How to make a perfect ceramics and glass portfolio for university

When you apply to study a ceramics or glass degree at university you may be asked to submit a portfolio to support your application.

24 October 2025

Amy Doe, BA (Hons) Ceramics & Glass, UCA Farnham

It may be hard to know where to start when creating a ceramics or glass portfolio for a crafts degree, but with a bit of planning all will start to become clear.

See this an opportunity to show universities your creative process and artistic ability.

This isn't just about showing off your strongest completed pieces, but a chance to share your individuality with lecturers and admissions tutors by taking them on a journey through how you create.

This guide focuses on what to include, how to present your work and what admissions tutors are really looking. 

What is a ceramics and glass portfolio? 

A ceramics and glass university portfolio allows you to introduce yourself as a creative.

It’s a collection of work that showcases the range and level of your skills.

The exact requirements for your portfolio may vary between different universities and the specific course you’ve applied to. For example, the Ceramics & Glass BA (Hons) degree at UCA asks for between 12 to 20 pieces of work.

As a craft student, your portfolio shouldn't just be a showcase of completed work. It should give anyone who reads it a clear idea of your influences and creative process. 

Ali Jarvis, MA Glass, UCA Farnham
Ali Jarvis, MA Glass

What should you include in a ceramics and glass portfolio? 

Every portfolio is different, but a strong ceramics and glass portfolio balances process and presentation. Your future teachers want to see how you evolve ideas from initial inspiration through to an end product.

Here are some of the key types of work you might consider including: 

  • Final designs and creations
  • Drawings and sketches, including any notes or annotations
  • Sketchbooks that showcase the development of ideas
  • Moodboards, collages and planning documents that reveal how your ideas emerge
  • Written work, such as essays or blog posts, that review and critique your work and process

Ultimately, your portfolio should feel personal and demonstrate your passion for the craft.

Don’t worry if not all your work is your highest quality.. If it shows lecturers an understanding of the discipline then it may be worth including. Universities aren't searching for perfect; they're looking for potential.

Top tips for building a stand-out ceramics and glass portfolio 

  • Start strong and finish strong: begin with a project that represents you at your best and finish something that shows your ambition or future direction. 
  • Document everything: photograph and write about your process as you go. 
  • Tell a story: order your work so that it flows naturally from research to development to outcomes. 
  • Share your personality: Let your interests and influences shine through. Your tutors want to learn about you, not just your work. 
  • Be selective: Aim for quality over quantity. 
  • Show your process: don’t hide your unfinished work or failed experiments. Explain what they taught you and how you adapted. 
  • Ask for feedback: show your portfolio to teachers, classmates, or industry professionals before you submit it. 
Roos Peeters, BA (Hons) Ceramics & Glass, UCA Farnham
Roos Peeters, Ceramics & Glass BA (Hons)

How to present your ceramics and glass portfolio 

Most universities will invite you to an applicant or interview day. During these days you’ll be given an opportunity to present or discuss your portfolio with a course academic or admissions tutor. 

For many reasons, some people are unable to attend an applicant day. Most universities will allow you to upload your portfolio online instead when this happens.  

Make sure you focus on clarity, not perfection. Admissions tutors want to see well-organised and thoughtfully sequenced work: 

  • Use folders to group related pieces  
  • Label everything 
  • If you include any videos, ensure links are public or unlisted on platforms such as YouTube or Vimeo so that they’re viewable to everyone  
  • Keep written material legible and well-formatted 

What are admissions tutors looking for in a ceramics and glass portfolio? 

Admissions tutors want to get to know you as a creative. They’re assessing more than just technical skills; they want to understand how you can evolve and flourish throughout your degree.

Here’s what will stand out to them: 

  • Creative thinking and originality 
  • A willingness to express yourself 
  • A passion for ceramics, glass, crafts more widely and design 
  • Honesty and self-reflection 
  • Potential to develop and grow as part of your degree 

They aren’t looking for professionals, they want to see passion, experimentation and an eagerness to learn. 

Kieran McQuillan, BA (Hons) Ceramics & Glass, UCA Farnham
Kieran McQuillan, Ceramics & Glass BA (Hons)

Need more portfolio support?  

Still unsure what to include? Come along to one of our upcoming Open Days where you can speak to our Ceramics & Glass academics and Admissions Team in more detail about what they expect to see in your portfolio.  

You can also use our Unibuddy chat platform to speak directly to current UCA students and ask them about their portfolio. For more inspiration you could also check out the work created by UCA Ceramics & Glass BA (Hons) students via our online graduate showcase. 

Related courses 

Undergraduate 

Postgraduate