With many CSVPA students aspiring to progress onto studying creative courses at the University of the Arts London (UAL), the application and portfolio submission process can seem daunting.
As part of CSVPA’s programme of preparing students for their university applications, Fashion students at CSVPA were given the unique opportunity to meet with UAL’s International Academic Coordinator, Liz McLafferty, to discuss in detail how to apply to their UAL college of choice, write an eye-catching and authentic personal statement, and the nuances of curating a strong portfolio.
This visit follows a fantastic year for CSVPA progression to UAL in the last academic year, with 21 of our students progressing to UAL after 35 individuals were offered places there.
Students from CSVPA’s Foundation Diploma and Extended Diploma in Art & Design were given the advantage of learning from Liz firsthand the strengths of each of UAL’s colleges, including a focus on the London School of Fashion (LCF), the criteria for each course and how each student should approach selecting the right college and course for them.
Addressing the students, Liz explained that “For all of our courses in art and design the portfolio is really what gets you onto the course. The portfolio is your creativity, your ambitions, who you are and how you think.”
Conducting a one-on-one portfolio review session with every student, Liz provided each individual with tailored advice on how to present and structure their individual portfolios,plus how to take their creative concepts forwards.
“CSVPA and UAL – especially LCF- have had an ongoing relationship for many years” explained Liz. After reviewing the CSVPA students’ work, Liz said “I’ve found them to be explorative and inquisitive. I think there is a majority of students who are really keen to explore Design, Media and in some cases Fashion. Their work at this stage is looking very favourable.”
Sasa, a student from Indonesia, is currently undertaking the CSVPA Foundation course in Art & Design and specialising in Fashion Design. She is applying to Central Saint Martins and London College of Fashion to study Menswear.
Speaking about the UAL visit from Liz, Sasa said “I learned a lot about improving the layout of my portfolio.(Before this) I knew nothing about putting together a good portfolio. Liz showed me how I could adjust the sections of my portfolio and gave me advice around my colour concepts.
“I’ve learned a lot from having someone who is very influential and renowned within the industry look at my work and give feedback. I felt she supported me in my own project, saying I’ve got some good concepts but need more development in certain areas.”
UAL is one of the top art and design universities in the world, with both London College of Fashion and Central Saint Martins in the top five fashion colleges. Over the last five years, a multitude of CSVPA students have progressed onto creative courses such as Textile Design, Fashion Design: Womenwear and Menswear, and Fashion Communications & Promotion.
Commenting on CSVPA’s close relationship with UAL, Dennic Lo, pathway lead for Foundation Fashion Design at CSVPA, said “Having this strong relationship with UAL and LCF, really benefits our students.
“Today, our students will take away something that is unique to them, a second opinion on their work from one of the best arts universities in the world.”
Find out more about our unique courses ; including our Extended Diploma and Foundation Programme .
