URGENT PLS RESPOND!! Switching to art degree before ucas deadline??

Hello I’m really struggling with my ucas choices rn I was originally going to apply for RHUL languages + history of art + visual culture but I now think that UAL’s costume design for theatre and screen is what I should take for my career and enjoyment? I’d like you to assess my situation and see whether I should take this risk pls!

My schools deadline is NOV 10 for applications and I’m on half term rn. I want to work in theatre and I knew I wanted it to be in costume but I was between the two courses because I wasn’t sure whether I wanted a more research focus or making focus.

I’m now kind of regretting preparing for RHUL course because I want a more direct path for this career. Commuting is really important for me because I’m on a direct train line to London and I want to stay near the capital so I can get theatre volunteering experience during my degree rather than moving further away with less opportunities. UAL is in Wimbledon and I always wanted to go to a uni in London as I love the city, RHUL is in Surrey countryside which I wasn’t really happy about so I’d really prefer commuting to Wimbledon

UAL requires a portfolio after they’ve reviewed your application and get back to you, which I haven’t been preparing. But luckily I made some costume pieces during the summer for fun/ for my A-level so I was thinking of using those. I don’t really know how to make a portfolio but I think my fashion teacher could help as she is my tutor and is writing my reference. Most of my PS activities for RHUL are theatre/ museum based so I wouldnt have to change much. My school says they’ll guarantee to send all applications by 14 January, which leaves a few months to prepare the portfolio if UAL doesn’t reply immediately to my Nov application.

Making friends is also a big deal for me and I think UAL’s course will allow me to meet more likeminded people who also love theatre , the classes are also not just lectures/seminars which allows the class to interact more than academic degrees I think

To conclude I’d really like UAL for the area, people and career path it would lead me to but the portfolio is what’s worrying me. I think my tutor (fashion teacher) would be supportive as she was worried about me not being passionate about RHUL’s course but I’m more passionate for UAL’s course instead.

I’m sorry for the extra long question but I’d REALLY appreciate someone assessing my situation and giving their pov. I haven’t added anything to my UCAS application yet so I can put UAL and art courses still. I know this is quite a risky change so I’m open to sticking with RHUL If you’d think that’s wiser. Thank you so much!💕

(edited 2 weeks ago)

Reply 1

McGinger

Firstly, whatever internal deadline your school sets, you can still apply right up to the Jan deadline. Schools do this so that they don't get all of you applying at the last minute, but you can still apply after this. So - stop panicking, you don't have to make an immediate decision.

It would probably be worth you taking some time to compile the best portfolio you can, and to get some relevant work experience in theatre etc - UAL is highly competitive and they can be very picky. You could take a 1-year course called a Foundation in Art and Design (FAD) that would expose you to a range of different art forms, and you would have access to the best resources, facilities and staff expertise etc to devise a top portfolio. This is a very common route for those aiming at art/design degrees - highly recommended. The courses are available at many local colleges and some Unis - you can either do one at UAL itself.
UAL Foundation Diploma in Art and Design | UAL
-UAL Extended Diploma Costume - The Northern School of Art
UAL Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Art and Design (Fashion and Textiles) | Ravensbourne University London
An example of volunteer wardrobe work to get experience - Volunteer – Conquest Theatre

Reply 2

Uni of Southampton Students

Official Rep

Original post

by Neri_56

Hello I’m really struggling with my ucas choices rn I was originally going to apply for RHUL languages + history of art + visual culture but I now think that UAL’s costume design for theatre and screen is what I should take for my career and enjoyment? I’d like you to assess my situation and see whether I should take this risk pls!
My schools deadline is NOV 10 for applications and I’m on half term rn. I want to work in theatre and I knew I wanted it to be in costume but I was between the two courses because I wasn’t sure whether I wanted a more research focus or making focus.
I’m now kind of regretting preparing for RHUL course because I want a more direct path for this career. Commuting is really important for me because I’m on a direct train line to London and I want to stay near the capital so I can get theatre volunteering experience during my degree rather than moving further away with less opportunities. UAL is in Wimbledon and I always wanted to go to a uni in London as I love the city, RHUL is in Surrey countryside which I wasn’t really happy about so I’d really prefer commuting to Wimbledon
UAL requires a portfolio after they’ve reviewed your application and get back to you, which I haven’t been preparing. But luckily I made some costume pieces during the summer for fun/ for my A-level so I was thinking of using those. I don’t really know how to make a portfolio but I think my fashion teacher could help as she is my tutor and is writing my reference. Most of my PS activities for RHUL are theatre/ museum based so I wouldnt have to change much. My school says they’ll guarantee to send all applications by 14 January, which leaves a few months to prepare the portfolio if UAL doesn’t reply immediately to my Nov application.
Making friends is also a big deal for me and I think UAL’s course will allow me to meet more likeminded people who also love theatre , the classes are also not just lectures/seminars which allows the class to interact more than academic degrees I think
To conclude I’d really like UAL for the area, people and career path it would lead me to but the portfolio is what’s worrying me. I think my tutor (fashion teacher) would be supportive as she was worried about me not being passionate about RHUL’s course but I’m more passionate for UAL’s course instead.
I’m sorry for the extra long question but I’d REALLY appreciate someone assessing my situation and giving their pov. I haven’t added anything to my UCAS application yet so I can put UAL and art courses still. I know this is quite a risky change so I’m open to sticking with RHUL If you’d think that’s wiser. Thank you so much!💕

Hi @Neri_56, just want to start by saying: don't panic. You're not the only person who will be rethinking choices right now, and you still have lots of time to make this decision. It's actually a good thing that you're still thinking about where suits you the most. It's a big decision and you should be confident in your choices.

Your school's internal deadline isn't the official UCAS deadline of the 14th January. It sounds like you have a good relationship with your art tutor so have a chat with her about why the deadline is there - is it for them to be able to write references once they've seen the applications from each student for instance? Is it flexible? (She might be happy with your chat - I can hear your passion for UAL's course shining in your post!)

In the meantime I think you're doing the right thing by pausing over this half term break, taking a breath and really thinking about what you want to do. Three years (or four if you do a foundation year) is a long time and you should think about all the courses you want to study and explore what would make you happiest. Take this time to delve into the course structure and requirements and prepare the points on why you've made this choice, how you plan to prep your portfolio, what you'll need to do to adapt your personal statement (if you need to), and look at the foundation courses McGinger has linked - you'll feel more firm in your decision if you feel more prepared, and your tutor will see your dedication as well.

Also, have you had a look at UAL's portfolio advice? You can find it here. This might put your mind at ease a little around what's required and what they want to see from you.

P.S. You can apply to up to 5 unis, could you add UAL to your list instead of removing RHUL?

Good luck!

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