COURSE CURRICULUM

The BA (Hons) Illustration degree is structured over three years to develop students’ technical, conceptual, and professional skills while nurturing a unique creative voice. In Year One, students build a foundation through modules such as Visual Languages, where they explore drawing, photography, collage, print, moving image, and experimental techniques to communicate ideas and narratives. In Contexts encourages reflective practice, considering audience, purpose, and the broader significance of illustration, while Research Basics develops academic research and analytical skills. Interdisciplinary Understanding introduces collaboration and problem-solving through cross-disciplinary projects, helping students connect illustration to societal and cultural themes. Year Two continues the development of individual practice through Visual Languages 2, applying skills to complex communication tasks and competition briefs, supported by discourse and research. The 21st Century Challenges module and Real-World Contexts engage students in live briefs and professional projects, enhancing leadership, critical thinking, and applied creativity. The Research Proposal prepares students for independent inquiry in their final year. Year Three focuses on advanced practice with Visual Languages 3, encouraging experimentation with new methods and engagement with challenging subject matter. Positioning in Practice supports professional development and career readiness, while the Contribution module allows students to demonstrate research, analysis, and practical application, culminating in a cohesive portfolio of work prepared for graduate-level opportunities, continued study, or entrepreneurial ventures.