Our Physical Portfolio Guidance course is designed to support those looking to come and study an undergraduate course at Gray’s School of Art in the academic year 2025/2026. This course is fully funded by Gray’s School of Art, Robert Gordon University in collaboration with Access to Creative Education Scotland.
We are excited to be working collaboratively with the Mobile Art School and Access to Creative Education Scotland to deliver this course.
Our Physical Portfolio Guidance course will take place in Gray’s School of Art and remotely.
The course is designed to support those looking to build a portfolio with the aim to apply to study at Gray’s School of Art.
The course invites creatives who wish to apply to join us on campus for a total of 5 sessions.
Throughout the duration of the course, you will learn how to unpack the portfolio grading process used by Gray’s School of Art. Through this, you will be taught how to evidence key mindsets and behaviours considered crucial to be a creative practitioner.
The key mindsets are:
Explore these mindsets through a variety of different activities throughout the duration of the course. These activities will help you understand what a portfolio should include and to help you gain an understanding of what Gray’s School of Art are looking for in a portfolio.
You will also learn about the range of undergraduate courses available to study at Gray’s School of Art, investigating the differences between them, and learning how you could adapt or tailor your portfolio to apply to different Fine Art or Design disciplines.
Furthermore, you will also be provided with guidance and support around the portfolio application itself. This involves creating your own personal statement and how to document your portfolio and submit your application.
The last 2 portfolio sessions will take place in the Aberdeen Art Gallery, 11:00-14:30, including a 30 minute lunch break. These sessions are inspired by the exhibition - Gray's School of Art 140 years ‘Never make a head bigger than a melon’:
These sessions run 11:00-14:30, including a 30 minute lunch break.
This course is not formally assessed.
Participants are expected to apply the learning within class to the development of their own portfolio and, with support, identify their own creative direction.
A self-directed sketchbook project runs throughout the duration of the course and will be monitored regularly to see this ownership of learning is being engaged with.
The course is delivered by Mobile Art School Co-ordinator Ray Downie.
On successful completion of this course students should have a portfolio of work that represents them and their interests.
This will equip them to apply to a wide range of Art or Design or similar course related to the Creative Industries that asks for a portfolio as part of the entry requirements.
Key to the course is appropriate advice as to the correct level of progress a student can expect, whether that is applying to a course at University or College level.
There are no formal entry requirements for this course.
Applicants should be looking to build a portfolio with the aim to apply to study at Gray's School of Art.
There are limited spaces available, so those looking to study at Gray’s School of Art in the academic year 2025/26 will be prioritised.
All students are required to be at least 16 years of age on the commencement of the course.
Course fee: FREE
The course is fully funded by Gray’s School of Art, Robert Gordon University in collaboration with Access to Creative Education Scotland.
Essential core materials are provided. Students are encouraged to add to this as a means of experimentation to direct their own personal interrogation.
The following course-related costs are not included in the course fees:
If minimum participant numbers for this course are not met, the course will be cancelled and participants will receive a full refund where applicable.
For new intakes course fees are reviewed and published annually for each mode of delivery. Tuition fees are fixed for the duration of a course at the rate confirmed in advance. For further information see:
Get in touch with the team and we'll do our best to help.
