Full Time Foundation Degree in Illustration

Foundation Degree in Illustration
Course Length: 2 Years
Site: West Durrington Campus
Attendance: Full time
Course Code: FHFIL1

The Course
UCAS code: W221
This is an intensive specialist illustration course which aims to develop a students personal and individual style through a wide range of practical design briefs. The course is brief led with a strong emphasis on visual problem solving. Students are equipped with a high level of technical skills and market awareness, which will prepare them for their chosen career.

Beginning from a broad base, the course encompasses creative thinking, practical inductions, applying illustration to design briefs, market awareness and contextual studies. During the second year students combine set illustration briefs with their own personal project, with a view to preparing a professional portfolio.

Throughout the course, students are given continual feedback via project assessment, group and individual tutorials. The core area of study is supported by professional practice lectures and visiting professionals who provide practical advice on all aspects of being self-employed, including fees, taxes, accounting and self promotion.

Course Content
Year 1
The first level is about gaining skills and learning how to generate ideas. In addition to project work, students attend workshops in craft skills, typography and computer design, plus a programme of cultural and film studies which will help to inspire ideas. This first year programme of study will include: drawing techniques and approaches, ideas generation, design craft skills, professional studies and developing a personal style.

Year 2
The second level is about building a portfolio and preparing for employment. In addition to professional practice briefs, the students study business applications and management of the design process. Upon graduating, students exhibit their work at the New Designers show in London. The second year course content will include: ideas in context, referencing and sourcing, communicating with images, business practice, critical study, illustration for packaging and managing the design and production process.

Assessment/Exams
Assessment is by full time and part time staff, who are currently working in the industry, and is based on projects or set exercises. Encouragement is given for the continuous reappraisal of the individuals aims, abilities, interest and progress. Assessment includes advice and counselling for personal pathways.

Progression/Career Path
The course is aimed at preparing students for employment as freelance illustrators. Students are given all the information that they would need on how to set themselves up as freelancers. Many course graduates are now successful practising illustrators.
The qualification is well recognised and respected in its own right in the industry and no further qualification is necessary to pursue a career in illustration. If, however, a student would prefer to continue their education and achieve a BA degree, HND/FdA students are always in an excellent position to do so and many graduates have gone on to do one year top up degrees at other universities. A student who gained an overall merit on this HND/FdA course would be considered for a one year top up on the BA (Hons) Communication Design Degree at Northbrook.

Entry Requirements
Applicants should normally possess a BTEC National Diploma in Graphic Design or have attended a Foundation Studies course. Applicants who do not possess a BTEC qualification but have relevant industrial experience would be considered. Students with relevant A Level qualifications would also be considered. All candidates will be required to attend an interview at which time they should present a portfolio of relevant work.

Applications
Applications are to be made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) quoting institution code: N41 and Institution code name: NBRK

Further Details
If you would like further information about this course or any other courses offered by Northbrook College.