University of Dundee (Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design) — BDes (Hons) Graphic Design
Portfolio Requirements & Assessment Criteria
Updated for UCAS 2026DJCAD assesses across five criteria: research/development/sketchbooks (with three named sub-components), creativity and originality, practical competence (including audience awareness), quality and presentation, and engagement with practitioners. Portfolio: 1 PDF, up to 15 pages, max 50MB.
Requirements change — always verify directly with University of Dundee (Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design) before applying.
Assessment at a glance
Assessment framework developed by Folovio based on published selection criteria and portfolio guidance from University of Dundee (Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design).
What are the portfolio assessment criteria for BDes (Hons) Graphic Design?
Creative Thinking and Problem-Solving
25%Concept Development and Idea Generation
Strong evidence of creative problem-solving. Ideas are developed from research and clearly respond to a brief or challenge. Multiple approaches explored before arriving at solutions.
Common pitfall: No evidence of creative thinking or problem-solving. Work appears without visible thinking process.
Questioning and Curiosity
Portfolio demonstrates genuine curiosity — the applicant questions assumptions, explores unexpected angles, and shows intellectual engagement with design problems.
Common pitfall: No curiosity visible. Work feels formulaic and responds to briefs in predictable ways.
Visual Communication Skills
25%Typography and Text-Image Relationship
Clear evidence of typographic awareness and skill in combining text and image. Typography choices appear intentional and support communication.
Common pitfall: No typographic work. Portfolio is entirely image-based with no evidence of text-image thinking.
Drawing and Visual Research
Drawing used as a thinking and communication tool. Evidence of observational drawing alongside design sketches. Visual research shows genuine looking and analysis.
Common pitfall: No drawing or visual research. Visual research is superficial (mood boards of collected images only).
Range of Media and Techniques
Work spans both digital and physical media. Evidence of experimentation across techniques. Breadth feels purposeful.
Common pitfall: Single medium throughout. No experimentation. Predominantly one medium with no variation.
Research, Process and Development
20%Design Process and Development Work
Clear design process visible across multiple projects: brief/research, idea generation, development, resolution. Sketchbooks and development work substantial.
Common pitfall: No process work. Only final outcomes with no visible development or iteration.
Contextual and Design Awareness
Evidence of awareness of graphic design as a discipline. Named references to designers, studios, or design movements. Research into practitioners integrated into project development.
Common pitfall: No evidence of engagement with graphic design as a discipline. No references to designers, studios, or movements.
Personal Voice and Self-Direction
15%Personal Projects and Self-Direction
Clear evidence of self-directed work alongside course projects. Personal interests and motivations visible. Portfolio demonstrates what kind of designer this person wants to be.
Common pitfall: No evidence of personal initiative. All work appears to be direct responses to school assignments.
Personal Voice and Creative Identity
Portfolio communicates a clear creative identity. The applicant's interests and aesthetic sensibility come through. Work feels authored.
Common pitfall: No personal voice. Work is entirely derivative. Portfolio feels generic and could belong to any design student.
Presentation and Curation
15%Portfolio Organisation and Layout
Portfolio layout demonstrates design sensibility. Visual hierarchy, consistent formatting, purposeful sequencing. Strong opening and closing. The portfolio itself is a well-designed document.
Common pitfall: Poor layout that undermines the work. No evidence of design thinking in the portfolio presentation itself.
Image Quality and Annotation
All work clearly documented. Sharp, well-composed images. Brief context provided for each project. Annotations explain thinking, not just describe.
Common pitfall: Poor documentation. No context for projects. Image quality inconsistent throughout.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most important criterion for BDes (Hons) Graphic Design at University of Dundee (Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design)?
The highest-weighted assessment area for BDes (Hons) Graphic Design at University of Dundee (Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design) is Creative Thinking and Problem-Solving (25% of the overall assessment). Strong evidence of creative problem-solving. Ideas are developed from research and clearly respond to a brief or challenge. Multiple approaches explored before arriving at solutions.
What is the most common mistake in BDes (Hons) Graphic Design portfolios?
The most frequently cited weakness in BDes (Hons) Graphic Design portfolios at University of Dundee (Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design) relates to Creative Thinking and Problem-Solving: No evidence of creative thinking or problem-solving. Work appears without visible thinking process.
What does University of Dundee (Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design) look for in terms of visual communication skills?
For BDes (Hons) Graphic Design, University of Dundee (Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design) assesses Visual Communication Skills (25% of the portfolio assessment). Clear evidence of typographic awareness and skill in combining text and image. Typography choices appear intentional and support communication.
How many assessment criteria does University of Dundee (Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design) use for BDes (Hons) Graphic Design?
The BDes (Hons) Graphic Design portfolio at University of Dundee (Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design) is assessed across 11 criteria organised into 5 main areas: Creative Thinking and Problem-Solving (25%), Visual Communication Skills (25%), Research, Process and Development (20%), Personal Voice and Self-Direction (15%), Presentation and Curation (15%). Each area is broken down in full on this page. Portfolio requirements do change — always verify the current requirements directly with University of Dundee (Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design) before applying.
How does University of Dundee (Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design) assess research, process and development in BDes (Hons) Graphic Design portfolios?
University of Dundee (Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design) weighs Research, Process and Development at 20% of the BDes (Hons) Graphic Design portfolio assessment. Clear design process visible across multiple projects: brief/research, idea generation, development, resolution. Sketchbooks and development work substantial.
What is a common mistake with visual communication skills in BDes (Hons) Graphic Design portfolios at University of Dundee (Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design)?
When it comes to visual communication skills, a common weakness in BDes (Hons) Graphic Design portfolios at University of Dundee (Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design) is: No typographic work. Portfolio is entirely image-based with no evidence of text-image thinking.
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