not need to submit a portfolio if you already hold a degree in:

  • Fashion Business
  • Marketing and Management
  • or a closely related subject.

If you are unsure, contact the admissions team for advice before submitting your application. 

 

After submission

  • Your portfolio will be reviewed by the course team
  • You will be contacted about the outcome using the details on your application.

Sound and Music MA/MFA — Portfolio submission

Applicants to the MA/MFA Sound and Music programme must submit a digital portfolio as part of the admissions process. Your portfolio allows the course team to assess your creative ability, technical skills and experience in sound and music practice.

 

What your portfolio should show

Your portfolio should demonstrate: 

  • your range of skills and experience in sound and music
  • your creative approach and technical ability
  • your work in relevant industry contexts, depending on your chosen specialism (e.g. production, performance, media, games or theatre) 

Choose examples that best represent your strengths and creative direction.

 

What to include 

Your portfolio should include a selection of work that reflects your practice, such as: 

  • audio or music productions
  • compositions or performances
  • sound design projects
  • work for media, games, theatre or other creative contexts

For each example, include a short written overview explaining: 

  • your role in the project
  • how you developed your ideas
  • how the work was realised in practice 

This helps the course team understand your creative process as well as the final outcome.

 

Preparing your portfolio

When preparing your submission: 

  • select your strongest and most relevant work
  • include a range of examples where possible
  • organise your portfolio so it is clear and easy to navigate 

Your portfolio should present a coherent and professional body of work.

 

Portfolio format 

Submit your portfolio digitally via the Applicant Portal. 

You can either: 

  • provide a link to an online portfolio (e.g. SoundCloud, Bandcamp, website), or
  • upload individual files (audio, video, image or PDF) 

Make sure:

  • links are accessible
  • files are clearly labelled

When to submit 

  • Submit your portfolio within two weeks of receiving the request
  • If you cannot meet the deadline, contact admissions as soon as possible

If your portfolio is not received in time, your application may be withdrawn.

 

After submission

  • Your portfolio will be reviewed by the course team
  • It forms a key part of your application assessment
  • You may be contacted with next steps or an outcome

Need help?

If you have questions about your portfolio, you can contact: 

  • the admissions team, or
  • the course leader (details provided in your application guidance)

Portfolio FAQs for postgraduate applicants

What is a portfolio request?

Some postgraduate courses ask you to submit a digital portfolio as part of the admissions process. This helps the course team assess your skills, experience and suitability for postgraduate study.

Which postgraduate courses require a portfolio?

Please look at the list of courses on this page to find out if you need to submit a portfolio.

What should my portfolio show?

Your portfolio should demonstrate: 

  • Technical skill
  • Creative development
  • Independent thinking
  • Relevant experience
  • Focus on showing both your creative ideas and your technical ability.

What should I include in my portfolio?

Include your strongest and most recent work. This may include: 

  • Completed projects
  • Work in progress
  • Sketchbooks or research
  • Final outcomes 

Choose work that clearly shows how your ideas develop.

What format should my portfolio be in?

Most postgraduate portfolios must be submitted digitally. Typically, you should: 

  • Combine your work into one document or upload
  • Make sure it is clearly organised and easy to navigate
  • Always follow the format guidance for your specific course.

How do I submit my portfolio?

You will usually upload your portfolio through the Applicant Portal. Check your course instructions carefully before submitting.

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