Illustration [with Foundation Year]

Follow in the footsteps of established illustrators, designers and creators by developing your individual visual style.

In our vibrant studios and workshops, you’ll receive dedicated attention from our expert tutors – all of whom are professional illustrators – to help you find your visual style and kick-start your career.

At the same time, you’ll have plenty of space to experiment, discover, discuss and create, with full access to our facilities and expertise in printmaking, 3D, photography, storytelling, editorials, animation, text and image, and moving illustrations, and opportunities to go on local and international trips.

Why ARU?

• 100% believe staff value students’ views and opinions about the course, 96% that the course has developed the knowledge and skills I think I will need for my future and 91% that teaching staff have supported my learning well. NSS 2025.

• Study on a course that scored highly across the board in the National Student Survey 2024

• Join a course whose students are regularly recognised in national and international prizes and awards

• Prepare for a variety of freelance and commercial roles, taking inspiration from our successful alumni

• Display your work at our final-year Graduate Showcase, and local and national exhibitions

• Visit galleries, find inspiration, and hone your observational drawing skills locally and internationally

• Visit galleries, find inspiration, and hone your observational drawing skills locally and internationally

Careers

The creative industries are booming in the UK, employing more than two million people.

As a creative hotspot that’s home to thousands of established businesses and start-ups, Cambridge is the perfect place to gain crucial experience.

There are plenty of opportunities to get your work seen, too. At the end of your final year, you’ll take part in our degree show and the New Designers graduate exhibition in London – the perfect launchpad for your career.

Course Modules

Year 1

• Foundation in Art and Design

Year 2

• Digital and Moving Illustration

• Drawing for Illustration

• Illustration Practice

• Print, Process and Page

Year 3

• Sequence and Narrative

• The Illustrated World

• Ruskin Module (15 credits)

Year 4

• Portfolio Development

• Launchpad

• Practice in Context *

• Working in the Creative Industries *

*optional

This is a hands-on, practical course and our assessment is based on the coursework you complete for each of your modules. This includes completed project work as well as accompanying material such as sketchbooks. We’re looking to see how you research, analyse and develop your work – in other words, how you think as an illustrator. You’ll also attend lectures and produce written material including essays. We’ll look at these when we’re reviewing your progress.