Know the difference between the two routes into art and design

Art and design courses are classified as either Route A or Route B. Applications for courses in Route A follow the same procedures as for other courses. However, Route B courses are handled differently.

female student using pcRoute B courses are easy to identify because their course codes always begin or end with an E. Route B has a later closing date (24 March 2008) to allow students taking a Diploma in Foundation Studies (Art & Design) time to identify their specialisation and put together a portfolio of work, although anyone can apply for a Route B course.

Some universities and colleges recruit art and design courses through both Route A and Route B - the course is the same, whichever route your students choose, but the university or college may prefer that they apply through one particular route, so you should advise them to contact the institution to find out which route is the most appropriate.

Applying through both routes

Your students can apply for up to five courses through Route A and Route B, but cannot choose more than three Route B courses. The following combinations of choices are allowed:

1 Route B plus up to 4 Route A

2 Route B plus up to 3 Route A

3 Route B plus up to 2 Route A

We must receive Route B choices between 1 January and 24 March 2008, but we recommend that students apply by 7 March 2008 to avoid the last-minute rush. They will be asked to give their order of preference: first choice, second choice and third choice. Applications for Route B courses are handled in their order of preference: this sequential process allows time for interviews to be arranged.

Students who want to apply for a mixture of Route A and Route B courses should not delay submitting their application beyond the normal closing date (15 January 2008). The online application system, Apply, will ask your students 'Do you want to apply to Route B art and design courses later?'. By choosing 'yes', they can make sure that the application for their Route A choices is submitted on time. They will also have the option to amend their personal statement once when adding their Route B choices via Track. Please note that an amended personal statement will replace the original personal statement at all of their choices.

If they enter their Route A and Route B choices on their initial application, they will not be able to amend their personal statement at a later date.

2008 entry

View the application deadlines

Application flowcharts for Route A and Route B

View the Route A application flowchart

View the Route B application flowchart

View the application flowchart for both Route A and Route B

2009 entry

View the application deadlines

Application flowcharts for Route A and Route B

View the Route A application flowchart

View the Route B application flowchart

View the application flowchart for both Route A and Route B

Progression to Art and Design Guide
UCAS has produced a Progression to Art and Design Guide to help applicants seeking entry to, or considering careers requiring a qualification in Art and Design.