Illustration

Join us on a creative journey that explores communication, image-making and conceptual thinking. You will develop your understanding of how images are made and how they function.

You will find your niche as an innovative illustrator while gaining the professional skills, resilience and sustainability needed to meet the demands of the creative industries.

This course aims to help you develop into an independent, creative thinker with the ability to deliver critically, visually and socially engaging work. Central to the course is your development, understanding and use of traditional and new media, theory, and production methods. There are fantastic opportunities for you to grow as a creative practitioner with access to new technologies and industry-standard software.

You will have the chance to apply your skills across a range of illustrative applications including editorial, publishing, packaging, product, print, music design, advertising, character, and moving image. You will learn to generate networking and exhibition opportunities by collaborating on multi-disciplinary projects with other students.

Our excellent links with professional illustrators and creatives, agencies, and experts across the creative industries are at your disposal. Live projects, competition briefs, and industry experience will enhance your awareness of the professional opportunities available to you.

Our BA (Hons) Illustration course is a member of the Association of Illustrators.

What You'll Study

Year one – Explore a range of approaches to the communication of ideas through image-making, with an emphasis on experimentation and reflection. You’ll develop your practical, theoretical, and contextual understanding of the discipline through projects and seminars alongside workshops. There is an ongoing focus on discovery through active making, supported by a lively programme of studio briefs.

Year two – You’ll further explore a range of approaches to communicating ideas, concepts and messages through processes and visual language. You will explore industry relevant contexts and applications while studying the theory and methods behind your practice. You will also learn essential business skills and explore the postgraduate opportunities available to you. Your confidence will grow, helping you to make informed decisions about your future.

Year three* – You will focus on your professional ambitions and further develop the business-related skills required for becoming a professional creative. You’ll negotiate your own creative projects and activities such as competitions, live briefs, academic research, and optional work experience. Building a portfolio that reflects your focus and talents is essential as you learn to respond to the demands of the creative industries.

*If you choose to study this course over four years, this will include a placement year (also known as a sandwich year, work placement, industrial placement, or year in industry), which provides a fantastic opportunity to enhance your employability and gain practical experience in your field of study. The placement year typically occurs after year two and before year three. Read our placement year FAQs at www.leeds-art.ac.uk/undergraduate-placement-year-faqs.