What the published guidance says
TRU says Bachelor of Fine Arts and Bachelor of Design learners use portfolios focused on relevant artistic or design knowledge and skills. Credit from its general competency-based portfolio cannot be applied to those programmes. Course-based PLAR is another distinct pathway.
Show the creative thinking as well as the finished work
A finished image or object tells only part of the story. Preparation can include the brief, the development of alternatives, the decisions behind revisions and reflection on the result. These materials help explain learning rather than simply presenting an attractive collection.
Check the actual programme’s portfolio instructions before selecting work. A professional client portfolio and an academic learning portfolio have different purposes. Obtain permission for commissioned material and distinguish your contribution where the work involved a team.
An example to think through
A designer could show a first concept, feedback and a revised solution. The account would explain why the revision better met the brief and what the designer learned from it. That is an illustrative preparation approach, not a promise that TRU will accept a particular project or award studio credit.
This is an illustrative preparation example, not a past applicant’s story or an approved assessment outcome.
Three questions to take forward
Which portfolio pathway applies to my art or design programme?
Can I show development and reasoning, not only finished pieces?
Do I have permission to share the selected work and feedback?
Availability, costs and ToHave’s role
Requirements can change with the programme, subject, application date and your own evidence. Check the institution’s current information before relying on a route. Admission, academic credit, a complete qualification and professional registration are different decisions.
ToHave can help organise genuine evidence and support a suitable application where permitted. Our service fee is £100 GBP, payable at the end of the work. Any institution charges and agreed external costs are separate. Read the service conditions and costs. The institution decides the academic outcome; our support does not guarantee approval.
Read the official information
Use these two sources to check the details relevant to your own enquiry.