We look at each application individually, considering your grades, interview (along with your portfolio/audition) and any relevant experience. We typically expect students to have achieved 48 UCAS points or PPP in a Level 3 Diploma / Extended Diploma. Mature students who don’t meet these standard entry requirements may be able to show us their potential through relevant experience. Applicants whose first language is not English and who do not have GCSE English will be asked to take an IELTS assessment or equivalent and will need to achieve an overall score of 6.0, with 6.0 in the writing element and at least 5.5 in all other sub elements.
Entry requirements
Why this course?
A contemporary Illustration degree rooted in strong drawing, narrative and visual story telling, blending traditional craft with emerging digital technologies.Our Illustration degree is designed to help you become a confident, creative visual storyteller with a distinctive artistic voice. Through hands-on exploration of materials, techniques and digital processes, you will develop both the technical skills and conceptual understanding needed to bring ideas to life. You’ll learn to think critically, solve creative challenges, and position your work within contemporary cultural and professional contexts while building a unique visual language through research, experimentation and reflective practice. Supported by industry-focused projects and an encouraging studio environment, you’ll graduate with the adaptability, resilience and professional confidence to thrive in the creative industries or progress to further study.
Throughout the programme, you will engage in a structured curriculum that balances traditional and digital illustration techniques. In the first year, you will develop a strong foundation in drawing, digital tools, and creative problem-solving, gaining experience in both 2D and 3D processes. The second year introduces professional practice through live client briefs and external collaborations, enabling you to apply skills in real-world contexts. By the third year, you will refine your practice, specialising in areas of personal and professional interest while developing entrepreneurial and self-promotional skills. The course culminates in a major final project, which serves as a professional portfolio and launchpad for future career opportunities.
Further information
Ideal for curious, self-directed makers who love communicating ideas visually. You’re ready to test styles, accept critique and translate briefs into compelling outcomes. The programme suits those aiming for freelance illustration, agency work, publishing, animation or hybrid creative roles.
The course provides extensive opportunities for industry engagement, ensuring you gain experience in professional illustration practice. Live briefs, industry collaborations, and guest lectures from practising illustrators enable you to develop professional networks while honing skills in responding to client needs. Throughout the programme, you will be encouraged to explore freelance opportunities, undertake commissions, and develop entrepreneurial skills, equipping you for a range of career pathways in illustration, design, and related creative industries. The final year places particular emphasis on professional development, preparing you to successfully transition into employment, self-employment, or further study.
- Digital workflows, motion and self-promotion
- Drawing, media exploration and image making
- Editorial, children’s, advertising and packaging
- Narrative, sequencing and visual storytelling
- Professional practice, portfolio and final project
Move into freelance practice or roles such as editorial illustrator, children’s book artist, storyboarder, advertising illustrator, visualiser or graphic novelist. Many graduates build sustainable careers through commissions, agency representation, collaborations and diversified creative services.
Our teaching and assessment methods are designed to keep learning dynamic, engaging, and hands-on. You’ll experience a mix of:
- practical and creative studio-based workshops
- discussions
- lectures/seminars
- tutorials
- small group study
- self-directed study
- study trips
Assessment methods are tailored to each unit and may include:
- presentations (of practical work)
- journals
- research proposal
- sketchbooks/drawings
- written assignments
With this variety, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to grow and demonstrate your skills in ways that suit your strengths.
Flexible Exit Awards
This programme is designed as a three-year course leading to the award of a BA (Hons) degree. It is delivered through a flexible 1+1+1 structure, with each year representing a distinct stage of learning and achievement. This approach allows students to progress through the programme in clearly defined phases while retaining the flexibility to exit at the end of any academic year if their circumstances change.
Students who complete the full programme will be awarded a BA (Hons). However, students who choose to leave the course before completion may be eligible for an interim award that formally recognises the credits they have successfully achieved.
Level 4 (Year 1) Students who successfully complete 120 credits at Level 4 and then leave the programme may be awarded a Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE).
Level 5 (Year 2) Students who successfully complete 240 credits, and then leave the programme may be awarded a Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE).
Level 6 (Year 3) Students who successfully complete 360 credits, will be awarded a Bachelor of Arts with Honours (BA Hons).
This flexible 1+1+1 model ensures that students who do not complete the full degree can still receive formal recognition for their achievements, while those who continue through all three years graduate with a BA (Hons) qualification.