Illustration with Foundation

The foundation offers a non-standard entry to BA (Hons) Illustration, helping you build skills across media like animation, print-making and photography. Explore creative processes and best practice in a vibrant, studio-based environment.

A strong creative foundation
Start with hands-on exploration across media and discover your strengths, refining your visual language before diving into the BA (Hons) Illustration.

Connect with industry
Gain insight from visiting professionals and global speakers, take part in real-world projects, commissions and competitions and enjoy an overseas study opportunity.

Inspiring career pathways
Work with award-winning tutors and practicing illustrators. Choose your direction with specialist exit awards, shaping a career that suits your passion.

This course is for you if...

• you want to explore your creativity with confidence

• you seek access to cutting-edge tools, specialist workshops and traditional techniques

• you want to take part in real-world projects and connect with professionals

• you are excited to shape and pave your own creative direction.

Foundation year
In your foundation year, you’ll explore core creative principles through hands-on experimentation with materials, media and methods. You’ll develop your ideas through playful inquiry, image-making and visual storytelling, while building confidence in critical thinking, academic writing and self-directed projects – all designed to prepare you for degree-level study.

Year 1
The first year will introduce you to the basics of illustration practice. You’ll develop your knowledge of image-making through character design, life drawing, printmaking, sequential and conceptual approaches, digital workshops, media exploration and analytical and critical writing. We’ll also introduce you to the techniques and essential processes of illustration practice within contemporary frameworks, preparing you for your second year.

Year 2
In your second year, you can keep your focus broad or pursue a more specific area of personal interest at a deeper level. You’ll make contact with experts in the industry and analyse why the creative world is how it is. Critical and contextual modules with a varied visiting speaker programme will help you begin to position yourself as a professional. You’ll also have the opportunity to take part in placements, live briefs and competitions, to study abroad or collaborate with other disciplines.

Final year
There is increased emphasis on developing and consolidating your personal visual voice in your final year, while also developing the professional practice aspects (such as business skills, professional networks, social media profile, website and aligned promotion) that will help ensure a successful career in the area of your choice. Competitions and live briefs are encouraged and visiting lecturers offer a variety of viewpoints. You’ll undertake a written or practical research-informed dissertation related to your personal interests and have the chance to exhibit your work, both at our Degree Show and in London.

For up to date details, please refer to our website or contact the institution directly.

For up to date details, please refer to our website or contact the institution directly.

To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:

• Course does not award QTS