Program Overview

Illustration BA Honours

Overview

The Illustration BA Honours course at the University of Westminster is designed to help students develop their unique creative voice and gain the skills needed to transform their passion for design into a successful career.

Course Structure

The course is divided into three years, with each year consisting of core and optional modules. Students will learn through a dynamic mix of formats, including individual tutorials, student-led studio classes, group work, presentations, technical sessions, online training, and lectures.

Year 1

• Explore and experiment with various techniques and conceptual approaches in image-making and illustration.
• Develop visual and critical skills through drawing and image-making.
• Core modules:
  • Creative Industry Skills
  • Documentary Illustration
  • Drawing Exploration
  • Illustration Cultures
  • Illustration Methods
• Optional modules:
  • 2D Computer Animation
  • 2D Game Art & Design
  • Typographic Explorations
  • Elective

Year 2

• Identify possibilities for your own creative direction.
• Continue to improve visual and critical skills through projects that reflect industry briefs.
• Core modules:
  • Collaborative Practice
  • Illustration Impact
  • Image-making Systems
  • Visual Storytelling
• Optional modules:
  • Branding and Identity
  • Concepting for Games
  • Extended Reality
  • Stop-Motion Animation
  • UX/UI Design
  • VFX for Film and Games
  • Web Design
  • Elective

Placement Year

• Study abroad or complete relevant work placements.
• Gain industry experience or international experience as part of your degree.
• Support is given from the 'Work-Placement' staff team in Year 2 to help you identify and apply for relevant work placements.
• Support is given from the 'Study Abroad' staff team in Year 2 to help you identify and apply for relevant study programmes at one of our Exchange Partner Institutions.

Year 3

• Focus on the direction of your graduate occupation by proposing, developing, and completing a self-defined Major Illustration Project.
• Complement your learning programme with optional modules that build on your creative strengths and professional direction.
• Core modules:
  • Major Project (Illustration)
  • Professional Practice
  • Sustainable Illustration Practice
• Optional modules:
  • Character Performance
  • Critical Enquiry for Creatives
  • Designing Narrative Environments
  • Entrepreneurship for Creatives
  • Experimental Image Making
  • Publishing and Print
  • Elective

Entry Requirements

• UK:
  • A levels: CCC (96 UCAS Tariff points)
  • T levels: 96 UCAS Tariff points
  • International Baccalaureate: 96 UCAS Tariff points from all components of the Diploma Programme
  • BTEC Extended Diploma: MMM
  • BTEC Diploma: DD
  • Access: 96 UCAS Tariff points from the Access course
• International:
  • International Baccalaureate: 96 UCAS Tariff points from all components of the Diploma Programme
  • We accept a wide range of international high school level qualifications
• English language requirements:
  • IELTS: 6.0 overall, with at least 5.5 in each component

Tuition Fees

• UK: £9,535 (Price per academic year)
• International: £17,000 (Price per academic year)

Facilities

• Dedicated studio space for each cohort
• Computers, photocopiers, printers, and scanners for IT and digital production
• Facilities for photography, animation, painting, drawing, printmaking, textile printing, 3D digital printing, laser cutting, high-end inkjet printing, digital imaging, 3D design construction, ceramics, woodwork, metalwork, and casting

Teaching and Assessment

• Teaching methods: lectures, seminars, workshops, problem-based and blended learning, and practical application
• Assessment types: practical, written exams, coursework
• Year 1: 23% scheduled hours, 77% independent study
• Year 2: 22% scheduled hours, 78% independent study
• Year 3: 19% scheduled hours, 81% independent study

Supporting You

• Student Hub: study support, personal tutors, student advice team, extra-curricular activities
• Harrow Campus: creative and cultural hub, home to most of our arts, media, and digital courses

Related Courses

• Graphic Design BA Honours
• Games Art BA Honours
• Animation BA Honours