Abbey Elizabeth, Textile Design, 2022.
How to apply
Applying to Undergraduate Programmes at the GSA
On this page you will find links to information on what to put in your portfolio and how your application is assessed.
How to Apply
Detailed information about making an application to individual undergraduate GSA programmes can be found on the programme page in the Application Guidelines. Undergraduate programmes pages can be found here.
Applications for Engineering with Architecture and Product Design Engineering are made via the University of Glasgow.
Your application to study at the GSA is in two parts:
- UCAS Application form
- Digital Portfolio submission and Portfolio Statement
1. UCAS Application
Application forms for 2024 entry should be submitted to UCAS online by 31st January 2024 at 6pm. https://ucas.com
2. Digital Portfolio submission
Deadline for UK applicants 7 February 2024.
Non-UK applicants will be invited to submit after their UCAS form is received. Completed applications are assessed on receipt, and can be made from 5 September 2023, so early submission is encouraged.
You can find the information on image requirements and file types for your portfolio submission in the Application Guide on the relevant programme page.
Your portfolio statement
In addition to your UCAS Personal Statement, your application to the GSA requires you to provide a portfolio statement. Please include information about the circumstances under which you have produced your portfolio to make sure we are aware of the individual context in which you are producing your work. Tell us anything you think is relevant about your experience of working on a portfolio. Think about sharing with us what you think has worked well or been a success and what you would in reflection do differently.
Access to the Portfolio Upload site
Link to The Glasgow School of Art Digital Portfolio Submission Site
GSA Registry will provide details to you about how to set your password and access the Portfolio Upload site by email. You should receive this email at least four working days after submitting your UCAS application. If you have not yet received this, please contact registry@gsa.ac.uk quoting your UCAS Personal ID.
If you have experienced any issues uploading your portfolio, using your password or uploading your portfolio statements please email registry@gsa.ac.uk as soon as possible.
Advanced Entry
Information on how to apply here.
Portfolio Programmes
An application and submission of images is required for the Portfolio Preparation Course – Creative Practices. For entry in September 2024 applications open in February 2024 and applications can be made online here via an application portal.
The course is not registered through UCAS and does not have any formal entry requirements, however we expect students to possess the relevant qualifications for their intended onward study. International applicants - This course is open to those out with the UK who are visiting the UK for no longer than 6 months. You must apply for a Standard Visitor Visa – for full details, you should refer to the government website here. Proof of English proficiency is required e.g. IELTS of 6.0 (minimum of 5.5 in all components).
International Foundation
To be eligible to apply for the International Foundation you must:
- Be an International Applicant from a Country outside the UK
- Have achieved a minimum IELTS score of 5.0 (minimum 5.0 in each component) or equivalent score from other approved tests. The IELTS must be from a UKVI approved test centre: full list of approved centres found here.
- A full list of other tests that may be presented can be found here.
- Have passed or be about to pass a year 12 equivalent High School qualification
Your application to the International Foundation at the GSA is in two parts:
When you submit your UCAS application, you will receive an e-mail confirming that GSA has received your application and instructing you how to upload your Digital Portfolio and Personal Statement. You can upload as soon as you receive the confirmation e-mail from GSA, and no later than the deadline communicated to you in the e-mail you receive.
Guidelines on what to include in your e-folio and statement are available on the International Foundation course page.
English Language Requirement
The Glasgow School of Art expects all students to demonstrate proficiency in the English language, which for UK students is normally shown by a pass in Higher or GCSE English.
For international students required to evidence their English language proficiency, the GSA’s preferred test is the IELTS for UKVI (Academic) test taken at a UKVI approved test centre. A full list of other tests that may be presented can be found here.
A full list of UKVI approved test centres can be found here.
English For Creative Disciplines
To apply for the Pre-Sessional English for Creative Disciplines course, students must have a conditional offer for any GSA programme which requires them to improve their language skills up to a level required by the prospective programme. These requirements will be different for undergraduate and postgraduate programmes and so they affect the entry requirements for the Pre-Sessional course.
Making an application
Download the application form here and email it to pre-sessional@gsa.ac.uk along with a copy of your offer letter and current English language qualification. Any enquiries can be made to pre-sessional@gsa.ac.uk
