Program Overview

Illustration (BA Hons)

Overview

This degree course, which takes place at Swindon College, is aimed at students who wish to enter the marketplace as illustrators. This unique illustration course aims to support and nurture the development of independent practice, versatility and individual creative vision within the field of illustration.

Course Details

Course Structure

• In year one, you will learn how visual language and graphic communication work within illustration through practical investigation with a range of materials and processes including drawing, pictorial storytelling, and various digital applications.
• In year two, you will develop an experimental approach to drawing, examine a variety of formats, conventions, and styles of storytelling, and work on industry-standard illustration briefs and national competitions.
• In year three, you will develop and manage two major illustration projects, undertake an in-depth investigation into an area of visual culture of your choice, and extend your knowledge of employment opportunities in the creative industries.

Learning and Teaching

• You will be taught a very broad approach to illustrative practice which combines traditional hand skills with more contemporary digital practice.
• This will provide you with the opportunity to learn a wide range of illustration approaches such as printmaking, animation, sequential illustration, and digital applications.
• You will learn in a studio culture and will predominantly work within the HE ‘Creative Hub’ at New College Swindon, where you will be part of a wider community of creative practitioners.
• You will have access to a variety of specialist equipment and materials to develop and present your illustration projects.

Assessment

• You will be assessed on your practical and written coursework.
• For each practical module, you will present your final work in the form of a portfolio of illustrations or a presentation.
• For each theory module, you will be assessed on written coursework, through essays, reports, or verbal presentation.
• In year three, you will also submit an extended essay as a final dissertation alongside a major public exhibition of your Illustration projects.

Tuition Fees

Home (UK) Full-Time Off-Campus

• 2025/26: £7,700
• 2026/27: £7,700

International Students

• Tuition fees for International students may increase in subsequent years both for new and continuing students.

How to Apply

Entry Requirements

• A Level: 2 A-levels in subjects appropriate to the degree
• GCSE: 5 subjects at grade C or above, including English
• Alternatively, candidates must have one of the following:
  • Diploma in Foundation Studies (Art & Design)
  • Access to Art & Design
  • AVCE (Double Award) in Art & Design
  • National Extended Diploma in Design
  • Other equivalent qualifications or experience

Selection Process

• All candidates must present a satisfactory portfolio of practical work at interview.

English Language Requirements

• Please see the University's standard English language requirements.

International Applications

• New College Swindon cannot accept international applicants at this time.

Careers

• You will develop the knowledge and practical skills to enter the creative industries as an illustrator with a particular emphasis on narrative and sequential work.
• This includes:
  • The comic or cartoon strip
  • The graphic novel
  • Film/TV/theatre/animation storyboarding
  • Instructional diagrams
  • Children’s storybook
  • Computer games characterisation
  • Web illustration.
• You will develop the business acumen, critical sensibilities, and entrepreneurial skills to practice in a competitive marketplace.
• You will be able to embark on a career not only familiar with the latest technology and processes but also with the ability to create innovative illustrations that will help in moving the industry forward.
• You can expect a career as a Narrative or Children’s Book Illustrator, a Graphic or Storyboard Artist, a Cartoonist, a Web Designer, or a Computer Games Designer, or you could continue your study to Masters level.