BA (Hons) - Illustration (with integrated foundation year)

How you will learn

A key feature of this IFY programme is the opportunity, at Level 3, to work closely with a range of specialist creative staff, as well as alongside students studying fine-art, graphic design and photography.

By learning as an integrated member of this creative community you will experience, first-hand, the methods and techniques used by other visual practitioners. This will foster an appreciation of how your work fits into the wider world of the visual arts and provide you with greater confidence, knowledge and skills as you progress to Level 4 of the programme.

Most of your studies will be centred around practical projects that have been designed to not only help you practice and improve visual skills, but also develop your study skills, methods of research, critical and analytical abilities, and your ability to manage your time and plan your work.

Some examples of other ways you will learn is through:

• Lectures are hosted by both studio and theory tutors using a variety of media as support. You will be expected to take notes, ask questions and contribute to any group discussions that ensue.
• Seminars, Presentations, and Discussions will explore issues in greater depth with both tutor and student-led formats. These will require you to engage in research and background reading and will consider the relation of theory to practice and help develop wide-ranging transferable skills.
• Practical Workshop Sessions will provide the opportunity for you to develop specialist technical skills and knowledge. They normally take the form of tutor-led studio workshop demonstrations, designed to allow you to focus on, experiment with, develop and personalise specialised skills, media, techniques, and concepts.

How you will be assessed

Throughout the course, you will be continuously involved in the assessment of your own work and that of your peers to help in the development of critical, interpersonal, and team-working skills that are vital to gaining confidence and independence as a creative practitioner.

Examples of assessment opportunities include:

• Crits (short for ‘critique’) - these lie at the heart of education in Illustration. These take place at the end of a project and will normally comprise a small group of your fellow students, and up to two members of staff, where you will be expected to present your work to the group. The effectiveness of your work and presentation will then be discussed by all present and you will receive a large amount of verbal feedback.
• Projects are the usual vehicle by which you develop your design knowledge and expertise. The evaluation of project work is central to this degree programme. The project work you undertake during years two and three will form the content of the professional portfolio of work you will take with you when pursuing employment at the end of the course.
• Portfolio/s Two things make up the ‘portfolio’ – the qualities of the work itself (is it good design / contemporary / fully resolved); and the manner in which that work is presented on the portfolio pages (visual narrative / flow / sequencing / attention-to-detail).

The range of learning, teaching, and assessment methods used enable different aspects of your learning to be developed and tested. As well as testing what you know and can do at the end of a module (Summative Assessment) you’ll get regular advice and guidance while your work is in progress (Formative Feedback) through one-to-one, peer-to-peer, and group tutorials.

Tuition Fees

The figures above don't include accommodation and living costs.

Tuition fees are set annually and are subject to review each year. The University may therefore raise tuition fees in the second or subsequent years of a course, in line with inflation and/or the maximum permitted by law or Government policy. Students will be notified of any changes as soon as possible.

International Finance

At the University of Cumbria, we offer affordable tuition fees for international and EU students looking to study at one of our main four campuses. No matter your choice of course or career path, our International Team is here to support you.

Funding

For information about funding, please visit our undergraduate funding page.

Additional Costs

There will be some additional costs. For example all students will need to purchase stationery and may wish to purchase some text books. Extra costs may also be applicable to cover field trips, membership fees etc. although such features are usually options within the course.

Books are reviewed annually and are therefore subject to change, course welcome information will provide you with an indicative list for the year.

Books and Journals

Most core text books are available via the University's library, however students may wish to buy copies of any texts used to support your learning on your course. This could cost between £50 - £100 per year.

Stationery

Students should budget for stationery and consumables for your own personal use. This should include notebooks, pens and pencils for taking notes in class and/or in the field. Students should also budget for the purchase of USB pen drives, as well as occasional printing and photocopying costs incurred in the preparation or submission of coursework. Whilst you will choose how much you need, expect to pay around £30 - £40 per year for these items.