Course description
BA (Hons) Illustration
Illustration has the power to take someone on a journey through the use of imagery. Make sense of the world and communicating information through creativity and visual storytelling. If you’re ready to learn new skills and enhance your ability, practice and confidence as an illustrator, then this is the course for you!
Our BA (Hons) Illustration degree introduces you to all different types of drawing and image-making like magazine and book illustration, editorial and commercial briefs, collage, mixed media, comics and graphic novels.
The course provides the opportunity for you to sketch, draw and create captivating imagery, interpret a brief, experiment and communicate your ideas using your own personal, visual language. You’ll become a creative problem solver, learning how to generate ideas, create narratives, undertake your own visual research and develop a fluency in all illustrative contexts.
You’ll be challenged and encouraged to expand your definition of illustration both on and offline. Throughout your course of study, your specialist tutor will support you and your work, enabling you to work independently, ready for the world of visual creativity.
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Upcoming start dates
Suitability - Who should attend?
Illustration is an open access degree; this means that there are no formal qualifications or experience required to join the course. All you need is a passion for the arts, and willingness to learn.
All OCA courses require students to be IT literate, have a good internet connection, and have a good standard of English equivalent to CEFR B2.
For more information about admission requirements, please visit the university website.
Outcome / Qualification etc.
Final Award Title and Type: BA (Hons) Illustration
Upon successful completion of the course students are able to:
- Demonstrate a personal creative voice through the use of creative, analytical, visual and practical skills, techniques and media
- Articulate a critical and contextual understanding of contemporary illustration practice and their location within it
- Generate creative ideas and solutions, adapting and translating them into outcomes that communicate effectively
- Demonstrate informed and rigorous research, enquiry and reflection
Training Course Content
Core Units
At level 1 (HE4) you will undertake one mandatory unit, Illustration 1: Key Steps in Illustration.
Study at Level 2 (HE5) is underpinned by two core units, Illustration 2: Responding to a Brief and Visual Skills 2: Visual Exploration.
Level 3 (HE6) provides a framework for you to contextualise your practice, and develop a specialist understanding of Illustration through a body of written and visual research. This is through two units taken together Illustration 3: Visual Research, and a self-directed major project Illustration 3: Advanced Practice. You will then culminate your work in an exhibition showcasing your voice in Illustration 3: Sustaining your Practice.
Optional Units
Alongside the core unit at Level 1 in Illustration you can choose to study two of the following:
- Illustration 1: Illustration Sketchbooks
- Visual Communication 1: Graphic Fiction (Comics and Graphic Novels)
- Book Design 1: Creative Book Design
- Drawing 1: Drawing Skills
- Visual Skills 1: Visual Dynamics
- Graphic Design 1: Core Concepts
- Painting 1: Understanding Painting Media
- Printmaking 1: Introduction to Printmaking
- Visual Studies 1: Creative Arts Today
Course delivery details
As a flexible degree, you can complete the programme in 4–9 years, with a maximum of three years to complete each level of the course.
Reviews
Expenses
UK 2020/21 Fees
- Foundations: £900 per course
- Level 1 (HE4): £4,050 for the level
- Level 2 (HE5): £3,340 for the level
- Level 3 (HE6): £3,340 for the level
Outside of the UK 2020/21 Fees
- Foundations: £1,050 per course
- Level 1 (HE4): £4,500 for the level
- Level 2 (HE5): £3,690 for the level
- Level 3 (HE6): £3,690 for the level
Continuing Studies
Upon completing the BA (Hons) Illustration degree, you’ll be set with skills to help you navigate the workplace. You could use your practice as a professional illustrator, graphic designer or digital designer – the possibilities are endless. Prospects can help you with a variety of options of where your degree could take you.
While you’re pursuing your dream of being a professional illustrator, you can find a range of options to support your work. You could use your creative and research skills to work in visual communications, marketing, and many more roles.
The coursework is engaging and well structured. It's a cost effective approach to study, by taking one unit at a time. The assessment process is clear, with good feedback on ...