Program Overview

Come and study in lively, purpose-built studios surrounded by other creative students and award-winning staff. We will help you forge your visual voice to succeed in today's expanding creative industries. You set your work in a global context through such activities as briefs centred on UN Sustainability Goals, study trips and taking part in the optional Global Exchange programme (including Japan) to gain new perspectives and broaden your cultural references.

The first year will introduce you to the basics of illustration practice. You’ll develop your knowledge of image-making through character design, life drawing, printmaking, sequential and conceptual approaches, digital workshops, media exploration and analytical and critical writing. We’ll also introduce you to the techniques and essential processes of illustration practice within contemporary frameworks, preparing you for your second year.

Key Features

• Explore the excellent resources that are on offer to you, including digital software (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Premiere, After Effects and Animate), 3D software and Virtual Reality immersive media, and traditional life drawing, printmaking in silkscreen, lino, woodcut, etching, risograph, bookbinding, ceramics and letterpress.
• Get insight into the industry from visiting speakers across the breadth of illustration. We have a special annual illustration event – PIE – inviting speakers from around the world; recent keynotes have been Fantagraphics and Flying Eye Books.
• Get noticed. Develop your own visual voice and get noticed in the professional world by taking part in external events, commissions and competitions.
• Define your direction. Explore a broad practice or focus on one of our four specialist exit awards: Animation and the Screen, Children's Markets, Comics and Visual Narratives, or Printmaking.
• Go global. Engage with UN Sustainability projects with real world impact. We have options to study abroad on a three-month placement including Japan, Europe, Scandinavia and North America. National and overseas study trips inspire and inform with wider cultural contexts.
• Learn from experts. Work with experienced and award-winning tutors. We invite successful practitioners to work alongside to offer inspirational advice and industry insight.