Illustration

A Brighton Illustration degree prepares you for numerous rewarding career paths, including roles such as illustrator, concept artist, special effects technician or production designer.

Studying here at Brighton, you’ll be part of a community that helps you grow, no matter what your background. This course is packed with opportunities to build real-world experience, including a paid placement after year two and live brief modules across the course. Our inclusive approach to learning will help you go further; we’ll make sure you play to your strengths and learn in ways that suit you best.

Recent graduates from this course have gone on to work at MTV, The Tate, Google and the Cartoon Network.

Top reasons to choose this course

• You’ll work on live industry projects with real-life clients which means you’ll graduate with industry experience and gain a competitive edge with employers.

• We encourage you to develop your own creative voice while exploring a wide range of artistic styles. There is no house style!

• Boost your CV with an optional paid placement year to apply your learning in a real-world setting.

• Customise your degree from year two and specialise in areas that align with your interests and future creative ambitions.

• We’re renowned for producing artists who are confident in using their own creative voice and who work in a range of styles. Our graduates are making their mark at major creative institutions such as the the Tate, Wieden+Kennedy and MTV.

• Collaborative working: just like in industry, you will connect with students from different creative courses, developing contacts for when you graduate.

• You’ll have the opportunity to exhibit your work in our Graduate Show and take part in events including the Brighton Illustration Fair.

Why Brighton is a great place to study Illustration

Brighton is a city with creativity at its heart, making it the perfect setting to study Illustration. From independent studios to galleries and design festivals, the city offers endless inspiration and opportunities to engage with the creative community.

Our long heritage in art and design education means you’ll be part of a diverse network of creatives, with access to exhibitions and industry connections that extend beyond the campus. Living and studying here gives you the chance to explore new ideas in a supportive, open-minded city known for its culture, innovation and craft.

Named one of the best cities on the planet and third best city in the UK by Time Out, Brighton is also a bustling hub for music, media and fashion.

Year 1
You’ll develop your drawing, image-making and visual storytelling skills, experimenting with different media and techniques. Modules also introduce research, critical thinking and communication skills to support your creative practice.

Core modules
Introduction to Visual Communication: Orientation and Exploration
The Practice of Visual Communication: Investigation and Application
The Theories and Practice of Visual Communication: Media, Messages and Meaning in Illustration
Developing a Visual Language: Personal Project

Year 2
You’ll refine your style and begin to specialise in areas that suit your career ambitions, taking on live projects and collaborative work.

Core modules
The Theories and Practice of Visual Communication: Audiences and Contexts
The Theories and Practice of Visual Communication: Contemporary Practice
The Theories and Practice of Visual Communication: Context of Personal Practice in Illustration
Global Challenges – Visual Communication

Optional placement year
An optional placement year gives you the chance to apply your skills in a professional setting, gain industry experience and build valuable contacts before returning for your final year.

Final year
You’ll create a substantial independent body of work, bringing together your skills, research and creative ideas. Your work will be presented in the Graduate Show, a large-scale public exhibition.

Core modules
The Theories and Practice of Visual Communication: Articulation of Illustration 1 and 2
The Theories and Practice of Visual Communication: Independent Practice in Illustration