Could DD get into university to study art with poor grades?

[Ineedcoffeenow]

DD is dyslexic and we believe autistic. She struggles a lot at school, but excels in art. She wants to go to college to study art. I predict that she will only have the equivalent of 3 or 4 GCSEs (we’re in Scotland) in 2026. This is enough to get her into college as they look primarily at the portfolio. Her art teacher believes she will have no problems getting in. Ultimately, it’s her aim to do a HND. She wants to specialise in digital art.

She’s spoken about wanting to go to university (specifically Duncan of Jordenstone at Dundee.

Is there any chance of her getting onto a degree programme with just a HND and very few academic qualifications (even if it’s a foundation year to start with)?

I think she should be fine - the general rule of thumb seems to be a C in English Language GCSE and either an A level or a foundation in Art. You're right that the weight of the portfolio is strongest in terms of what is looked at for admissions.

I'm not in Scotland and not arty, but I'd look into getting a diagnosis for your DD.
The teacher is probably right, but you could ask the college.
Entry requirements - Art & Design (General Foundation) BA (Hons) / BDes (Hons) | University of Dundee, UK

It will be the portfolio that will get her in. Best wishes.

@Ineedcoffeenow
Well, the first step, as you've got a specific Uni, is to go on their website for the course page, and look at the entry requirements for HND.
If you need assistance, then shout.

An HND is the first years of university, so she should be able to. Specific universities might have different wants, but it shouldn't preclude her.

A lot of people do HNC, then HND at college as an alternative to highers to go to Uni.

A friend of mine her dc went to uni for an art degree and there was a lot of talk about going to college for a year of art school first. It’s different to a fo7ndation year and is totally free. Even if a dc has good grades I think universities like this year and for your dc it might be a way of getting more grades??? I’m not sure if the course is worth ucas points?

Many thanks for the replies She’s really excited talking about going to university. I haven’t said anything as I don’t want to undermine her positivity—she struggles with her mental health so the fact she’s looking forwards in her life means a lot.

I’ve looked at DoJ website and it says she’d need a B at HNC. I just wondered whether (in reality) she would not be able to compete with people who have 5 x highers.

I forgot to say that we’re trying to get DD assessed for autism, but she’s been removed from the waiting list for CAHMs, along with hundreds of other young people in the area. They’ve basically closed CAHMs down for neurodivergent youngsters.

@Ineedcoffeenow , Requirements are unlikely to be cast in stone. If she is talented, she'll be fine.

Why not have a look at the specific courses at specific universities she’s thinking about? There’ll be a lot of information on their websites. And you can go along to an Open Day and ask - I’ve often fielded enquiries as an academic at Open Days from younger pupils who are planning ahead.

Art degrees have a written thesis, mine was 40% of my final grade and was about 10k words. It might be worth looking into this for the specific course she wants to do; what the written requirements are, and if it is something she feels she can do.

I had a great open day experience at what used to be langside college, with dd looking at art portfolio prep years etc. They had great links with art schools and explained the routes clearly. I cant remember all the details now but would definitely recommend. They seemed very inclusive too for ND students

DD2 got appalling A level results (apart from art, when she got an A*) and was accepted at all the universities she applied to on the strength of her portfolio.

I cant comment on Scotland, or getting into an art degree without A levels, but I echo what was said by a PP.
Art degrees are not just actual art! In DS case (Fine Art, but all the art disciplines do the same core things at his uni) he has had an essay on Visual Culture every year with year 2 and 3 counting to degree. This year its 3500 words so not very long, but they have to show research do citations etc.
Years 1 and 2 also required a professional practice module, with oral presentations and a power point, alongside actually finding and doing work experience etc.
In addition each studio module has a large element based on the research and thought processes behind any final exhibition piece, evidencing artists who have influenced the work, journalling, reflections, struggles etc etc.
I am sure your DD would be more than capable, but she really needs to understand what her course will involve and what support she may need. The studio part is only 60% of DS degree

@Lottsbiffandsmudge many thanks. That’s the kind of thing that I was wondering about. I checked with the college and their qualifications (at least before HNC) are entirely practical so she’d manage there. I will have to wait and see how things go this year for her. In fairness, I never thought DD1 would manage to get to university, but we dropped her off on Saturday and she got on a really competitive degree course so it’s possible. I’ll just have to keep encouraging DD2 and see where she gets.

She should look at Staffordshire uni, they offer foundation years, have low grade boundaries to get onto their courses and do multiple different art degrees including digital art.

Hiya one of mine did a.creative subject at uni and did an HND before, granted it was 15 years ago so entery might have changed but HND is regarded as "good Highers"

@clubsspadesdiamondshearts , OP is in Scotland, her DD struggles a bit with MH so might want to be nearer her home than 300+ miles away, and there will be tuition fees to take into account.

Friends son studied graphic art at a highly thought of university, got a first.

He works in a pub now.

I also think a Foundation course is a good idea (although I don't understand HNDs so it may not be suitable). DS did one as a stand alone (so free even in England). He lived away but knew it was only c 9 months in reality. His was more weighted towards the practical than his degree, but did give him a good grounding in journalling and reflection with a bit of research. It also taught them citations etc rather than expecting them to just do it, like at degree level. It was a useful year. Not all foundations are equal though!
She may well learn a lot of these skills in her college courses.
Just as balance to one of the PP, my DS has a grad job in marketing lined up after 3rd year.....

There is some useful discussion on this thread:
https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/higher_education/4795276-art-and-design-at-university-for-past-present-and-future-students-and-parents

and it's a good way of reaching people who know about these things! My DD is in her post-graduation period of trying to get art commissions... we'll see how that goes (she's also applying for part-time jobs, but it's tough out there!)

I’d suggest also really looking into the support for neurodivergent students. Some are great and the lecturers really care, others not so much. You could look at the stats for completions as well, if lots drop out that might be a sign they’re not supporting.

It’s really portfolio based so grades don’t matter as much. Your personal statement is important and being able to talk about your work. Yes there’s a dissertation but no exams and most of degree mark comes from final exhibition in Fine art degrees. My offer at the slade was dependent on 3 Cs at a level.

my daughter's friend is doing a foundation at Falmouth uni in some sort of digital art. Her predicted grades were very low and unfortunately she did not achieve them but thankfully was still able to go - but really if someone is good at art its a gift and noone cares what they achieve in their academic A levels its their portfolio that matters.