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

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Degree Overview:

The Illustration BA Honours program at the University of Westminster is designed to help students develop their creative voice and gain the skills necessary for a successful career in illustration. The program emphasizes a broad range of visual communication practices, encompassing both traditional and digital mediums. Students will explore techniques like drawing from life, printmaking, 3D making, and digital art, while also learning about emerging technologies. The program focuses on building professional credentials, including portfolio development, client negotiation, and branding.

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Objectives:

• Develop a distinctive creative voice.
• Gain skills in both physical and digital arts.
• Explore emerging opportunities in design and new media.
• Learn to market skills and network with industry professionals.
• Gain valuable industry experience through a placement year.
• Showcase work at prestigious graduate shows.

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Outline:

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Year 1:

• Digital Arts 1: Introduces students to digital art techniques and software.
• Documentary Illustration: Explores the use of illustration in documentary contexts.
• Illustration: Contexts and Cultures: Examines the role of illustration in different cultures and historical periods.
• Industry 1: Working in Professional Contexts: Provides an overview of the illustration industry and professional practices.
• Drawing Exploration: Develops observational drawing skills as a foundation for various mediums.
• Visual Effects: Introduces students to visual effects techniques and software.

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Year 2:

• Visual Storytelling: Explores the art of visual storytelling through various mediums.
• Contextualised Practice: Develops students' understanding of the context in which illustration is created and consumed.
• Digital Arts 2: Builds upon the skills learned in Year 1, focusing on advanced digital art techniques.
• Industry 2: Professional Practice and Enterprise: Provides further insights into professional practices and entrepreneurship in the illustration field.
• Sequence and Message: Explores the use of illustration to convey narratives and messages.
• Brands: Examines the role of illustration in branding and visual identity.
• Designing for Games: Introduces students to the principles of game design and the use of illustration in game development.
• Reality VR, AR, and MR: Explores the use of illustration in virtual, augmented, and mixed reality applications.
• Theories of Media and Communication: Provides a theoretical framework for understanding media and communication.
• UX/UI Design: Introduces students to the principles of user experience and user interface design.

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Placement Year:

• Students can choose to spend a year in a relevant company or study abroad at a partner institution.
• This option leads to the award of BA Honours – Illustration with Professional Experience or BA Honours – Illustration with International Experience.

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Year 3:

• Digital Arts 3: Focuses on advanced digital art techniques and their application in professional contexts.
• Industry 3: Professional Practice and Public Engagement: Provides further insights into professional practices and public engagement strategies for illustrators.
• Major Project (Illustration): Students undertake a major illustration project, culminating in a final portfolio.
• Audio Storytelling: Explores the use of illustration in audio storytelling.
• Contextual Research Project: Develops students' research skills and ability to conduct independent research.
• Creative Advertising: Examines the role of illustration in advertising and marketing.
• Critical Design: Explores the critical and social aspects of design.
• Stop-Motion Animation: Introduces students to the techniques of stop-motion animation.
• User Experience (UX) and App Design: Introduces students to the principles of user experience and app design.

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Assessment:

• Practical: Presentations, videos, podcasts, lab work, creating artefacts.
• Written exams: End of semester exams.
• Coursework: Essays, reports, in-class tests, portfolios, dissertation.

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Teaching:

• Teaching methods: Lectures, seminars, workshops, problem-based and blended learning, practical application.
• Faculty: Tutors have extensive experience in illustration, fine art filmmaking, and curation.
• Unique approaches: Industry professionals and alumni visit regularly to talk to students about their future careers.
Collaborative learning opportunities with students from other courses.

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Careers:

• Potential career paths: Freelance illustrator, designer in publishing houses, media companies, or events management, storyboard artist, prop maker, concept artist for visual effects, virtual and augmented reality, or computer games.
• Opportunities: The Careers and Employability Service provides support and networking opportunities with over 3,000 employers worldwide.
• The campus houses state-of-the-art facilities for every discipline, including project and gallery spaces, film studios, creative labs, collaborative learning spaces, and the Westminster Enterprise Network.
• The University provides access to free online courses in Adobe and Microsoft Office applications, as well as thousands of specialist courses on LinkedIn Learning.
• The program is part of the Art, Design and Visual Culture and Media and Communication departments.
• The program is taught by active practitioners who ensure that what students learn reflects the needs of today's creative industries.
• Students have access to industry-standard facilities, including six large studios, printmaking, 3D workshops, and an Emerging Media Space.
• The program is accredited by the Association of Illustrators and D&AD.
• Students have access to events, industry-set competitions, awards schemes, and other opportunities through these organizations.
• The program is taught in a dynamic mix of formats, including individual tutorials, student-led studio classes, group work, presentations, technical sessions, online training, and lectures.
• Students will collaborate with students from other courses, helping them to build vital teamwork skills.
• Students will get to hear talks from visiting artists, take part in workshops led by industry experts, and go on frequent trips into central London to exhibitions and design fairs.
• The program is designed to be accessible and incredibly freeing, encouraging students to follow their thoughts and develop their own practice.
• The program is inclusive and stimulating, with up-to-date and comfortable facilities.
• The modules are well-constructed and prepare students professionally.
• The program has a strong alumni network, with graduates working in a variety of fields.
• The program is highly regarded by industry professionals.

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• UK tuition fee: £9,250 (Price per academic year)
• International tuition fee: £17,000 (Price per academic year)
• EU Qualifications Welcome Award Scheme
Students will need to pay for some specialist art materials. The University provides Adobe CC software, and it’s preferable to have your own laptop.

University of Westminster

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Overview:

University of Westminster is a public university located in London, England. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines. The university is known for its focus on practical learning and its strong connections to the industry.

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Services Offered:

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

The university has four campuses across London, providing students with a vibrant and diverse campus experience. Students have access to various facilities, including a cinema, gallery spaces, and sports facilities. The university also offers a range of student support services, including career guidance, academic support, and mental health services.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Location:

The university's location in London provides students with access to a wealth of cultural and professional opportunities.

Practical Learning:

The university emphasizes practical learning, with many programs incorporating work placements and industry projects.

Industry Connections:

The university has strong connections to industry, providing students with opportunities for networking and career development.

Diverse Student Body:

The university has a diverse student body, creating a welcoming and inclusive environment.

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Academic Programs:

The university offers a wide range of academic programs, including:

Undergraduate courses:

A broad range of undergraduate courses in various disciplines, including business, design, creative industries, and liberal arts.

Postgraduate courses:

A variety of postgraduate study options, including master's degrees, research degrees, and short courses.

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Other:

The university has a strong commitment to research and innovation, with a focus on areas such as sustainability, social justice, and digital technologies. It also has a dedicated alumni network, providing support and opportunities for graduates.