Application and portfolio guidance for MA Design courses
Thank you for your interest in our MA Design courses. Your application helps us assess your ability to succeed in the course, and we require a portfolio of work alongside your written application. This is because your creative output, communication skills, and understanding of design are best evaluated through the work you’ve produced rather than solely through qualifications and a written statement.
Your portfolio
Your portfolio is a key part of your application. It allows us to assess your creative and visual thinking and approach to design challenges. Here’s how to make it stand out:
Content
- Include examples of your design work and other creative projects relevant to your application.
- Showcase your design process, including development work, sketches, prototypes, and outcomes.
Descriptive Text
- Each project should include clear, descriptive text explaining the project brief or context, the goals of the work, and the main points addressed.
- Indicate when and in what circumstances the work was done (e.g. BA course, professional practice).
Storytelling
- We will review your portfolio in your absence, so ensure your text and images tell the story of your projects.
Presentation
- The organisation and communication skills reflected in your portfolio are also critical. A well-structured portfolio demonstrates your ability to present your work professionally.
We want to ensure you have the guidance to develop a strong application and portfolio that showcases your potential. Please consider the following guidelines as you prepare your portfolio.
Design skills
Demonstrate a variety of design skills at a professional level. You should have prior education or experience in the design discipline you wish to study at MA level. If you do not possess formal academic qualifications, we may consider your application based on your personal, professional, or work experience, as well as other relevant qualifications. You might also be eligible to claim credit points, which could reduce the time needed to complete your degree at Sheffield Hallam. Find out more.
Technical knowledge
Demonstrate a solid understanding of the technologies relevant to your design discipline, including the production processes commonly used in your field.
Imagination and creativity
Provide clear evidence of your ability to think imaginatively and develop creative, appropriate responses to design challenges.
Creative/design process
Illustrate how you approach projects: how you make design decisions, develop ideas iteratively, and test and validate your concepts. Your process often reveals your design potential even more than final outcomes.
Written communication
Use your written application and portfolio commentary to demonstrate your ability to articulate ideas and present information clearly and intelligently.
Professional practice experience
If you have professional experience in design or a related field, emphasise your achievements, insights, and skills acquired. If not, present creative activities outside formal design education or transferable skills like collaboration and problem-solving.
Contextual understanding
Show your ability to engage critically with the social, cultural, and environmental contexts of your work. Support this with both qualitative and quantitative research where possible.
Critical position
Demonstrate that you approach design challenges independently, with critical thinking and innovation. We seek originality, suitability, and fresh interpretations in your responses to project briefs.