School of Fashion Technology Common Entrance Test

The written paper is a design aptitude test rather than a syllabus based academic paper, and generally covers general awareness and current affairs with an emphasis on fashion and the creative industries, observation and visual perception, logical and analytical reasoning, English comprehension, and questions on colour, form and material sense. A drawing or design ability component is usually included, in which candidates sketch, illustrate or solve a simple design brief within a time limit. Shortlisted candidates are then called for a studio test, portfolio review or personal interview where creative reasoning, motivation and communication are assessed, and the final merit list combines the stages in the proportions the institute announces.

The number of questions, the duration of each stage, the materials permitted in the drawing test and the schedule are set out in the admission notice and prospectus published by the institute for the relevant year.