Course summary
Applying to study architecture, interior architecture, landscape architecture or another spatial design discipline? This three-day intensive course is designed for applicants preparing a portfolio for university admission.
Working alongside experienced tutors from the University of Westminster, you'll learn how to curate, refine and present a portfolio that clearly communicates your creativity, design thinking and design process. Through a series of practical workshops and individual tutorials, you'll receive guidance on selecting and organising your work, developing a strong visual narrative, photographing and documenting physical models and drawings, and creating clear page layouts that communicate your ideas with confidence.
The course also provides insight into what admissions tutors look for in a portfolio, helping you understand how to present your work professionally while demonstrating your creative potential and approach to design.
Who is this course for?
This course is for students aged 17+ who are preparing to apply to undergraduate programmes in architecture, interior architecture, landscape architecture, urban design or other spatial design disciplines. It is particularly suited to A-Level, BTEC, International Baccalaureate and Foundation students preparing portfolios for UCAS applications and interviews, as well as mature applicants seeking guidance on portfolio presentation.
Entry requirements
No formal entry requirements. The course is aimed at applicants aged 17+.
Teaching and assessment
Teaching is delivered through a combination of tutor-led presentations, live demonstrations, practical workshops and individual tutorials. Participants work directly on curating, refining and presenting their portfolio and receive individual feedback and guidance from architecture tutors. The course focuses on practical development and portfolio presentation rather than producing new design projects.
What's included in the course fee?
The course fee includes tutor-led presentations, live demonstrations, practical workshop activities, individual tutorials and feedback, and guidance on curating, documenting and presenting a university application portfolio. Participants also gain an opportunity to experience the University of Westminster's studio environment and teaching approach.
Discounts and offers
We offer a 10% discount to returning short course delegates. If you’re not booking your first short course or professional qualification with us and this discount is not applied to your course at checkout, please contact us.
Course structure
Understanding and developing your portfolio: curating and refining existing work; selecting and organising projects; communicating design thinking and creative process; and developing a clear visual narrative. Practical workshops and tutor-led guidance support the initial development of your portfolio.
Developing portfolio presentation: exploring page hierarchy, sequencing and layout; improving page composition and visual hierarchy; and learning how to photograph and document drawings, physical models and sketchbooks professionally. Individual tutorials provide feedback on the development of your portfolio.
Refining and presenting your portfolio: bringing the portfolio together as a coherent presentation, refining the visual narrative and page layouts, and responding to individual feedback. The day also provides insight into how to present your work confidently for university applications and interviews.
Learning outcomes
- Curate and refine your portfolio for university applications.
- Communicate your design thinking and creative process effectively.
- Organise work through strong page hierarchy, sequencing and layout.
- Photograph and document drawings, models and sketchbooks professionally.
- Use individual feedback and guidance to strengthen your portfolio.
- Understand what admissions tutors look for in architecture and spatial design portfolios.
The course is designed primarily for individual applicants rather than organisational training. For schools and colleges supporting applicants, it can provide specialist guidance on university portfolio expectations and strengthen students' understanding of portfolio presentation.
Tutor information
George Christofi
George Christofi is an Architectural Designer, researcher, and educator based in London. George leads a second-year design studio in Architecture BA at the University of Westminster, where his teaching emphasises inclusive studio culture, experimental thinking, and the development of hand-drawing as a core architectural skill. He has also co-ordinated multiple short courses in London and has taught from first year to Master’s in architecture and related interdisciplinary studies.
George’s work explores the visual interpretation of narrative and fiction in architecture, using drawing as a critical tool to ground visionary ideas and address climatic, social, and political questions. His research investigates cartography and composite drawing practices that challenge traditional architectural representation, especially in contexts of borders and contested territories. He questions architectural form and spatial understanding, foregrounding climate change as a key design methodology.
George has gained awards and recognition for challenging the use of drawings in current architectural practises. His work has been shortlisted for the Architecture Drawing Prize (Hand-Drawn category) and has been exhibited at Sir John Soane’s Museum.
Booking
Thank you for your interest in this course. Course dates will be announced shortly - fill in our enquiry form to be the first to know when bookings open. If you have questions about the course in the meantime, please contact us at [email protected].
