What is a course discussion?

All applications are welcome, and we follow a flexible and inclusive process when making offers.

At the initial stage of making your application you will receive one of the following decisions.

• Conditional offer you must meet specific conditions, which may be academic and/or non-academic conditions before you can be accepted on the course.  If the conditions are met, the offer becomes unconditional.

• Unconditional offer this is made when you have met the specific conditions we've asked for.

• Unsuccessful we are not able to offer you a place on the course. We do not feel that you have demonstrated the necessary skills or experience to be successful at this time; however this does not prevent you from applying in future, should you undertake further study or develop your skills and experience. For individual feedback on the decision you can contact feedbackrequests@shu.ac.uk.

All applicants who are made a conditional or unconditional offer at the application stage will be invited to a course discussion with a member of our architecture staff.  You will have the option of an online discussion or on campus discussion, and there are a range of dates to choose from.

You will be sent a selection of up to date course information with the invite to attend a course discussion. If you received a conditional offer, you should prepare a portfolio of work for the discussion. Your portfolio should demonstrate your creative potential. It should demonstrate your imagination, originality and enthusiasm and show you to be someone with a good range of skills in graphic communication and may contain sketching, drawing, painting, photography, 3d work.

Attendance at the course discussion is fully optional, but it does provide you with the chance to receive a reduced UCAS point offer.

The discussion is an opportunity for you to find out more about the course and for us to get to know you as an individual.

To find out what will happen on the day, see the subject-specific information below. The timings listed are approximate, so please keep your plans for travelling home flexible.

When and where is my course discussion?

If you're invited to a course discussion you'll receive an email telling you when it is and where to go.

It's important to be on time. You should arrive 10 minutes before the start time so you can register. If you're delayed on the way to the event call 0114 225 5555 and ask for Admissions.

What happens at the course discussion?

The discussion is an opportunity for you to demonstrate your suitability for the course and allows us to answer any questions you may have.

You must bring a hard copy of your portfolio with you to the portfolio discussion. The portfolio discussion is an opportunity for you to explore your work with a tutor.

The discussion is a very important part of the application process and allows us to consider making you a reduced offer. If we decide that you have presented a strong portfolio we may make the conditions of an offer less academically demanding (that is we ask for fewer UCAS points).

What else can I experience on the day?

As well as your portfolio discussion there will be a talk about the course and a tour of the campus and facilities.

Do I need to prepare anything in advance?

You must bring either a hard copy or digital copy of your portfolio with you to the portfolio discussion. This portfolio may be compiled from drawing, sketching and painting outside formal academic subjects.

What do I need to bring with me?

Your completed portfolio.

What are we looking for?

Your portfolio should give us a clear view of your creative potential through your original work. It should

• show your interest in architecture
• demonstrate your imagination, originality and enthusiasm
• show you to be someone with good skills of graphic communication and evidence of design flair and creativity

Who is on the course discussion panel?

Our decision will be made based on an informal one-to-one discussion with one of the Architecture Staff at Sheffield Hallam.

What should I wear?

Dress reasonably smartly, but there is absolutely no need to wear a suit. Smart but casual clothing will allow you to feel confident and at ease.

How do I find you?

A campus map is available to download.

Please allow plenty of time for travelling as parking is limited on all campuses. Please read signs carefully when parking as there are restrictions in place. We strongly recommend that you use public transport where possible.

I'm disabled and require support at the event. Can you help?

Sheffield Hallam University welcomes applications from disabled people and is proactive in ensuring equality of access. If you think you, or any of your guests, may require support during your visit (for example, a sign language interpreter, notetaker, materials provided in a different format or wheelchair access), please contact our events team within 3 days of the receipt of your course discussion invitation on +44 (0)114 225 5584 or email recruitmentevents@shu.ac.uk.

What happens after my course discussion?

After the course discussion , and if you are eligible for a potential reduced offer, we will communicate our decision via the UCAS Hub, so please check your account regularly.