BA (Hons) Illustration (Full Time)

This varied illustration degree will allow you to develop your creative skills while developing a strong awareness of industry practice.

Course overview

You will explore the art of illustration and visual communication in the areas of children's and adult narrative, together with editorial and reportage illustration.

In our studio and workshops, you will experiment with a wide variety of media, including intaglio and silkscreen printmaking, photography, digital imaging, drawing and painting. You will discover your own style whilst underpinning your creativity with a strong awareness of industry techniques. Complemented by units in professional and career development, your projects and case studies will ensure you will be experienced in working to briefs.

Our supportive staff will offer you tutorial guidance in compiling your unique body of studio work. You will emerge not only with well developed practical talents, but also with a firm grasp on the professional skills needed to succeed in the visual art industry.

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Industrial focus

You will benefit from our programme of high profile guest lecturers and links with The Association of Illustrators and Walker Children’s Books.

Course content

Year 1

Introduces you to a range of disciplines, their historical foundations, and major concepts and themes associated with contemporary visual art practice.

Six core units:

• Skills workshop 1 and 2
• Concepts and Themes
• Visual Research
• History and Critique
• Visual Language.

Year 2

Encourages you begin to establish individual working methods and a greater understanding of current art discourses, both national and international.

Four core units and two options:

• Fairytale and Folklore
• Editorial
• Contemporary Art Critique
• Critical Discourse. 

Options:

• Sequential Narrative 1, Concepts
• Sequential Narrative 2, Realisation and Production. 

Year 3 

Focuses on the production of an individual body of studio work and its presentation, as well as the submission of a dissertation.

Two core units and one option:

• Dissertation
• Final Major Project.
• Options.

Why choose this course?

• International study trips to Barcelona, Berlin and Prague
• ‘Live’ briefs for real clients and strong links with the design industry
• A strong record of student and graduate success in industry competitions including the prestigious Yellow Pencil Award from D&AD and the Association of Illustrators Critics Award
• Opportunity to spend time at a partner European university during your second year
• Recent guest lecturers include Brian Grimwood, director of CIA illustration agency, Darrel Rees, director of Heart Illustration Agency, Deirdre McDermot and Louise Power, Walker Books.

Assessment

Studio projects, workshop and media outcomes, group and individual case studies and written assignments.

Key career skills

Creative thinking, writing, presentation, project management, working to deadline.

Projects/work experience

Projects and case studies ensure that students are experienced in working to briefs.  

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Graduate profile

Jon Clarke

Jon Clarke graduated in 2010 and is currently completing an internship at Walker Books in London.

“The best thing about the BA (Hons) Illustration course was the diversity of the creative projects ranging from one day projects to the longer in-depth assignments – they help you to find discover your area and practice, and then reach out and develop further. The theory side gives you a brilliant exposure to a broad range of the visual arts, not only through art history but contemporary exhibits, animation and film screenings”.