Written work and portfolios

We may ask you to submit one or two examples of your written work, such as an essay or a portfolio. This is usually if you’ve applied to study an arts or a social sciences course.

Check if you need to submit written work

Go to the page for the course you want to apply to and look in the 'Entry requirements' tab. It will say if you need to submit any written work.

What you need to do

The College that assesses your application will let you know if you need to submit written work. They'll explain how you need to send it to them, and the deadline for doing this.

Before you submit the work:

1. Follow the instructions from your College.
2. Check what the College is asking you to submit. For example, is it an essay or a portfolio. Make sure your work is:
   • marked by your teacher, with their comments included.
   • something you’re happy to discuss in an interview. It’s a good idea to keep a copy of it so you can read it again before your interview
   • written in English. If you didn’t originally write it in English, you can translate it into English and have it verified by your school or a suitable third party.

When you’re ready to submit the work:

1. Save and fill in a separate cover sheet for each piece of work you plan to submit. Your College might ask you to use a different cover sheet.
   • View and download cover sheet for submitted work (MS)
   • View and download cover sheet for submitted work (PDF)
2. Create a single PDF that has your cover sheet as the first page, then your written work.
3. Make sure you create a separate PDF for each piece of work you plan to submit.
4. Check the size of your files and reduce them if you need to. Files need to be up to 100MB or 15MB if you’re submitting an Architecture portfolio.
5. Name your PDF file following this format: Lastname_Firstname_UCAS ID_WrittenWork1. For example, Wilkinson_Joe_0123456789_WrittenWork1
6. Submit the PDF your College in the way they’ve asked you to.

Submitting your work in English

Submitted examples of your written work must be written in English. If you didn’t originally write your work in English, you can translate it into English (and then have it verified by your school or a suitable third party).

How to upload your digital documents

Some Colleges may need applicants to upload digital documents as part of their application. For example, samples of written work or artwork, or additional forms (like requests for disability-related adjustments at interview).

How to create PDF files

If you need help creating your PDF file, instructions can be found on the internet. We've included some useful examples below (please note these sources are external to the University):

• How to create a PDF file in Windows 11 (via How-to Geek)
• How to scan to PDF on an Android phone (via Android Police)
• How to create a PDF on a Mac (via How-to Geek)
• How to scan to PDF on an iPhone or iPad (via Macworld)

Get help with submitting written work

Do you have any queries about what you need to submit or the deadline? Contact the Admission Office at the College you applied to as soon as possible. Find College contact information.