Program Overview

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BA Illustration

The language of images is universal - the world is open to illustrators.

Bringing your vision to life

The Illustration programme at the University of Europe for Applied Sciences (UE) combines the classic arts such as painting, drawing and graphic art with the fascination of current design with the help of modern, digital techniques. Illustrations visualize complex content in newspapers, magazines, infographics, advertisements, posters, websites, and apps. They tell stories in picture books and comics and create entire films or virtual worlds in storyboards and concept arts.

Curriculum | Illustration

Across six semesters, the illustration curriculum provides students with a broad understanding of the foundations of the illustration industry. From Illustration Basics and Experimental Illustration in the first two semesters, students can choose between a variety of projects ranging from Artistic Visualisation to Drawn Animation. Students who choose to study illustration at UE also have the opportunity to pursue an internship or semester abroad in the fifth semester.

Key facts BA Illustration

• 6 semesters
• 180 ECTS (Credits)
• Teaching language: English
• Examination and Study Regulation

The programme starts in both the winter and summer terms.

Admission Requirements

• Completed admission form
• Transcript & language proficiency
• CV & Copy of passport
• A portfolio is required
• Admissions test (for non-EU applicants only).

Fees

• EU applicants standard: € 744 monthly
• Non-EU applicants standard: € 12,700 yearly

About the Programme Illustration

In the Illustration programme at the University of Europe for Applied Sciences , you’ll explore drawing as both atechnical foundation and acultural communication tool. Guided byinternationally recognised illustrators , you’ll develop a unique visual voice and experiment across a wide range of media – from analogue techniques to cutting-edge digital illustration.

What You’ll Learn

• Drawing, painting and printmaking – from fundamentals to advanced techniques
• Digital illustration and concept art for games, animation and media
• Storytelling through comics, visual narratives, and storyboarding
• Developing a personal illustration style and creative process
• Understanding illustration as a cultural, social and communicative tool

Possible salary in Germany after studying Illustration

If you work as an illustrator after studying illustration, your salary depends on various factors. For example, it makes a difference whether you have completed creative training or a special degree, whether you work as an employee or freelancer and, above all, in which industry you work and what experience you have gained so far.

In the advertising industry, salaries are generally higher than in the press and publishing industries. As a starting salary in a permanent position, you can expect to earn around 2,000 to 2,300 euros gross per month after graduation. According to , experienced illustrators in Germany earn an average of around 2,700 euros, while speaks of 3,000 euros per month.

Freelance illustrators receive an hourly wage of around 50-150 euros, depending on the industry and experience, although the Association of Illustrators (IO) recommends a wage of at least 60 euros per hour.

Your Creative Career Starts in Berlin – Become a Professional Illustrator in Germany

Berlin is an exciting city to study Illustration BA with students from all over the world. The city offers endless inspiration with street art, public murals and a unique culture. You will have the opportunity to meet popular street artists who offer workshops and classes at UE. Berlin's arts culture allows you to work on practical projects, often taking your work outside the classroom. The programme focuses on hands-on experience and encourages you to collaborate on both traditional and digital projects. Berlin offers many opportunities to showcase your work and network with professionals in the field.

Graduates of this programme work as freelance illustrators or as creative collaborators with:

• Editorial teams and publishing houses
• Advertising agencies and design studios
• Animation, film and game productions
• Museums and cultural institutions

Illustrators today are not only visual service providers – they act as creative consultants , shaping messages, visual identities and cultural conversations.

Industry Collaborations: Building Bridges to Success

We have cooperations with e.g. Reporters without Borders, Botanical Museum Berlin, Bioeconomy Council of the Federal Government, Charité Berlin, Theater an der Parkaue and many more. And also offers creative guest lectures and workshops with artists like Cannaday Chapman and Oliver Kugler.

Inspiring Creativity: Illustration Projects Showcase

Our Art & Design initiative brought together local students, illustrators, and schoolchildren in a unique collaboration to transform a blank wall into a vibrant canvas. The project, led by Prof. Hans Baltzer, Head of the Illustration Department at UE Berlin, involved a dynamic partnership with Berlin-based artist Judith Drews and illustration students from UE and AID Berlin.

Over five days, the creative team, including UE students Margherita Pilate and Paula Muñoz Gómez, and Liza Shaub from AID Berlin, worked alongside 50 schoolchildren to design and paint a 60-square-meter mural in the schoolyard of a Berlin school. The project was not just about creating a striking work of art but about fostering community spirit and empowering the children to express themselves through design.

The young participants were given the freedom to contribute to the mural’s creation, forming pairs and groups to brainstorm ideas, share opinions, and make collaborative decisions. This hands-on process not only enhanced the aesthetic appeal of their learning environment but also provided the children with valuable lessons in teamwork, communication, and social interaction.

Learn from our Experts

Here you will find further valuable information about our professors and their career.

Prof. Hans Baltzer

Hans Baltzer is the Head of Programme BA Illustration at University of Europe for Applied Sciences, Berlin campus.

FAQs

What is a BA in illustration?

The BA in illustration degree at UE is delivered over six semesters and teaches you the real meaning of illustration: to invent pictures, develop your own visual language, experiment, think visually and work. The course will also teach you how to translate texts into graphic ideas, research a wide variety of topics, find adequate solutions and to always stay curious.

Is illustration in high demand?

It is widely reported that illustrators are in high demand across a range of industries including animation, advertising and publishing. As brands push for a more visual outreach, illustrators will also be increasingly in demand across multimedia channels.

How to become an illustrator?

One of the best ways to develop your skills and expertise to become an illustrator is to study an illustration degree from a reputable university like the University of Europe for Applied Sciences.

Is an illustration degree the same as graphic design?

While both an illustration degree and a graphic design degree are aspects of the creative industry, there are some key differences. Illustration focuses on the creation of original artwork to tell stories and communicate, whereas graphic design uses visual elements to integrate text and images for branding, advertising and digital media.

What jobs can I get with an Illustration degree?

From children's book illustrations, magazine pages and advertising campaigns to scientific illustration, packaging design and concept art for computer games, there are many roles that you can pursue after anillustration degree.