Program Overview

This BA is an independent, studio-based programme which looks specifically at illustration as professional practice. Learn to challenge the boundaries of illustration in a creative studio environment with your peers, and discover where you can make a difference in the exciting world of illustration. You will have extensive access to some of the best workshop facilities in the country, including print processes such as etching, lithography, silkscreen, lino and monoprint, as well as a letterpress workshop and digital and traditional photographic studios and darkrooms.

We have an excellent record of success in international competitions. Past students have achieved many D&AD gold awards in a number of categories such as, Graphic Design, Illustration, Animation and Interactive design. We have also been shortlisted in the Macmillan Children’s Book Prize for many years, first prize in the 2012 Observer/Jonathan Cape/Comica Award, joint runner up in the Threadneedle Prize at Mall Galleries, and nominated for the Penguin Book cover prize.

We have strong links with the illustration industry, from publishers, illustration agents, and practising illustrators to graphic and packaging designers, magazine editors, App and Games Design.  As part of the course, you will enter international creative industry competitions and tackle many live briefs. Most recently students have produced a graphic novel and an online graphic novel for two museums and work for the BBC iWonder website and all year groups get to participate in an annual central London exhibition.

Gain specialist illustration skills

We ensure that you graduate from our course with the specialist skills you’ll need to approach agents, set up studios, and produce a website as you start on your career path. Many of our students go on to work in magazine publishing, editorial illustration, advertising, animation, and more. We have strong industry links with art and design employers. Industry partners sponsor final students as well as give visiting lectures while hundreds of agencies and organisations attend the final degree show each year.

Our course is unique in that as soon as possible, we will provide you with an individual workspace that you can treat as your own studio throughout your studies. Previous students have told us that this helped them with feeling creatively fulfilled. As part of your blended learning, you will also have access to our amazing workshops as illustration students often use the printmaking and digital media workshops, laser cutting and photographic studios.

In your second and third year, you'll have the opportunity to enter Creative Industry competitions such as the Macmillan's Children's Book Prize. Past graduates have won many yellow pencils in the D&AD while others have been shortlisted for the Folio Society and Macmillan children’s book prize.

  Program Notes

Interviews
As far as possible, students are required to attend an interview. The interview itself will last around 15 minutes but you should allow one hour for the whole interview process as you will be offered the opportunity to view the facilities and meet appropriate staff and students. We use the interview to find out more about you, to better understand your aspirations and interests, and to explore why you want to study with us.
Portfolio
You should also bring a full portfolio to the interview. We've put together a short video to help you prepare your portfolio: