Illustration - BA(Hons)

Across all three years of the course, Professional Practice/Work Experience modules allow you to explore and effectively engage with industry as an emerging practitioner.

Year 1

The first year introduces you to illustration and its applications in problem solving. Major emphasis is placed on drawing draughtsmanship as basis communication foundation personal language. You are encouraged to explore a wide range of traditional and digital media and to explore painting techniques and the translation of image into printmaking.

There will be a range of visiting speakers and a Professional Practice and Work Experience module to enable you to begin to locate the context of your own practice, hear from industry professionals and find out about future career options.

You will study the following compulsory modules:

• Introduction to Illustration
• Narrative and Place
• Critical Perspectives
• Professional Practice and Work Experience in Illustration 1

Year 2

You will be introduced to the wider experience of professional illustration practice. You will experience sequential storytelling and the exposition of complex ideas in single images. You are encouraged at all times to reflect on your personal practice and to understand the sources that drive and inform it.

In the second semester, there is the opportunity to undertake an international exchange programme at one of our partner institutions in Europe or further afield.

You will study the following compulsory modules:

• Exploring Process in Illustration
• Creative Analysis
• Professional Practice and Work Experience in Illustration 2

Plus one of the following optional modules:

• Developing Practice in Illustration 2
• International Exchange

Year 3

You will take responsibility for your own creative progress through a programme of student-led self-directed study, where individualism and innovation are encouraged. Business studies and freelance seminars led by practicing illustrators will advise you in the selection and presentation of a professional portfolio of work.

You will study the following compulsory modules:

• Preparation for Extended Study in Illustration
• Extended Study in Illustration
• Independent Research Project
• Professional Practice and Work Experience in Illustration 3

Please also note this structure is for the full-time course delivery only. For part-time delivery, the same modules will be studied. However, the structure will differ.

The University continually enhances our offer by responding to feedback from our students and other stakeholders, ensuring the curriculum is kept up to date and our graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need for the real world. This may result in changes to the course. If changes to your course are approved, we will inform you.

Most of the learning that you do will take place in a course-specific environment aimed at project related outcomes organised into specific modules.

Teaching sessions include workshops, seminars, group and individual tutorials and lectures. The principal teaching and learning method used is the tutor group, which meets regularly to discuss student work and other course related issues.

Throughout the entire course you will attend lectures and seminars in Visual Culture with students from across the department. This core module enables you to develop a rigorous critical and analytical approach to your own work and the work of others. It also fosters a culture of collaboration between disciplines which is very valuable to you when you leave university. On completion of the course you should expect to be fully aware of the business and working processes in your chosen area of creative practice.

For more details see our full glossary of learning and teaching terms.

All modules are assessed, and marks from modules undertaken in Year 2 and Year 3 can contribute to the final award.

A variety of assessment methods are used including projects, essays, group presentations and visual presentation.

For more details see our full glossary of assessment terms.