Until September 2009 there were two admissions routes (A and B) into Art and Design programmes. Route A matched the timing and application pattern of other courses in this subject area by having five equal choices of course and a 'closing' date of 15th January.

The other route was called Route B and was based on a previous specialist application process - ADAR - and involved a sequential choice of course with 1st, 2nd and 3rd preferences and a 'closing' date of 24th March. 

Most institutions put their courses in both routes and students were able to use both routes. For many this was confusing.

From 2009 there is one five-choice process where no preferences are declared. Some courses have kept to the later 24th March 'closing' date to ensure that students, especially those on Foundation courses, have the maximum amount of time to decide on their area of practice and prepare their portfolios for consideration. Others are using the 15th January as their 'closing' date.

Applications can be considered after the 'closing' date, but all choices made before that date are guaranteed to be equally considered.

UCAS current process for applying for art and design courses >>>