BA (Hons) - Illustration (with integrated foundation year)
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2023-09-19 | - |
| 2024-01-01 | 2023-10-15 |
| 2024-05-02 | 2024-01-31 |
Program Overview
Course Overview
Your foundation year will give you the technical expertise and knowledge to progress to our highly respected undergraduate programme.
We will help you develop strong drawing, composition, and colour skills that will underpin your personal visual language, allowing you to develop a unique voice as an artist. You’ll gain the experience, confidence, and advanced technical skills you need to succeed. And once you find your voice as an artist, your personality, passion and the quality of the work in your portfolio will get you noticed. You’ll receive extensive feedback, support, and advice throughout your studies and have access to state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, as well as the opportunity to work on a variety of projects, including ‘live briefs’ to develop and hone your skills.
We are unique amongst illustration courses in giving you a thorough grounding in graphic design. You’ll have the necessary skills and experience to stand out from the crowd.
On this course you will...
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Program Outline
What you will learn
In a professional sense, the word ‘lllustration’ represents an exciting and very varied discipline that ranges from self-authored graphic novels and comic art, through concept art for film, TV and games, to the more traditional work for magazines, books, advertising, animation, and much, much more. What links all of these disciplines is the ability to connect audiences with ideas, information, or products through engaging and memorable illustrative communications.
On our illustration degree course, our aim is to inspire you to become an innovative, individual illustrator. We’ll help you develop strong drawing skills as a firm foundation for your life as an illustrator, but our uniquely-designed course will also expand your design skills to give you an insight into one of the major markets for illustration work.
Year one
In your foundation year, you will develop the core skills needed to progress onto our BA (Hons) Illustration course. During this time, you will work with students from across artistic disciplines, exploring your place in the wider creative community.
An introduction to a wide range of conventional and unconventional image-making processes.
Examine a wide range of 3D processes in relation to a specific project brief.
Develop your knowledge and understanding to enhance your research methods, contextual awareness, and an evaluative ability.
Explore your local environment using a range of inter-disciplinary practices such as graphic processes, drawing, 3D, photography, moving image, and collage/montage.
Produce a professional and substantial portfolio of work.
Year two
In your second year, you will gain fundamental knowledge and practical experience of visual communication, the building blocks of visual language and professional attitudes and practices. During this time, you will work closely with first year graphic design students.
Develop effective working practices and habits.
An introduction to the cultural, historical, and social contexts in which creative work from a range of disciplines.
Work with other students to explore and practice the skills involved in creative collaboration.
Explore multiple forms and formats, from traditional print to the latest digital platforms, simple symbols to complex information and ideas, ephemeral to iconic.
Year three
Develop and refine your image making techniques, both digital and analogue.
Explore the surrounding area to improve your drawing and mark-making skills.
Utilise the technical skills developed previously to create appropriate, targeted illustrative communications.
Develop your understanding of the role of the illustrator in contemporary society.
Year four
An opportunity to work within a design brief and explore a particular area of interest.
Develop specialised and focused knowledge and understanding of a subject of your own choice.
An opportunity to show-off the skills, knowledge, and professionalism developed throughout the course to potential employers and the wider world.
University of Cumbria
Overview:
University of Cumbria is a public university located in the northwest of England. It is known for its focus on practical learning and its commitment to supporting local communities. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including health, education, arts, science, and business.
Services Offered:
The university provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:
Academic Support:
Access to academic staff, student finance advice, and accommodation services.Student Life:
A vibrant campus experience with facilities, student support, and opportunities for extracurricular activities.International Student Support:
Dedicated services for international students, including visa guidance, fees and finance information, and cultural integration support.Research:
Opportunities for postgraduate study and engagement in research projects across various fields.Business & Employer Services:
Support for businesses and employers, including CPD training, apprenticeship programs, and recruitment services.Student Life and Campus Experience:
University of Cumbria offers a diverse campus experience with multiple locations across Cumbria and London. Students can expect:
Beautiful Campuses:
Campuses located in scenic areas, including the Lake District and historic Carlisle.Community Focus:
A strong sense of community with opportunities to engage in local initiatives and events.Facilities:
Access to modern facilities, including libraries, labs, studios, and sports centers.Student Support:
A dedicated student support team providing guidance and assistance with academic, personal, and financial matters.Key Reasons to Study There:
Practical Learning:
Emphasis on practical skills development and real-world experience through placements and internships.Strong Industry Links:
Close partnerships with local businesses and organizations, providing students with valuable networking opportunities.Focus on Employability:
High graduate employment rates, with a strong focus on preparing students for successful careers.Unique Locations:
Campuses located in inspiring and diverse settings, offering a unique learning experience.Academic Programs:
University of Cumbria offers a wide range of academic programs, with strengths in the following areas:
Health:
Nursing, Midwifery, Paramedic Science, Radiography, and Health and Social Care.Education:
Teacher Training, Early Years Education, and Special Educational Needs.Arts:
Film, Theatre, Photography, Fine Art, and Creative and Media Arts.Science and Environment:
Wildlife Conservation, Forestry, Outdoor Education, and Environmental Science.Business and Leadership:
Business Management, Tourism, Law, Forensics, and Policing.Sport and Rehabilitation:
Sports Science, Sports Coaching, and Rehabilitation.Other:
The university is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion, and has received various accreditations for its commitment to these values. It also actively participates in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) and has a strong focus on knowledge exchange and impact.
40 UCAS Tariff Points. You can find out more about the tariff and qualification options from the
UCAS tariff table
.