Program Overview

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Illustration with Foundation BA Honours

Overview

Our degree courses with Foundation year offer the opportunity to prepare you for advanced study before you progress onto a full honours degree at the University of Westminster.

Course Structure

Each year you’ll study core modules and choose from a varied range of optional modules. You’ll learn through a dynamic mix of formats including individual tutorials, student-led studio classes, group work, presentations, technical sessions, online training and lectures. In project work, you’ll collaborate with students from your course and others, helping you to build vital teamworking skills.

Foundation

• Critical Thinking in a Changing World
• Explorations in Art and Design
• Extended Project in Art and Design
• Fundamentals of Art and Design
• Introduction to Academic Practice
• Themes in Art and Design

Year 1

• 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

• 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

• Work Placement: Gain industry 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. These extra credits entitle you to the degree award of ‘Illustration with Work Experience’.
• Study Abroad: Gain international experience as part of your degree. 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. These extra credits entitle you to the degree award of ‘Illustration with International Experience’.

Year 3

• 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 – DD (48 UCAS Tariff points)
• T levels – 48 UCAS Tariff points
• International Baccalaureate – 48 UCAS Tariff points from all components of the Diploma Programme. International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme will be considered on a case-by-case basis
• BTEC Extended Diploma – PPP
• BTEC Diploma – MP
• Access – 48 UCAS Tariff points from the Access course

In addition to one of the above, you should have:

• GCSE English Language grade 4/C - IB grade 4 Higher level, GCSE Maths Pass - IB Pass

If your first language is not English, you will need an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with 5.5 in each component.

International

• International Baccalaureate – 48 UCAS Tariff points from all components of the Diploma Programme. International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme will be considered on a case-by-case basis. You can refer to the UCAS calculator to determine your point score
• We accept a wide range of international high school level qualifications. Please see information on Country-specific entry requirements
• We work in partnership with Kaplan International College London who provide International Foundation Certificate courses for students who don’t meet our entry requirements. Upon successful completion, you can progress to your chosen degree at the University of Westminster. Find out about a range of university preparation courses that are accepted for entry.

English Language Requirements

• If your first language is not English, you should have an IELTS score of 6.0 overall, with a score of 5.5 in each component. Please note we accept a wide range of English language qualifications and assessments. Find out more at English language requirements.
• If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, then we offer online and on campus pre-sessional English programmes to help develop your English language skills to the required level before you start your course. Find out more about our pre-sessional English programmes.

Portfolio Guidance

• Number of recommended portfolio pieces: 10 (minimum) to 15 (maximum) images of art, design or media work to reflect your course of interest.
• What to include in your portfolio submission:
  • We accept drawing and painting, graphic design and illustration, photography, printmaking and digital prints, sculpture and installations, moving image, 3D and product design.
  • Film, video and animation files should be uploaded on YouTube or similar website and links should be provided as part of your Portfolio.
  • If you include moving image, then there should be a maximum of 3 video files – and each file must be no longer than 3 minutes duration. Please ensure that all files are in common formats, e.g. PDF; Word, .DOCX, etc.
• How to structure your portfolio:
  • Please compile all items of your portfolio into a single file (preferably PDF), or you may wish to create a simple portfolio website, and send us the link. Some DOs and DON’Ts:
    • DO provide a single PDF file uploaded to our system. If your file is too large try reducing the file size or upload to Google Drive or DropBox and upload the link to your file instead.
    • DO make an online portfolio website on Wix, Blogger or similar with link uploaded to our system, if you prefer this format rather than an uploaded file.
    • DON’T upload your portfolio to our system as many separate files – this makes it difficult for us to view your work.
    • DON’T use any platform that requires log-in, password, or an account to view – for example Tumblr, Instagram.

Fees and Funding

UK

• UK tuition fee: £9,535 (Price per academic year)
• Funding: As well as tuition fee loans, there is a range of funding available to help you fund your studies.
• Scholarships: The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible undergraduate students, which cover all or part of your tuition fees.

International

• International tuition fee: £17,000 (Price per academic year)
• EU Qualifications Welcome Award Scheme: If you are an international student accepted on an undergraduate programme starting in September 2024 or September 2025 at level 3 (Foundation) or level 4 (first year) on the basis of an eligible EU qualification only, you will be awarded a tuition fee reduction which will align your fee more closely to the one for UK students.
• International student funding: Find out about funding for international students.

Facilities

• The course provides dedicated studio accommodation for each cohort with both collaborative and individual workspace.
• Studios are equipped with computers, photocopiers, printers and scanners for IT and digital production.
• Our facilities provide multiple approaches to practice and include photography, animation, painting, drawing, printmaking, textile printing, 3D digital printing, laser cutting, high-end inkjet printing, digital imaging, three-dimensional design construction, ceramics, woodwork, metalwork and casting.

Teaching and Assessment

• Teaching methods across all our undergraduate courses focus on active student learning through lectures, seminars, workshops, problem-based and blended learning, and where appropriate practical application.
• Assessments typically fall into three broad categories:
  • Practical: examples include presentations, videos, podcasts, lab work, creating artefacts
  • Written exams: end of semester exams
  • Coursework: examples include essays, reports, in-class tests, portfolios, dissertation

Supporting You

• Our Student Hub is where you’ll find out about the services and support we offer, helping you get the best out of your time with us.
• Study support – workshops, 1-2-1 support and online resources to help improve your academic and research skills
• Personal tutors – support you in fulfilling your academic and personal potential
• Student advice team – provide specialist advice on a range of issues including funding, benefits and visas
• Extra-curricular activities – volunteering opportunities, sports and fitness activities, student events and more

Course Location

• Harrow is our creative and cultural hub, home to most of our arts, media and digital courses.
• Harrow Campus is based in north-west London, just 20 minutes from the city centre by train.