Portfolio admissions pathway

The portfolio is the main element of your application. It is a small sample of the creative work you have done. This might include artwork, architectural work, web design or development, video, 3D modelling, technical drawing, written work and anything that demonstrates your skills in design and creativity.

Your portfolio should exhibit two primary characteristics:

1. Breadth. Your portfolio should present a broad mixture of your creative work, especially sketches and freehand drawings for architecture or digital media for design computing. It can include anything you think is relevant, such as design and technology work, digital media or online work, graphic design, photography, life drawing and models.
2. Passion. By this, we mean the pieces you are most proud of, and have worked hardest on – work that best expresses your commitment to design and creativity.

It is important to consider the number of works you include in your portfolio. Tell us your story but avoid repetition. A portfolio should be no more than about 12 pages or, about a dozen animations or rendered images. Remember to label your work and present it as professionally as possible. Tell us what the piece of work is, how you produced it, and when

The personal statement is your chance to explain to the University of Sydney School of Architecture, Design and Planning why you would make an ideal student in your desired degree. Your statement should include any experience or knowledge you hold in the area for which you are applying to study, as well as anything else that demonstrates your interest in architecture and design. Keep it succinct, but show us your enthusiasm for studying your chosen course.

Reference letters are a great way of demonstrating that you have the student qualities we seek. Your letter of reference doesn’t have to be from someone with a background in architecture or design, but it is important that they attest to your strength of character. Generally, the Letter of Reference may come from your teacher or school principal, club directors or sporting coaches. You are requested to submit one written Letter of Reference only.