Program Overview

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Illustration with Foundation Year BA (Hons)

Course Description

Become an innovative, unique, diverse, and professionally distinctive illustrator. Through a voyage of discovery and experimentation, you will apply yourself to challenging projects and activities, become increasingly self-motivated and confident to strive beyond the constraints of delivering a brief.

Study Options

• Full-time: 4 years

Fees

• UK fee: £9,535 per year (2025/26)
• International fee: £16,900 per year (2025/26)

UCAS Points

• 72 (September 2025 entry)

UCAS Code

• W290

Start Date

• September

Location

• Markeaton Street, Derby Campus

Course Details

What You Will Study

• Foundation Year
• Year 1
• Year 2
• Diploma in Professional Practice (optional)
• Year 3

Core Modules

• Creative Studies
• Creative Technologies
• History and Theory of Creative Practice
• Creative Skills: 2D and 3D Making
• Negotiated Project

Module Details

Creative Studies

The Creative Studies module encompasses a wide range of skills that will help you look, record and translate visual information. A variety of drawing and/or recording methods will be used ranging from precise drawing techniques to more experimental mark-making or performative skills using a wide range of media; this will be approached through a variety of structured workshops.

• 20 Credits
• Core
• Coursework

How You Will Learn

Facilities

The Illustration Studio provides you with an excellent environment to be curious, experimental and independently motivated. It is a location for both individual and group tuition, a creative space for the practice of sharing ideas and peer-learning, exercising creative skills, imagination, vision, innovation and ambition.

Teaching Methods

We use a variety of teaching and learning methods including project work, workshop practice, lectures, demonstrations, seminars, group critiques, work checks, individual tutorials, reports and assignments.

• Practical project work which equips you with a broad range of technical, analytical, intellectual and organisational skills.
• Cultural study trips to museums, galleries, exhibitions, conferences and book fairs.
• Opportunities to showcase your talent in prestigious competitions and exhibitions.

Who Will Teach You

Cameron Jinks

Programme Leader

Careers

This course prepares you for an exciting career in illustration, with opportunities in newspaper and magazine editorial, education, publishing and book arts, children’s books, graphic novels, print production, advertising and the wider design industry.

Entry Requirements

2025 Entry

• UCAS points: 72
• A Level: DDD
• T Level: Pass
• BTEC: MMP
• GCSE: Maths and English are preferred, however if you don’t have these qualifications you will be able to undertake Maths and English at Level 2 as part of your course of study
• Access to HE: Pass Access to HE Diploma with 60 credits: 45 at Level 3 with a minimum of Distinction: 0, Merit: 30, Pass: 15
• English language requirements: IELTS: 6.0 (with at least 5.5 in each skills area)

Additional Entry Requirements

• Portfolio: Recommended

Fees and Funding

2025/26

• UK: £9,535 per year
• International: £16,900 per year

Additional Costs and Optional Extras

• USB Flash Drive (approx. £10 - £15 depending on brand and storage capacity)
• Printing of design work - print bureau prices range from £0.65 - £55 depending on size and paper quality
• A2/A3 Portfolio (£5 - £50)
• A4- A2 Sketchbook (approx. £10 - £20 each)
• Drawing materials, paints, inks (approx. £50 per year)
• Students should purchase a practice A3 art folder and an A3 presentation folder (approx. £50 each)

How to Apply

• UK students: Apply through UCAS or directly to the University
• International students: Apply through our online application portal or through one of our trusted local representatives

Discover Uni

• 74% of students say staff value students views and opinions about the course
• 81% of students say teaching staff have supported their learning well
• 80% of students are in work or doing further study 15 months after the course

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