Portfolio Submission

TU795, TU973, TU974, TU975

• Applicants may only submit a portfolio once in an academic year.
• You can amend and edit your online application. Note - once you select “submit” applications cannot be amended.
• Make sure to use the same email address you use for your CAO application when creating your account. Once you create an online account, you will be asked for the following: 
  • CAO number
  • Personal statement (optional)
  • Selection of your work (up to 25 pieces) ready to attach to your online application 

Additional information is available in the following document:

TU Dublin School of Art & Design Portfolio FAQs 2026

Information on the application process can be found by visiting the TU Dublin School of Art and Design webpage. If you have any issues with your online application, contact school.artanddesign@tudublin.ie.

Closing Date

The closing date for submission of portfolio is Monday, 9^th March 2026 by 17:00.

Portfolio Information Clinic and Webinars

We will host information sessions on portfolio submission on the following dates. Register to attend using the links below and we will contact you with further details closer to the event. 

Portfolio Information Webinar - November 2025

Watch a recording of our portfolio webinar recorded on November 26 2025

Maximum & Minimum Scores

Mature Applicants

Mature or international candidates who are short-listed may also be interviewed. Applicants with an equivalent qualification or significant appropriate experience will also be considered and interviewed. The decision of the review panels will be final.

Contact Us

• For general programme and portfolio submission queries contact:
  School of Art and Design
  Email: school.artanddesign@tudublin.ie
  Tel: 01 220 6164
  
  
• Score Queries:
  Admissions Office
  Email: admissions@tudublin.ie 
  Tel: 01 220 6100

The portfolio is used to review the applicant’s potential to benefit from and contribute to the programme(s) chosen with regard to the following evaluation criteria. The decision of the review panels will be final.

1. Evidence of Drawing ability should be demonstrated through:
   • Examples of freehand, observation and/or technical drawing
   • Use of colour and texture
   • Variety of subject and media
2. Evidence of Practical ability should be demonstrated through:
   • Skills in visualisation (3D and 2D) 
   • Quality of presentation
   • Control over media
3. Evidence of Conceptual ability should be demonstrated through:
   • Investigation
   • Idea generation
   • Imagination and creativity

Applicants applying TU832 Architecture will be required to sit an Interview with Portfolio as part of the admissions process. 

Note: A Suitability Test is no longer required.

When will I hear about the portfolio?

The School of Architecture, Building and Environment will contact all CAO applicants for the TU832 Architecture programme directly by email, using the email contact details included in your CAO application with details about the portfolio submission. TU832 is a restricted programme so late applications will not be accepted.

Admission to the TU832 Bachelor of Architecture programme comprises the following elements:

• Leaving Certificate (625 max CAO points, including 25 bonus points for higher level mathematics)
• Portfolio submission and Interview (200 points max)

Please refer to this guidance document on preparing for the Portfolio Submission and Interview - TU832 Architecture Portfolio Guidance 2026

Further information
For further information or queries, please email the School at School.SABE@tudublin.ie.

Make your portfolio individual and unique

The School of Architecture, Building and Environment recognises that each applicant is unique. Your personal portfolio of work provides an opportunity for you to show your individual abilities and interests, and your readiness to join our Bachelor of Architecture programme. Refer to the guidance provided by the school on preparing your portfolio.

We are looking for quality over quantity. We suggest that you submit no more than 10-20 pieces of your work. The work presented should demonstrate your interest, experience and aptitude in creative and graphic areas. Be selective about the works you present. Include a range of items using a variety of media.

What should I include?

The overall presentation, quality, and clarity of the portfolio will be evaluated. Works may include but are not limited to;

• Sketches
• Freehand drawings
• Paintings
• Sculpture
• Graphics
• Art photography
• Woodworking
• Ceramics
• Film
• Other visual media

What criteria are used to assess the portfolio?

Your portfolio will be assessed as part of the interview process and should demonstrate the following:

• Critical observation
• Visual awareness
• Imagination & Invention
• Problem solving
• Creative conceptual thinking

Interview

Interview Process?

The TU832 Architecture Interview will take place in May. All TU832 Architecture CAO applicants will be written to with details on the process and will be assigned a time slot. Details on the process will be issued prior to the event.

How long will the interview take?

Interview times will be limited to 20 minutes per applicant.

How should I prepare for the interview?

Applicants will be asked to describe their interest and motivation in studying architecture at TU Dublin. We take an inclusive approach and are looking for candidates who can demonstrate commitment and ambition.