How to create a postgraduate portfolio

How to create a postgraduate portfolio (Architecture & Design)

Let your work speak for you.

ADA Students create textile works at the Paddington campus

Are you an international student applying to study at UNSW Sydney’s faculty of Arts, Design & Architecture?

Your portfolio will be a critical part of your application. A strong portfolio can increase your chances of getting into your dream postgraduate program. Here are our tips for creating yours.

Not an international student? Learn about portfolio entry for domestic undergraduate students.

What is a portfolio?

A portfolio is a document you submit along with your application. It should demonstrate your skills, experience and passion for the topic you want to study. It might include some or all of the following:

images or links to previous work
past university projects
work you’ve completed in your job
work commissioned by a client or individual

Which programs require a portfolio?

Within the faculty of Arts, Design and Architecture, two postgraduate programs require an entry portfolio: the Master of Architecture and the Master of Design (2-year program). Double degrees, such as the Master of Architecture/Master of Property and Development, will also require a portfolio for the Master of Architecture component. Submitting a portfolio helps us determine your suitability for your chosen program.

Master of Architecture

Explore degree

Master of Design

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Portfolio requirements

Master of Architecture
Master of Design

Master of Architecture

Your portfolio must include the following:

Your portfolio must include a sample of work from various stages of your undergraduate degree or any professional work. This includes:

Site analysis

A good site analysis should include:

the problems and opportunities in the site where a project is developed

drawings to show the background information that informed the decision-making process. E.g. sun-path, wind directions, infrastructures available, population type and/or physical constraints

problems and site characteristics that your design wants to solve or address

Development diagrams

A development diagram shows how the final version of the building or infrastructure has been developed. These diagrams need to convey why you chose to design the building in that way.

Technical drawings

Technical drawings show how the projects can be built. These drawings explain how the building stands up, and how the building is constructed.

Final design product presentation

The final design product should:

show the qualitative value of each project

include plans, sections, elevations and perspectives

be legible, neat and beautifully descriptive

include pictures from physical models to improve the tridimensional value and materiality of each design.
Please include a brief explanation of each project (2-3 sentences), demonstrating the following:

The issues the design wants to solve. E.g. societal inequality, environmental constraints, economic conditions or pollution.

The opportunities the design wants to expand. E.g. local resources, natural light or public transportation.

The decision-making process that led to the final outcome.

The final design product and outcome, presented with appropriate sets of drawings such as plans, sections, elevations, perspectives and pictures from physical models.

Technical understanding underpinning the design. E.g. the structure, construction and materials chosen.

This information helps us understand the ’thinking’ behind your work.

Master of Design

Your portfolio must include the following:

Please include 10x A4 pages of original design work, including a 100-word reflection on each project. This can include past university projects, work projects or commissions relating to your chosen field of design.

Please demonstrate the process used to arrive at the final design, as well as the end result itself.

You should consider the following components for your portfolio:

Include preliminary sketches, illustrations, lo and high-fidelity prototyping, model-making and/or material experiments.

Highlight design outcomes rather than background research. Summarise your background research (Maximum 1-2 pages) and explain how it has shaped your project.

Include a critically reflective text on each design work (100 words max)Tell us what you learnt from the process, what was successful, and what you would do differently next time.

Must be legible on screens – text should be no smaller than 10 point

All work must be captioned using a recognised referencing system and no smaller than 8 point
In 400 words or less, explain your interest in studying at UNSW Art & Design, and your interest in our Master of Design program.
Please include a written statement from an employer, client or commissioning agent to verify your professional experience. It helps to include the position, role, responsibilities, duration and/or project outcomes.
Please include a 2-page resume (or CV) that outlines your design background. Include contact details for two referees.

Do’s and don’ts

To give you the best chance at gaining a spot in your chosen degree, here are some things you should do and what you should avoid when preparing your postgraduate portfolio.

DO

Write 2-3 sentences about each project, explaining how you contributed.
Choose a range of your best work – we want to see what you can do!
Put your most recent work first. Include a date on each project.
Make sure all drawings and images are clear.
Make it presentable and easy to read.

DON'T

Don’t only include images with no explanation. We won’t be able to mark it without context.
Don’t show us everything – just the projects you’re most proud of.
Don’t clutter your pages. Focus on one project at a time.
Don’t include blurry or low-resolution images.
Don’t rush it.

Tips for creating a portfolio

We spoke to Zeb Asfaq Saiyed, a recent Master of Architecture graduate who submitted a portfolio as part of his application to UNSW. Here’s his advice for creating a portfolio that stands out.

“My top tip for creating a successful portfolio is to focus on quality over quantity, following the principle of “less is more”. Instead of including every project you’ve ever worked on, carefully curate a selection of your best work that showcases your skills, creativity, and versatility. This allows you to present a strong and cohesive portfolio that leaves an impression on viewers.”

I deliberately chose projects that align with my future career aspirations or areas I wish to delve deeper into.

Zeb Asfaq Saiyed

Graduate, Master of Architecture

When it comes to selecting which projects to feature, Zeb says it’s about more than simply choosing the projects you like the best:

“I focused on projects that effectively showcase my skills, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. I prioritised projects that spanned various scales, typologies, styles, and techniques, emphasising the breadth of my experience. I deliberately chose projects that align with my future career aspirations or areas I wish to delve deeper into.”

“Another crucial consideration was highlighting my process and the value I bring as a student. It’s essential not only to display the outcomes of projects but also to articulate the steps and decisions that contributed to their success.”

Zeb’s portfolio played an important role in securing his spot in the program, and it also helped him score a UNSW Postgraduate International Students Scholarship to support his studies. He graduated in January 2024 and earned the Arts, Design and Architecture’s Dean's List Prize for Academic Excellence.