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Illustration

Course details
  • BA (Hons)
  • 3 Years
  • Full-time
  • 22 September 2025
  • Undergraduate
Course location
Cardiff
Awarded by:
University of South Wales (Prifysgol De Cymru)

Course summary

The University of South Wales’ Illustration course focuses on developing the design, drawing and illustration skills required for original and creative illustration within the sophisticated visual world of books, magazines, adverts and interactive content. It produces high calibre illustrators, storyboard and concept artists, infographics illustrators and publishers who share a passion to inform, entertain, or educate using images.

The core principles of drawing are applied throughout the Illustration degree. You’ll develop key skills in creative thinking, translating a brief, drawing and mark making, and colour theory. To prepare for today’s increasingly fluid platforms of print, mobile and interactive image, you’ll communicate ideas in innovative ways using traditional and digital technologies. Throughout your three years with us, you’ll have numerous opportunities to engage with creative professionals and clients. This may be in the form of an industry visit, guest speaker, or live brief. Our students have recently collaborated with The Royal Horticultural Society, The Roald Dahl Estate and Little Man Coffee.

How to apply

Apply by
29 January

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
W220
Institution code:
W01
Campus name:
Cardiff
Campus Code:
B

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Entry requirements

UCAS Tariff
96 points

To include an Art and Design related subject

A level
CCC

To include an Art and Design related subject

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
MMM

To include an Art and Design related subject

Access to HE Diploma

Pass the Access to HE Diploma in an Art & Design related subject with a minimum of 96 UCAS tariff points

Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (last awarded Summer 2024)
D - A*

We accept the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Diploma in lieu of a third subject.

GCSE/National 4/National 5

The University normally requires Mathematics/Numeracy and English at Grade C/4 or above, or their equivalent, but consideration is given to individual circumstances.

T Level
Pass (C and above)

Passing the T Level with Pass (C or above in the Core) to include an Art and Design related subject

Find out more about qualification requirements for this course.

Historical entry grades data

This section shows the range of grades that students who received offers were previously accepted on to this course with (learn more).

It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place.

Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Not enough data available

We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

Per year tuition fees

LocationFeeYear

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

Students have access to a wide range of resources including textbooks, publications, and computers in the University’s library and via online resources. In most cases they are more than sufficient to complete a course of study. Where there are additional costs, either obligatory or optional, these are detailed on the University website (on individual course pages). Of course students may choose to purchase their own additional personal resources/tools over and above those listed to support their studies at their own expense. All stationery and printing costs are at a student’s own expense.

Students from Wales and the EU may be eligible for a means-tested Welsh Government Learning Grant. Please visit the University website for full details.

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