FAQ - BA(Hons) Scheme in Design

Index

BA(Hons) Scheme in Design: General

An easy answer could be encapsulated in one word: AP-PLI-CA-TION: a design serves a purpose, one that is linked to context. Whereas designers need to appreciate context to provide appropriate solutions to given briefs, they will brought to rationalize their proposals and justify their solutions. Artists may virtually propose to “take it or leave it”. Also, designers work with stakeholders – the user being the most important. Artists have the liberty to express a very personal take on the world, and relate to their own emotions and ideas to shape their work.

Are you a creative and curious person who enjoys to solve problems by using visual, three-dimensional or mixed media skills?

Do consider these prompting questions:
Are you interested in conceptualising spatial design?
Do you find yourself having potentials in communication and producing visual content?
Do you have unique ideas for improving the use and design of everyday products?
Do you find it easy to imagine new services, innovation and entrepreneurial opportunities?

Do also check out the 'Is [XXX] Design for you?' section of each specific discipline page to find out more!

This is OK. Drawing is a technique. Techniques are learned through practice and perseverance. PolyU Design will support your acquisition of such skills.

We accept applicants on the basis of potential, not acquired knowledge or skills. We will seek to discern from your portfolio:

- if you have taken the initiative to sketch out of your interest (evidence of personal passion for creativity, expression, problem-solving, manipulation, etc.)
- the scope of media explored (evidence of a taste for experimentation),
- if this has been consistent (through quantity of works, or visual diaries, scrap books, etc.)

Note: Applicants are required to submit a portfolio during application process and are encouraged to show it during interview. We favour applicants who demonstrate critical thinking, critical awareness of the broader cultural context, awareness of design in general or awareness of the design discipline chosen will be considered for the programme.

Broaden your horizons! Visit galleries and museums, attend cultural events and PolyU Design's series of workshops/ programmes for secondary schoolers is a good place to start. Go find resources about design practice, processes, works, designers, etc… and see how design influences your everyday – you have plenty of time to build your knowledge and develop your aesthetic sense!

Some tips are also shared on our YouTube channel here.

Curriculum/ Content of Design Disciplines

The Foundation Year curriculum guides students to think creatively, touching on multi-facets of the discipline that involves fundamental design knowledge, basic design methods and hands-on projects. Students will have a full year to identify their area(s) of interest and career aspirations.

Working and getting along with classmates with different skills and strengths from a wide range of backgrounds is also an important part of learning to first year students.

Students who enroll in BA (Hons) Scheme in Design will first follow a common curriculum in Year 1 before declaring their own choice of specialism (discipline) in Year 3 & 4. Details of each specialisms could be find here.

Admission Requirements

How high are PolyU Design English and Chinese entry requirements?

Applicants are expected to attain a minimum 3 Score in their English and Chinese subjects at the HKDSE. For entry requirements, please refer here.

Official PolyU admission figures for reference here.

Non-JUPAS: What is the difference between early round and main round application? Will the main round offers be affected by the early round?

Offers are given out on a rolling basis with limited quota hence main round offers might be affected. The later to apply, the more competitive it would be.

Non-JUPAS: Any intake quota for early round and for main round?

No, there is only a total quota.

Portfolio

While Visual Arts or Design and Applied Technology subjects have been designed to better prepare applicants to a design or art tertiary curriculum and career, this does not mean those who did not take these subjects cannot apply. They should be proactive and seek knowledge about their discipline of choice online, in galleries, in museums, in exhibitions, in libraries and at the School of Design. Personal initiative in making a portfolio is valued by admission panels. Personal drawings, collages, visual diaries, small home projects i.e. craft and tinkering are highly valued.

For JUPAS applicants, you are welcome to include SBA projects but bear in mind that you are applying to a design school, make sure the project and explanation angle should focus more on design instead of visual arts.

Definitely! As long as the projects could illustrate your abilities and interests related to design. A pro tip would be to state whether it's an individual or group work and your tasks done in the team.

Portfolio submission for JUPAS applicants will be after the HKDSE period, please refer to the details here.

Discipline-specific portfolio are for Non-JUPAS Local Senior Year applicants who will enter Year 3 of a specific discipline.
See here for Senior Year Curriculum specific portfolio requirements.

Applicants applying to Year 1 of BA (Hons) Scheme in Design could submit a portfolio that is either Creative-based or Maker-based. Also refer to FAQ 'How to prepare a portfolio? What do the teachers expect to see from it?'.

Non-JUPAS: During main round, could I update my portfolio handed in during the early round?

No, we will only review the portfolio once. Once submitted, no amendments of portfolio could be made.

A portfolio is to illustrate who you are! You can include anything that helps demonstrate your skills, abilities and passion for design. Here is a playlist of tips and step-by-step guide to help you get started.

Also see here for portfolio guidelines

Interview

It will be conducted mostly online. Some programmes will conduct in-person group interviews or (aptitude test; for certain Non-JUPAS programme).

What is the interview about, any questions frequently asked?

Interview is a way for our faculty members to get to know the 'real' you, your outlook, passion goals and potentials, aside from screening your portfolio and academic result. It is hard to pin down frequently asked questions, so just be prepared to showcase the best of you during the short chat.

This is a personal choice. Bringing a physical portfolio is not compulsory but do consider beforehand, which is the best way to present yourself to the interviewers.

Keeping a visual diary is a good way to keep track of your daily observations and design inspirations, it would be beneficial to illustrate your personality but NOT A MUST.

You may consider to show it to the interview panel but won't need to submit it.