About this program
BA (Hons) Illustration
Become an innovative, unique, diverse, and professionally distinctive illustrator.
Through a voyage of discovery and experimentation you will apply yourself to challenging projects and activities, become increasingly self-motivated and confident to strive beyond the constraints of delivering a brief. We aim to foster a confidence to discover, re-map, re-imagine and challenge traditional interpretations of the subject.
You will be encouraged to experiment and challenge what illustration is, with the opportunity to take part in live projects and high-profile competitions that will challenge you to explore problem solving, sequential image-making, characterisation, reportage and editorial illustration.
Located in a dedicated and inspiring illustration studio you will network with your peers and forge lifelong connections. You will gain opportunities to specialise in a specific field or area of expertise in illustration and flexibility to discover and create self-authored projects.
You'll make use of our drawing room, printmaking studio and Digital Design Hub where you will be immersed in traditional and contemporary techniques such as drawing, screen-print, lino, mono-printing, drypoint, risograph, solar etching, photography, digital image making, 3D model making, painting and multi-media collage.
An art-school experience will introduce you to exploration of craft and design skills, drawing, communicating ideas and visual concepts, developing a unique personal voice in producing illustrative outcomes for various outputs, such as, publishing, editorial, educational design, graphic novels, narrative, printmaking, moving image, children's books, and packaging.
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Admission requirements
BA (Hons)
2022 entry
These are the typical qualification requirements for September 2022 entry.
- UCAS points - 72
- A Level - DDD
- BTEC - MPP
- GCSE - GCSE Maths and English are preferred, however if you don't have these qualifications you will be able to undertake Maths and English at Level 2 as part of your course of study
- Access to HE - Pass Access to HE Diploma with 60 credits: 45 at Level 3 and 15 at Level 2
English language requirements
IELTS: 6.0 (with at least 5.5 in each skills area)
2023 entry
These are the typical qualification requirements for September 2023 entry.
- UCAS points - 72
- A Level - DDD
- T Level - Pass
- BTEC - MPP
- GCSE - GCSE Maths and English are preferred, however if you don't have these qualifications you will be able to undertake Maths and English at Level 2 as part of your course of study
- Access to HE - Pass Access to HE Diploma with 60 credits: 45 at Level 3 and 15 at Level 2
English language requirements
IELTS: 6.0 (with at least 5.5 in each skills area)
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Learn moreProgram content
Foundation Year
- Creative Studies
- Creative Technologies
- History and Theory of Creative Practice
- Creative Skills: 2D and 3D Making
- Negotiated Project
Year 1
- Thinking Through Design
- Design, Culture and Curiosity
- Creative Concepts
- Exploring Visual Communication
Year 2
- Visual Narratives
- Design: Theory, Making and Meaning
- Creative Ambition
Year 3
- The Applied Creative
- The Independent Creative
- Critical Voice: Research and Professional Direction
Scholarships & funding
Several scholarship options are available. Please visit the university website for more information.
Tuition
Tuition Fees
Full time
- UK - £9,250 per year
- International - £14,045 per year
Qualification
UCAS points: 72 (September 2022 entry)
Career paths
This course prepares you for an exciting career in illustration, with opportunities in newspaper and magazine editorial, education, publishing and book arts, children’s books, graphic novels, print production, advertising and the wider design industry. Some of our graduates also pursue careers as writers, educators and picture/research editors. With a large number of illustrators working on a freelance basis, the course also equips you with business skills and an entrepreneurial outlook.
Whatever branch of illustration you aspire to, you’ll graduate with a professional portfolio that is personal and distinctive, alongside a wealth of promotional material to launch your career. Many of our students are talent-spotted through the hands-on work they undertake during live briefs for employers, or through the competitions and exhibitions which form an integral part of your studies.
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About this institute
University of Derby
Here at the University of Derby we believe anything is possible. With a broad range of courses at foundation, undergraduate and postgraduate level, we can help you get your career off to a great start. We know how important it...
Contact info
University of Derby
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