Newcastle Fine Art 2015 applicants

Thanks for the update and good luck!

My daughter has heard nothing at all from Newcastle. TBH, I think it is pretty poor form. She really liked Newcastle - why is it that it is always the ones you want that take forever? I'm glad she has a good offer from Lancaster (which seems like a very flexible course and is really high on the league tables) and another from Reading - but It would still have been good to at least get something back from Newcastle. Just need some closure on this.

I totally understand, it's nerve-racking especially when it is the top choice. On the other hand, I can imagine it must be difficult to choose from so many talented applicants . Better to take the time and choose the best suited artists, is it not? I'm sorry, I don't want to sound preachy, I'm quite nervous myself and this it how I calm myself down . Anyway I congratulate your daughter to an offer from Lancaster and Reading, those are great unis.

I'm going to keep you updated, I would also love to hear how's your daughter doing. Fingers crossed!

They have been back for a week after Easter and still not provided any significant response beyond the initial acknowledgement. TBH, I think the reaction is disgraceful. It seems fairly obvious that there is no interview or offer, but they don't have the decency to put her out of her misery. It'd be nice to just finish it and concentrate on A2s and the offer from Lancaster. They have very little more time left - it must be this week, surely?!

It's really well beyond a joke now. All of the other unis have been in constant contact, and Newcastle have provided absolutely nothing. It is time for a phone call, although it would hard for them to recover from the treatment they have dished out.

For any Fine Art applicants considering Newcastle in the future, it is worth bearing this in mind as a salutary tale. This is particularly when compared with Lancaster, who provided lots of updates, gave their offer before Christmas, and are much higher in the University league tables and higher in the CUG Art & Design league table. Newcastle seemed nice but you can only treat applicants so badly before they look elsewhere. Future applicants - you have been warned!

i was in exactly the same position as her! i had to resend my portfolio and they didnt even look at it for nearly 2 months after. i then had to repeatedly ring them to ask to give me a decision and finally on my last phone call they just said they'd run out of spaces, utterly appalling and they were my first choice! really disappointed and im almost glad that i cant go there now- seems like if they cant get it right now it wont be good later on either, such a shame

Wow, I thought I was the only one! They actually would not bother to let me know they rejected me if I didn't call them. My first choice as well, but... after such experience, not anymore I guess

We apologise for the experience that some Fine Art applicants have had this year. I’ve spoken to the admissions team and they have provided the following information:

We always receive hundreds of applications for our programme and this year have experienced a substantial increase in portfolio submissions on previous years, which has unfortunately led to a long decision-making process.

To ensure we admit the most suitable students for the programme, the offer-making process here at Newcastle is meticulous. From January to April each portfolio is assessed by a member of staff and then the interview process begins, which involves two members of staff and a current student. So it’s a time-consuming but very thorough process. We hold back on making some offers until we have completed the interview process, but we recognise we can make some improvements in our communications here to manage expectations and we have taken your feedback on board.

My son received unconditional offers from other universities and as your experience no interview, no feedback, very disappointing.

For 2014 entry, we will accept either ‘real’ portfolios or digital portfolios (on a CD/DVD or memory stick. Please note, we will not accept digital portfolios sent to us by e-mail).
When will the portfolio be returned?
We will return your portfolio to you as soon as possible after inspection, normally within 10 working days. Digital portfolios will be retained as long as necessary and only returned when a SAE is provided.