Abertay computer arts, how much does your portfolio improve your chances?

Hey, I applied to Abertay Computer Arts in late 2019 and they didn't do interviews, they just did digital portfolio reviews. I can't speak to whether that's changed since but that was my experience. I did have in-person interviews for most of my other universities in early 2020 (pre-covid), but Abertay were specifically not doing them. Again, I don't know whether this has changed, but they may have told you via email about what to expect from the process, so check what info you've received from them.
My offer was based entirely off my predicted grades, personal statement and digital portfolio submission.
My digital portfolio was the most important aspect of my Abertay application.
My general portfolio advice is a combination of examples of iteration/development/design work (often the kind of thing you might do in A level), some drawings from life (e.g. still life, figure drawing, technical drawing) and imaginative work (work that demonstrates combining ideas imaginatively). Some places might request a variety of mediums, and this is often course-dependent - in this case you would want evidence of working in a 3D space, ideally digitally but any spacial work i.e. model making, textiles or prop-making, papercraft, pottery etc all show your ability to work in 3D space. Less is more, they want to see your ability to curate your work. Try and cover all of these areas thoroughly within the limitations they have set in their portfolio guidance. My Computer Arts application had just 10 pieces.
I received through UCAS that I had been given a conditional offer dependent on achieving the minimum grades (BCC) following their review of my digital portfolio. I don't remember off the top of my head how long this took, a couple weeks? I ultimately went to a different university that did interview me.

Hey, I applied to Abertay Computer Arts in late 2019 and they didn't do interviews, they just did digital portfolio reviews. I can't speak to whether that's changed since but that was my experience. I did have in-person interviews for most of my other universities in early 2020 (pre-covid), but Abertay were specifically not doing them. Again, I don't know whether this has changed, but they may have told you via email about what to expect from the process, so check what info you've received from them.
My offer was based entirely off my predicted grades, personal statement and digital portfolio submission.
My digital portfolio was the most important aspect of my Abertay application.
My general portfolio advice is a combination of examples of iteration/development/design work (often the kind of thing you might do in A level), some drawings from life (e.g. still life, figure drawing, technical drawing) and imaginative work (work that demonstrates combining ideas imaginatively). Some places might request a variety of mediums, and this is often course-dependent - in this case you would want evidence of working in a 3D space, ideally digitally but any spacial work i.e. model making, textiles or prop-making, papercraft, pottery etc all show your ability to work in 3D space. Less is more, they want to see your ability to curate your work. Try and cover all of these areas thoroughly within the limitations they have set in their portfolio guidance. My Computer Arts application had just 10 pieces.
I received through UCAS that I had been given a conditional offer dependent on achieving the minimum grades (BCC) following their review of my digital portfolio. I don't remember off the top of my head how long this took, a couple weeks? I ultimately went to a different university that did interview me.

Hello! I haven't accepted any offers yet. I heard back from abertay within 24 hours and they scored me academically and asked for my portfolio! I am sending that away after my lecturers check it.
I have a full offer from Napier to join in 3rd year which I received within 3 days. I'm still deciding and will probably talk it over with my lecturers if I receive a full offer from abertay as well.

Hi I'm curious but what university did you end up going into? Thanks!😆

Sounds great! I hope all goes well with your portfolio. Hopefully you'll hear back soon - it usually takes up to 2 weeks so don't be worried if you don't hear back straight away.
I went to De Montfort University in Leicester to study Game Art. But I was an applicant from England so I know that it's a little different if you're a Scottish applicant, given you're pretty incentivised to go to a Scottish uni! I did go to an open day at Abertay and really enjoyed looking at the student work 🙂 Their facilities were good, too. My college were really keen for me to go to Abertay, so I was a bit torn for a while between them and my other options, but I really wish they'd done interviews so I had some extra time to talk to lecturers.