BA (Hons) Illustration and Design

Program Overview

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The BA (Hons) Illustration and Design program at the University of Sunderland fosters creativity and innovation, blending traditional and digital illustration techniques. Students develop their design, drawing, and printmaking skills, culminating in a final year project that showcases their unique style. The program prepares graduates for careers in illustration, graphic design, and other creative fields, with a focus on portfolio development and industry-standard software.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

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Overview:

• The BA (Hons) Illustration and Design course at the University of Sunderland cultivates creativity and encourages students to push the boundaries of illustration, blending traditional and digital methods.
• The program also allows students to combine illustration with other areas of study, such as animation, graphics, advertising, 3D illustration, and web design.
• The course is designed to develop students' design, drawing, and printmaking skills, culminating in a final year project that reflects their individual style and interests.

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Objectives:

• The program aims to nurture students' creative potential and equip them with the skills and knowledge to successfully pursue a career as an illustrator, graphic designer, or in other creative fields.
• It also emphasizes the importance of a strong portfolio and its role in securing employment.

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Description:

• The program begins with an introduction to a range of media and focuses on fundamental illustration skills, including observational drawing, printmaking, animation, and digital drawing and painting.
• Students then progress to specialized areas of illustration, developing their own personal style through open briefs based on real-world commercial projects.
• The program provides access to industry-standard software, including Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and Virtual Reality displays.
• There is an emphasis on creative and critical thinking, encouraging students to analyze and respond to design challenges.

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Outline:

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Content:

• The program covers a wide range of topics, including:
• Traditional and digital illustration techniques
• Printmaking
• Drawing and observational skills
• Design principles and theory
• Portfolio development
• Creative and critical thinking
• Professional development

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Structure:

• The program is divided into three years, with each year focusing on different areas of study.
• Year 1: Introduction to illustration and fundamental skills
• Year 2: Advanced illustration techniques and specialization
• Year 3: Final year project and portfolio development

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Course Schedule:

• The program follows a semester system, with lectures, seminars, workshops, and independent study time scheduled throughout the year.
• Students have access to studio spaces outside of teaching time to work on their projects.

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Modules:

• The program includes a variety of modules, each focusing on a specific area of study.
• Year 1:
• Design Theories, Practitioners and Context
• Painting, Drawing and Traditional Media
• Digital Illustration
• Creative Printmaking
• Narrative and Sequential Illustration
• Year 2:
• Digital Illustration – Contemporary Practice and Innovation
• Advanced Illustration Practice and Desktop Publishing
• Advanced Printmaking for Illustration
• Global Challenges and the Ethical Designer
• Experiencing the Creative Industries
• Year 3:
• Illustrator as Professional Creative
• Design Dissertation
• Design - Major Final Portfolio
• Optional Placement Year:
• Design: Applied Professional Practice

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Assessment:

• The program uses a variety of assessment methods, including:
• coursework assignments
• practical projects
• presentations
• examinations
• portfolio development
• The criteria for assessment vary depending on the module and the assessment method.

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Teaching:

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Teaching Methods:

• The program uses a variety of teaching methods, including:
• lectures
• seminars
• workshops
• group critiques
• individual tutorials
• independent study

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Faculty:

• The program is taught by experienced academics who are all practicing professionals in the field of illustration and design.
• The faculty brings their industry insights and experience directly into their teaching.

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Unique Approaches:

• The program emphasizes a hands-on approach to learning, with students encouraged to experiment and develop their own creative style.
• The program also provides access to industry-standard facilities and software, preparing students for the professional world.

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Careers:

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Career Paths:

• Graduates of the program can pursue a variety of careers in the creative industries, including:
• Illustrator
• Graphic designer
• Animator
• Web designer
• Art director
• Creative director

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Opportunities:

• The program prepares students for a variety of opportunities in the creative industries, including:
• Freelance work
• Agency work
• In-house design positions
• Teaching positions

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Outcomes:

• Graduates of the program have gone on to work for a variety of companies and organizations, including:
• Oxford University Press
• The Guardian newspaper
• Hallmark cards
• Design studios at the Open University
• Virgin's design department

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Other:

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Placements and Visits:

• Students have the opportunity to apply for internships and other live projects, working alongside professional illustrators and designers.
• The program also organizes visits to arts and design venues and companies in London and across the UK.

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Employability Days and Guest Speakers:

• The program holds specific 'employability days' to help students gain an edge in the job market.
• Former graduates and employers are invited to provide portfolio reviews and advice.
• The program also invites renowned guest speakers to broaden students' learning and provide fresh perspectives.

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The annual, full-time fee for this course is: £9,250 if you are from the UK/Europe £16,000 if you are an international student (EU nationals will receive a £5,750 scholarship to reduce their fee to £10,250) Tuition fees for part-time students are £6,935 per 120 credits. Please note that part-time courses are not available to international students who require a Student visa to study in the UK.

• The discounted fee will be reflected in your offer letter.
Learn more in our Help and Advice article.