The UCAS deadline is approaching!

We understand how daunting it can be when you have chosen your course and are looking at the next step – nailing that application. Here are a few tips on what to include and what happens after you have applied.

UCAS application deadline - 29 January 2025

If you are applying via UCAS, the Equal Consideration application deadline is 29 January 2025, 6pm UK time. This means all applications received on or before that date are processed via Admissions. You can still apply for a course after this date, but Admissions will only look at those applications IF there are remaining spaces to fill.

If you are making a direct application, it's a good idea to also aim for 29 January 2025 to ensure your application is considered alongside the UCAS applications. That said, we nearly always offer places to applications received after this date. So, if your application isn't quite ready, don't rush it. There is time to put the finishing touches, but don't leave it too late. After 29 January, we offer on a first-come, first-served basis, and we have limited places as we are a small College.

What do I need to send in my application?

Ensure your application form is complete, and you have included your ID documents and evidence of education. You can send in your reference, e-portfolio and/or writing sample at this stage (check entry requirements for what we request), but you can also send them separately after applying. Admissions will need to see these extra documents BEFORE the interview stage, so please ensure they follow as soon as possible, as you cannot be interviewed without these documents.  If you are not sending in a portfolio because you are choosing instead to be set a creative project (Interior Design and Garden Design courses) or a practical test (Foundation Degree in Arts), please let us know in your cover email. If you are an International Student and need to show us an English Language certificate (IELTS), we will need this as a condition of your offer. Your one reference will need to come to us directly from your referee, ideally before you are shortlisted and definitely before we can make an offer. Read more about applying as an International Student.

Personal statements

The guideline is 500 to 1,000 words. There is so much information about personal statements, but don't overthink it. Tell us why you'd like to study the course, what skills and experience make you a good candidate, and what you might want to do with your studies.

Portfolios

This is your chance to show us your practical skills relating to your chosen subject. Initially, send in an e-portfolio – with a selection of notated images, videos, and writing examples. For Art subjects, we'll need to see a selection of images of your work. At the interview, be prepared to speak about your e-portfolio, but you can also bring other pieces to discuss. Read more on what to include in a portfolio.

Been sent a creative project or practical test?

Admissions will need this returned before tutors can interview you, so make sure you follow the timing deadlines sent to you in the letter from Admissions. All Conservation Studies applicants are set a practical test to assess knowledge and skills. Foundation Degree in Arts (Craft Practices) students may be set a test if they have no portfolio.

So you've applied; what happens next? Here's what to expect:

• Admissions acknowledge receipt of application within 5 working days 
• Application is assessed 
• Applicants receive the outcome (invite for interview or not shortlisted) within 10 working days after the application is assessed 
• Once interviewed, you will hear your outcome within 10 working days 
• Once offered, you have 15 working days to accept (20 working days if unconditional offer
• If you are applying via UCAS, then timelines will follow the UCAS application journey

Questions?

Before you apply, if you have any questions about the course or the application process, please contact [email protected]. We ask that you check the course pages on our website first for information.

Interview tips

Ensure you have sent everything Admissions asks for in plenty of time for your interview. You are usually interviewed by two people, and it is a very friendly informal discussion to learn more about you and your skills. It is also a chance for you to ask questions about the course. To prepare, please make sure you have a thorough read of your application to remind yourself why you want to study at West Dean. Also, read the course information on the website and check what has been happening on our social platforms so you can demonstrate your knowledge.