“One of the highlights of my career so far is seeing my illustrated book published.”
BA (Hons)Illustration
Apply on UCAS
Starting in: 2026
Register your interest- 3 years
- 4 years with foundation year
UCAS code: IL03
Institution code: S30
UCAS points: 48Flexible entry options available
Campus: Southampton City CentreView on Google Maps
Why study an illustration degree at Solent University
Turn the art of your imagination into crafted illustrations and build your portfolio using dedicated multi-media facilities and art studios.
- 0thin the UK in interior design, out of 35 institutions (Guardian University Guide 2026)
- Top0%nationally for graduate earnings (LEO 2025)
- 0%positivity measure for academic support (NSS 2025)
- Our academic team includes professionals with excellent links with industry, enabling you to work on projects from real clients.
- Access specialist print room facilities, including screen-printing, letterpress and etching presses.
- Some of our graduates have been given the opportunity to exhibit their work, both in Southampton and London.
- Enter industry competitions to gain exposure for your creative work.
- A creative, multi-disciplinary environment for world-leading research in Media, Culture and the Arts – you will learn from experts in their field.
Any questions?
Contact international admissions
Email: Call:Course overview
In dedicated studio space, you’ll have the room, equipment and academic support to reach your full potential as an illustrator.
You will be encouraged to experiment and develop your own voice in an environment where you will feel free to take risks, and be ambitious in developing your personal approach to visual art as either a practitioner or critic and theorist. To underpin creativity and encourage understanding of transferable skills and management of learning, emphasis is placed on gaining hands-on practice, from working in the print room to drawing on the streets, and working on projects and case studies to gain experience of working on live briefs.
In previous years, students have been given the opportunity to exhibit, both in Southampton and London, and to have their work seen by a collection of art directors and agencies. Past students have also been encouraged to enter industry competitions to gain exposure for their creative work and have also been able to publish and print their work through our in-house printing organisation to sell at artists’ book fairs.
If you’re looking to study our illustration degree but don’t have the relevant qualifications or experience, the art and design foundation year will help you develop the core skills and knowledge to progress. Find out more about the art and design foundation year.
Who is this course for?
Solent’s BA (Hons) Illustration programme is perfect for students from a creative background, who are self-motivated and active in their desire to develop their visual language and understanding of the creative process in the field of illustration and beyond.
What does this course lead to?
Upon completion of this course, you will have the opportunity to work in a variety of roles such as freelancing, working as an art worker in a publisher or design house – or even working in the film industry producing concept art for animation projects.
Graduates will have developed a professional portfolio and will be well positioned to progress into further study at postgraduate level.
Graduate stories
Hear from Solent alumni about where their careers have taken them and how studying at Solent prepared them for their future.
Read more storiesMeet the team
Students study under the guidance of a supportive academic team, which includes award-winning staff who have diverse experience, and many of whom have come from or are still practicing within industry as consultants, researchers and freelance artists or illustrators. The course team has strong links with a variety of clients, including local organisations such as Southampton City Council, and design bodies including D&AD and the Association of Illustrators.
The University cannot guarantee any particular members of staff will teach specific aspects of the course in the future, but will endeavour to ensure the teaching team maintains their balance of experience and qualifications.
Facilities
You’ll make extensive use of our print room facilities, including screen printing, letterpress and etching presses. Students have free access to dedicated studio space at our Below Bar campus where they are able to experiment with a wide variety of media including intaglio and silkscreen print making, photography, digital imaging, drawing and painting to discover their own style.
The creative space also boasts an in-house publishing press, which brings together industry-standard digital with traditional printing resources for student publications. In addition, there are letterpress, print-making, drawing and bookbinding facilities, all of which are designed to aid students’ journeys from initial concepts through to producing a final product for their portfolio.
International opportunities
Broaden your horizons by adding an international dimension to your CV – essential to achieving success in today’s fast-changing, global environment.
Studying, working or volunteering in another country could be the experience of a lifetime. Enhance your degree by developing important global skills such as knowledge of other countries, language skills, intercultural awareness, adaptability and confidence.
For more information, please email international.mobility@solent.ac.uk.
What you'll study
Core modules
Metamorphosis
Metamorphosis introduces students to creative exploration through hands-on, practice-led workshops and foundational research skills. As your first university experience, this module builds confidence, community, and creative identity while allowing broad experimentation. You'll develop practical abilities, understand research-informed practice, and produce a portfolio demonstrating progression across diverse creative disciplines.
Utopia and Dystopia
In this module you'll be introduced to the creative challenges of communicating ideas within contemporary art and design through a themed, practice-led project where you'll develop concepts through hands-on research, experimentation and visual exploration, mirroring real-world creative processes. By engaging with techniques such as mark-making, surface design, mood-boarding and contextual investigation, you'll build the foundational skills and confidence needed for specialist study.
Creative Industries Launchpad
In this module, you'll collaborate with students on other creative foundation years. You'll begin to explore the professional world of creative practice via an introduction to the soft and hard skills that cut across the creative industries, by investigating future pathways and opportunities, and by kickstarting a personal narrative about your own role in the creative industries sector.
Creative Showcase
As the final module on the foundation programme, this module showcases the diversity of creative skills represented across the creative foundation courses and gathers these skills together in the end-of-year showcase. You will use your specific skillset to contribute to this overall project - cross-disciplinary collaboration is encouraged. The showcase is your opportunity to share your project with key partners and celebrate your contributions with their fellow creative foundation students.
Core modules
Reading the Image
This module is designed to inspire and motivate students in the development of a diverse array of research and critical reflection skills, which will be meticulously documented through a portfolio of artefacts and a 500-word case study focused on an Illustrator of the student's choice. The research and the creation of visual artefacts will be structured around weekly topics, including Visual Semiotics.
Observation and Drawing
This module introduces students to a diverse range of approaches to drawing and mark making, aimed at developing a comprehensive understanding of their personal illustrative practice. Through engaging with a variety of processes and techniques inspired by a weekly theme, students will be encouraged to experiment and innovate.
Defining Your Practice
Students will carefully identify a project theme that will challenge their existing skills and allow them to reimagine this theme through the creation of a printed publication and a limited edition print, both suitable for retail and exhibition purposes. In this module, there will be a strong emphasis on the techniques and processes developed through a variety of workshops.
Visual Positioning
This introductory module is designed to empower students to explore and develop a diverse array of outcomes through the utilisation and experimentation of various materials, both analogue and digital.
Core modules
Interpreting Cultural Codes
This module delves into the visual language of illustration, positioning it as a crucial medium for fostering wider participation and comprehension, particularly when addressing subjects of a complex nature. Through a series of seminars that examine the history of social and political commentary, as well as cultural signs and symbols, students will be equipped to unravel intricate themes.
Editorial Illustration
This module examines the crucial role of illustration within editorial features tailored for both digital and print mediums. Students will delve into the history of editorial illustration, tracing its usage and transformation across various communication platforms throughout the years, and how it effectively communicates textual information.
Storytelling and Narrative
This module examines the role of illustration in conveying information in a linear format. Students will have the opportunity to explore various methods by which illustration contributes to narrative formation, particularly in mediums like children’s picture books and graphic novels.
Commercial Illustration
This module delves into the diverse ways illustration serves as a powerful promotional tool. Students will investigate various applications of illustration in packaging, advertising, apparel and giftware, grounded in principles such as Gestalt Theory.
Core modules
Observing Contemporary Society
This module will engage students in a campaign designed to raise awareness of a current issue drawn from a local, national, or international source. Collaborating with an organisation or through participation in a live competition brief, such as the Creative Conscience awards, each student will create a body of visual work.
The Competitive Illustrator
Students will embark on an increasingly independent inquiry into a specific subject area, with a distinct emphasis on their individual professional aspirations, by engaging with a live competition brief. In previous iterations, these briefs have been sourced from publishers such as Penguin and Batsford, through which students have demonstrated an advanced articulation of ideas and concepts across a diverse range of visual propositions.
Professional Practice and Portfolio
Throughout the module, students will delve deeply into the various facets of self-branding and marketing. Engaging in a series of interactive workshops, they will develop essential skills such as interview techniques and client communication. Additionally, they will gain insights into managing business and legal matters, all geared toward equipping them for promising employment opportunities in the future.
Final Major Project Illustration
To begin this module students will showcase a portfolio of visual research accompanied by a 1500-word essay outlining their critical approach to the self-initiated project. Students will then engage in the production of their self-initiated projects, experimenting with various processes to produce different artefacts, alongside an additional 500-word module summary. These artefacts will be showcased at the annual end-of-year degree show.
Any questions?
Contact international admissions
Email: Call:Block teaching at Solent
You will learn by:
You may be assessed by a combination of:
- Visual methods
- Creative design projects
- Assignments
As part of this course, you will study one module at a time, giving you the chance to build a deeper understanding and see the results of your hard work more quickly. With regular assessments and feedback, rather than exams all at once, you’ll also benefit from improved focus, and a more manageable workload.
Learn more about block teaching
Study support
The student achievement team are on hand to help you succeed during your studies at Solent. They aim to contact you at key times during your time here with personalised information, advice and guidance, by email or phone.
The disability advice team provides information, advice and guidance for disabled students.
All students can access Succeed@Solent, Solent's online guide to getting better grades. It offers extensive, practical information and advice on topics such as academic writing, research and presentations.
Why choose the industry?
For illustrators, much of the industry works on a freelance basis, however in-house opportunities are also available in a wide variety of organisations, from publishers to advertising and design agencies, and the public sector. In addition to fiction illustration, graduates could also work in fields such as fashion, textbook publication, architectural or medical illustration, and website and games production.
UK publishing revenues reached £6.9bn in 2023, according to data from the Publishers Association. The authoritative Advertising Association/WARC Expenditure Report predicts the UK advertising market will grow by 3.8% to reach £36.1bn. (Creative Industries Council).
You could earn:
Illustrator
Rate per day: £100 to £200
Most illustrators work on a freelance basis, so income figures are hard to estimate and salaried roles for illustrators are not common. Prices vary greatly depending on the client and usage of the artwork. Well-established illustrators may earn up to £40,000 or more.
The stated salaries are published on prospects.ac.uk.
Graduate stories
Hear from Solent alumni about where their careers have taken them and how studying at Solent prepared them for their future.
Read more stories“One of the highlights of my career so far is seeing my illustrated book published.”
Solent Careers
The Solent Careers team is committed to getting students into great careers.
While you are studying, the team can help you with finding work experience or placements, link you with a mentor, check your CV, or offer one-to-one guidance.
We also have graduate job opportunities just for Solent graduates.
6th
UK uni for sustained employment
Longitudinal Educational Outcomes, 2022
Certificate in Practical Artificial Intelligence
Every student at Solent University will also have the option to study an additional Certificate in Practical Artificial Intelligence qualification alongside their course. Free of charge, the course ensures you'll be prepared for a fantastic and varied career after graduation.
Further study
Thinking about studying further than an undergraduate degree? Alumni can get 20% off their postgraduate study.
MA Visual Communication
Do you have an eye for design? Would you like to help influence the future of visual communications? Our MA Visual Communication degree is ideal for creatives keen to refine their practice, working as part of an interdisciplinary group of students.
Find out moreTuition fees
The tuition fees for the 2026/27 academic year are:
- UK, ROI, EU (settled status) and Channel Island full-time fees for foundation year: £9,790 per year
- UK, ROI, EU (settled status) and Channel Island full-time fees: £9,790 per year
- International full-time fees: £16,178 for foundation level. Fees will increase from year 1 onwards.
- International full-time fees: £19,081 per year (from year 1)
For further information, please visit our tuition fees page.
Extra course costs
While most course costs are covered by your tuition fees, some essential resources and optional extras may need to be paid for separately. These additional costs are listed below. For advice on budgeting and managing your money, please contact student.funding@solent.ac.uk.
The 2026/27 additional costs are not yet available. For guidance, previous additional costs have been:
Compulsory costs
- Foundation year
Portfolios, A4 ring binders, scale rulers, sketchbooks and basic drawing materials will be required: approximately £150.
Printing: £100 - Year one
Drawing materials and printing costs: £350 - Year two
Drawing materials and printing costs: £350 - Year three
Drawing materials, printing, and exhibition costs: £500
Study trips: £110
Optional costs
- Year one
Study trip: £300 - Year two
Study trip: £300 - Year three
Study trip: £300
Bursaries, scholarships and financial support
Solent University offers a range of bursaries and scholarships that provide financial assistance or waive fees for tuition or accommodation. Each bursary or scholarship has specific eligibility criteria. Check out our bursaries and scholarships pages to find out more.
Cost of living support
At Solent, we understand that the cost of living crisis may be of some concern. To help, we've put together some detailed information to show what support is available and how to make your money go further.
Graduation costs
There is no charge to attend graduation, but you will be required to pay for the rental of your academic gown (approximately £45 per graduate, depending on your award). You may also wish to purchase official photography packages, which range in price from £15 to £200+. Graduation is not compulsory, so if you prefer to have your award sent to you, there is no cost. Extra guest tickets will go on sale after results publication and will be sold on a first-come-first-served basis. The cost per ticket is currently £20. Please note, we do not guarantee there will be any extra tickets available to purchase.
Any questions?
Contact international admissions
Email: Call:Entry requirements
Please select an option below:
Key entry requirements
48 UCAS tariff points
- from A-levels, a BTEC Extended Diploma at PPP or BTEC Diploma at MP or equivalent.
- For further information about UK qualifications, please contact admissions.
Key entry requirements
As a general guide, we look for qualifications that are equivalent to the British high school A-levels.
If you are applying from outside the UK, find information about entry requirements, visas and agents for your country here.
For further information about EU qualifications, please see our course entry requirements document.
Key entry requirements
As a general guide, we look for qualifications that are equivalent to the British high school A-levels.
If you are applying from outside the UK, find information about entry requirements, visas and agents for your country here.
For further information about international qualifications, please see our course entry requirements document.
Note to all international students requiring a visa
All international applicants need to be aware that the English language requirements to attend Solent University, and the English language requirements to obtain a visa from the Home Office, may be different. This means that if you meet the Solent University language requirement to gain a place on the course, you may still have to meet additional requirements to be granted with a visa by the Home Office.
We strongly advise all applicants to visit the Home Office website which outlines all the requirements for a successful visa application.
How to apply
Full-time
Any student applying for the first year of a full-time/sandwich undergraduate course must apply through UCAS (University and Colleges Admissions Service). This includes mature, overseas and EU students.
Nearly all schools and colleges offer their students the facility of applying electronically through the UCAS website using 'Apply'; it may also be used by those applying independently in the UK and overseas. This facility and all course information can be found on the UCAS website: www.ucas.com.
Your application should reach UCAS by 31 January if you hope to enter a course the following autumn. Early application is advised for the most popular subject areas. Late applications may be made until the end of June. The UCAS Code for the University is S30, code name SOLNT.
Find out what happens after you apply
Contextual offers
Solent endeavours to offer learning opportunities to students from all backgrounds. When we receive and review an application, we take into consideration the context and personal circumstances of applicants when making a decision, which means our advertised entry tariff could be reduced.
Find out more about Solent's contextual offers
Alternative entry options
Top-up route:
We welcome applications from students currently studying a Foundation Degree, DipHE, HNC, HND or modules of an undergraduate degree course at another university, who wish to enter directly into Years 2 or 3 of one of our undergraduate degree courses. Please contact our admissions team for more information: contact us
Language requirements
Applicants who do not have English as their first language will be required to demonstrate an approved level of proficiency in the use of the English language. The agreed minimum requirements for this course are:
-
IELTS 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each individual component
-
or equivalent.
Qualifications are checked before enrolment, and international students must bring their original certificates or certified copies when coming to study at the University.
Pre-Sessional English programme
The University also offers a pre-sessional English programme for international students who wish to improve their level of English before starting a degree course.
UCAS points: 48
Any questions?
Contact international admissions
Email: Call:Make your application
- 3 years
- 4 years with foundation year
