Illustration (with Foundation)

Why Illustration?
We are a community of illustrators that tell stories through images.

The first year is an open approach to learning that will allow you to find what drives your practice. The second year explores audience, the wider world, and your place in it as an artist. In the third year students develop practice-based research methods and bring to life an independent project for the degree show, with third year students going to London to meet art directors and agents before graduation.

Our modern design facilities include printmaking studios, an Apple Mac suite, Risograph machine, letterpress workshop and book-binding equipment. We encourage students to explore illustration through all kinds of media and you can also learn on our laser cutters, 3D printers, and have access to our woodshop and ceramics studio.

We attend Thought Bubble Comics Festival (UK), Angouleme BD (France), Bristol Artist’s Book Event (UK), and also visit museums in London, Oxford & Birmingham.

Past visiting artists and critics include Anh Cao (animation), Matthew Dooley (comics), Emily Dumas (US), Handsome Frank (agency), Adam Jeffcoat (Studio NX), Self Made Hero publishing, Laurie Stansfield (children’s), Nicholas Stevenson (alum).

Why an Integrated Foundation Year?
An Integrated Foundation Year starts your degree studies with a year spent learning the skills required to progress onto a full honours degree. Alongside an introduction to Illustration, you will develop valuable study skills, communication, team work and problem-solving techniques which help to build your confidence and prepare you for the rest of your course.

Why University of Gloucestershire?
University of Gloucestershire (UoG) is a vibrant, close-knit and diverse community where small class sizes and dedicated personal tutors ensure students receive guidance and support from day one. UoG has been offering a wide range of degrees, courses and apprenticeships at undergraduate and postgraduate levels since 1847. Alongside our strong support system, guest speakers, networking events and influential partnerships will help you prepare for life after graduation, whether that be in a successful career in your field or onto further study.

Our promises to you\

1. UoG Career Promise – if you're not in a job 6 months after graduating, we’ll guarantee you 6 months of free support post-graduation should you need it, followed by the offer of a paid internship and lifetime career coaching (eligibility conditions apply).\
2. UoG Accommodation Promise – we guarantee all first-year students’ accommodation on, or near, the campus you’re studying at.\
3. UoG Connections Promise – offering thousands of placements, internships, clubs & societies to help students find their community and build valuable experience and career connections.

After the course
Your story doesn’t end with us at graduation. We support our graduates to balance purpose with ambition, & 95% of University of Gloucestershire graduates are in work or further study within six months of completing their course*.
*Graduate Outcomes Survey published 2024 & based on 2021/22 leavers.

Student life
Home to 11,300 students & 900 staff across four campuses, University of Gloucestershire offers dynamic learning environments on the edge of the Cotswolds, the UK’s largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. With over 45 festivals each year, global business placements nearby & more than 500 bars, clubs & pubs, Cheltenham is known as the ‘Festival Town’, while Gloucester blends rich history with a modern city feel, from its iconic cathedral to its famous docks.

Visit us
Come & explore our campuses, facilities, teaching areas & accommodation. You’ll get the chance to meet our lecturers, current students & support staff. Book to come to an open day at glos.ac.uk/BookAnOpenDay.

Find out more about this course at glos.ac.uk/OurCourses, email us on enquiries@glos.ac.uk or call 03330 14 14 14.