BA (Hons) - Illustration
Whether you dream to captivate young minds with your illustrations in children's books, shape the visual future of entertainment through game and movie concept art, or influence people with your editorial illustrations, our course is designed to transform your creative aspirations into a vibrant, successful career in the multifaceted field of illustration.
On our illustration degree, we will help you develop strong drawing, composition, and colour skills that will underpin your personal visual language, allowing you to develop a unique voice as an artist. You’ll gain the experience, confidence, and advanced technical skills you need to succeed. We are unique amongst illustration courses in giving you a thorough grounding in graphic design which is highly regarded and recognised by industry.
You’ll receive extensive feedback, support, and advice throughout your studies and have access to professional facilities and equipment, as well as the opportunity to work on a variety of projects, including ‘live briefs’ to develop and hone your skills.
You'll be allocated a dedicated space within our open-plan Illustration and Graphic Design studio, which you can personalise to suit your creative needs. Students across all year groups work within this larger professional space, so you'll also get the chance to meet and collaborate with peers, share feedback, and discuss ideas.
Course Overview
Whether you're passionate about children's books, editorial design, concept art, or visual storytelling, our BA (Hons) Illustration course helps you develop a distinctive voice and stand out in a competitive industry.
You’ll establish strong foundations in drawing, composition, and both digital and analogue techniques, all while cultivating your own unique visual style. In your first year, you’ll collaborate with Graphic Design students, gaining valuable insights into the broader landscape of visual communication and creative teamwork.
In your final year, you’ll undertake advanced projects focused on your interests, complete an independent research paper, and showcase your portfolio to industry professionals. By graduation, you’ll be equipped with the confidence, creativity, and practical experience to excel in the dynamic world of illustration.
On this course you will...
- Study illustration within a university institute recognised by the industry as a course provider that engenders strong drawing skills. Through doing so, we provide our graduates with the backbone of a long career in illustration.
- Be encouraged to develop an individual approach to illustration - allowing you to develop a personal style that stands out from the crowd.
- Have regular and meaningful contact with tutorials, workshops, and discussions - reinforcing your practice with the support of tutors and peers who know you and your work inside and out.
- Be included in deciding what direction the course/module/brief should take. Small group sizes mean a supportive and open community of practice.
- Have access to a large professional studio space that is open plan and shared across all-year groups. Stock up on supplies with our in-house shop and experiment in our reprographic department.
Student and alumni work
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Location
Carlisle - Brampton Road Campus
Located just outside the city, right on top of Hadrian's Wall, the Brampton Road campus is full of history, buzzing with excitement, creativity, and a sense of endless possibility. The home of creators, entertainers, rule breakers, and change-markers.
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Find out more about studying with us
Attend an Open Day at Cumbria
An Open Day is your opportunity to explore one of 5 campuses, meet your lecturers, and find out how the University of Cumbria could become your new home.
