Program Overview

Fine Art and Illustration BA(Hons)

The Fine Art and Illustration BA(Hons) course focuses on illustration, using fine art practice as its starting point. It aims to help students become independent, creative practitioners with the ability to create exciting art works and illustrations through explorations and experimentations, in both ideas and materials.

Overview

This course is a broad introduction to concepts, contexts, techniques, and technologies, encouraging students to draw upon existing knowledge to establish the frameworks within which to operate as a creative practitioner. The course explores painting, drawing, installation, film, photography, and digital art, examining these processes in relation to personal conceptual and critical development.

Why Study Fine Art and Illustration BA(Hons)

By studying Illustration at the University of Huddersfield, students will have the opportunity to work from the state-of-the-art Barbara Hepworth Building, which features collaborative studio spaces, advanced photography and CAD studios, and a high-quality digital print centre. The course provides the support needed to translate ideas, however complex or ambitious, onto paper, film, or whichever media is being used.

Course Structure

The course is based on studio-based projects, delivered through a combination of individual and group tutorials, workshops, industry-linked projects, lectures, contact with visiting illustrators and artists, seminars, and individual tutorials.

Year 1

• Core modules:
  • Studio Practice 1: Promotes an in-depth and disciplined approach to the breadth of contemporary practices in fine art and/or illustration.
  • Studio Practice 2: Continues to promote research and experiment in the production of practical work, extending the range of visual practice.
  • Introduction to Critical Languages: Introduces vital debates on the production and reception of contemporary visual culture.

Year 2

• Core modules:
  • Studio Practice 3: Identifies a potential direction within a range of practices, increasing independence in studio activity.
  • Studio Practice 4: Extends the level of independence, requiring students to develop greater self-reliance and self-critical ability.
  • Expanded Critical Languages: Continues the exploration of thinking about and through visual culture, supporting the development of contextual knowledge and understanding.

Year 3 - Optional Placement Year

• The placement year is an opportunity to gain hands-on experience and build on the skills developed in the first two years of study.

Final Year

• Core modules:
  • Research and Development for Fine Art and Illustration: Establishes and informs the major project, identifying themes/subjects/issues relevant to practice.
  • Final Major Project - Fine Art and/or Illustration: Channels creative and intellectual skills to create innovative, original, or highly professional propositions.
  • Applied Critical Languages: Focuses on contextual and professional issues appropriate to individual practice and subject specialism.

Teaching and Assessment

The course includes verbal and illustrative presentations of practical and developmental work, written work for contextual analysis and assignments, plus self-assessment and evaluation. Feedback is normally provided on all coursework submissions within three term-time weeks.

Placements

The course offers an optional one-year work placement after the second year, in the UK or abroad, providing valuable hands-on experience and insight into the chosen career.

Career Support

The University's Careers and Employability Service offers professional help, support, and guidance, including industry-supported workshops, careers fairs, and one-to-one guidance sessions.

Fees and Finance

The maximum fees for UK-based students on undergraduate courses in 2025/26 will be £9,535 per year for full-time students. Additional costs may include specialist materials, estimated at £60 (Year 1), £100 (Year 2), and £200 (Year 3).

Accreditations and Professional Links

The course has links with professional bodies and institutions, providing opportunities for students to engage with the industry and build their professional network.

Student Support

The University offers a range of support services, including academic support, careers guidance, and personal support, to help students succeed in their studies and beyond.