Illustration

Explore traditional, hybrid, and experimental forms of visual communication to develop your own creative illustration practice.

This course will enable you to push the boundaries of illustration and develop the skills to work in the creative industries.

As part of your course, you’ll:

• Develop concepts and narratives through drawing, sequential illustration and animation, digital practices, three-dimensional forms, performance, and creative writing

• Underpin these practices with an emphasis on drawing and image-making

• Challenge the conventions of the discipline of illustration

• Define and locate your own practice within the professional context of illustration

• Investigate established, unfamiliar, and emerging processes, to inform your own individual methodologies

Find out more

You’ll learn from experienced lecturers who practice and research in diverse industry fields with the knowledge and skills to support multidisciplinary explorations.

You’ll develop your ability to communicate and contribute to a team project by working with students studying different disciplines. This will simulate the working environment and enable you to practise collaborating on projects and briefs, a skill you’ll need in the workplace whether you choose to join an agency, studio, or work as freelance.

Specialist facilities
Professional-standard spaces and facilities will enable you to explore and refine your creative practice and prepare for the demands of today’s competitive workplace.

Guest lectures
We often run a number of guest lectures and workshops throughout the year, both on campus and in conjunction with external organisations. The INSIDE/OUT lecture series brings together some of the most exciting names from the fields of art, architecture, design, fashion, film, music, performing arts, and beyond.

Why study the BA Illustration course at Leeds Beckett University?

• 100% of students were positive about the teaching on BA (Hons) Illustration*

• Close links to industry and creative businesses

• Tutors with extensive professional experience and networks

• Study within one of the largest university arts communities in the north, with 3000 students spread across over 40 courses

• 100% of BA (Hons) Illustration graduates in work or further study 15 months after graduation* *

• Leeds' thriving creative sector has countless opportunities for illustration graduates

*National Student Survey 2025

• *Percentage of respondents from this course, HESA Graduate Outcomes 22-23