BA (Hons) Illustration
This industry-informed degree delves deep into the essence of contemporary illustration, defining its role in today's dynamic landscape. Discover how to navigate commercial briefs and express your personal vision with equal finesse. Our program fosters a sustainable and fulfilling illustration practice, preparing you for success in a rapidly evolving industry.
<ul><li>Creative Empowerment: Develop your ability to express creative ideas, communicate powerful propositions, and evoke emotions – all through illustration.</li><li>Industry-Expert Guidance: Learn from award-winning lecturers with decades of experience in illustration, gaining insights for a culturally curious, ethically responsible, and commercially viable practice.</li><li>Holistic Skill Development: Acquire a multifaceted skillset, nurture your independent creativity, and pave the way for a fulfilling creative career that aligns with your personal aspirations in illustration.</li></ul>
What stood out for me at Arts University Plymouth is the fact that it’s a dedicated art university. In other universities that I looked at, the arts were really pushed to the side – but here it was really inspiring to see that the whole university is dedicated to creativity and creative subjects. Another big selling point was the high contact time with tutors, which I really took advantage of. Throughout my course, there was never a point where there were long waits to speak to tutors or get feedback on work, which was so valuable.
<p dir="ltr">Illustration has the power to characterise moments, evoke emotion and propose alternate realities. From indie publishing and children’s literature, through to comic books and commercial products - this course will empower you to make your mark.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Illustration is a competitive design discipline which requires high levels of commitment. Our expert staff will support you in developing professional skills including creative problem-solving, project management, and working to briefs and deadlines. We place high value on imagination and energy, alongside conceptual thinking and idea development, and we will support you in honing your technical skills and knowledge of contemporary trends.<br /></p>
Helena Dore, BA (Hons) Illustration
<p>Throughout this course, you will be based in a spacious and naturally-lit collaborative studio space, where you’ll cultivate a unique blend of skills and attributes, with a strong emphasis on curiosity and perseverance, making you a well-rounded practitioner. You will be challenged to develop authentic ways of working, assuming agency and autonomy as an image-maker and learning what this means to you as a practitioner. Our students benefit from high contact time with our dedicated Illustration team, who provide expert mentoring from an impressive range of specialisms including independent publishing, editorial, children’s books, printmaking, graphic design, and art direction.</p>
<p>Throughout this course, you will be based in a spacious and naturally-lit collaborative studio space, where you’ll cultivate a unique blend of skills and attributes, with a strong emphasis on curiosity and perseverance, making you a well-rounded practitioner. You will be challenged to develop authentic ways of working, assuming agency and autonomy as an image-maker and learning what this means to you as a practitioner.</p>
<p dir="ltr">As well as introducing you to commercial practice, we also encourage you to explore your own ideas through self-directed and authorial approaches which will extend the boundaries of your visual language. As you develop your interests you can choose to tailor your study to a range of creative specialisms, including editorial illustration, children’s books, independent publishing, printmaking, graphic design and art direction.</p>
<p dir="ltr">From designing for Lego to writing and illustrating children’s books and gaining cult status in the world of independent apparel, our graduates enjoy diverse careers in the booming field of illustration, and this industry focus is truly embedded in our teaching.</p>
<p dir="ltr">You will work within a supportive and challenging studio environment, to explore your subject both as an individual and in interdisciplinary teams. You’ll approach independent work with a critical mindset, considering the design, manufacture, marketing, and distribution of your own original artwork, whilst seeking opportunities to collaborate with designers, creative directors, and animators to realise your ideas in charming new ways. We’ll also encourage you to foster communities across the university, showcasing your final outputs as part of enterprising collectives, pop-up shops, and curated exhibitions. <br /></p>
Student Grace Betteridge
<p dir="ltr">Your studies will be complemented by an impressive programme of visiting lecturers, publishers and manufacturers including Hallmark Cards. You’ll also enter your work into prestigious competitions such as the Macmillan Prize, Penguin & Puffin Design Awards, and New Designer of the Year; and benefit from opportunities to secure work placements and respond to live briefs from industry - establishing an enviable network of professional contacts over time.</p>
Student Amy Ottley
The facilities at AUP are incredible, it's nice not to be in an Art Department shoved into the corner of a larger university and instead be surrounded by every type of creative person you can think of. Freedom of expression is huge here and seeing everyone be truly themselves is a really lovely thing & definitely helps build a good, positive community
<p dir="ltr"><strong>BA (Hons) Illustration is one of our top performing subjects in the National Student Survey (NSS) 2023!</strong></p>
<p dir="ltr">98% of students responded positively to the questions of "To what extent have you had the chance to explore ideas and concepts in depth?" and "How often have you received assessment feedback on time?".</p>
<p dir="ltr">Plus 95% of students responded positively to questions "To what extent have you had the chance to bring together information and ideas from different topics?", "How well have teaching staff supported your learning?", "How well have the library resources (e.g. books, online services and learning spaces) supported your learning?", "To what extent do you get the right opportunities to give feedback on your course?", and "During your studies, how free did you feel to express your ideas, opinions, and beliefs?".</p>
<p dir="ltr">These are fantastic results for BA (Hons) Illustration at Arts University Plymouth. Additionally, 90% or more of our Illustration students responded positively in every main theme of question for the NSS 2023, from “Teaching on my course”, “Learning opportunities”, “Assessment and feedback” and “Organisation and management” to “Student voice”.</p>
<p>All students at Arts University Plymouth can access specialist support via our Student Support Team. Our trained advisers offer information and guidance on student finance and funding, disability support, counselling and more.<a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/disability-support-and-reasonable-adjustments" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><br /><br />Click here</a> to read more about the support we offer.</p>
<ul><li><strong>Email: </strong><a href="mailto:ILLUSTRATION@aup.ac.uk">illustration@aup.ac.uk</a></li><li><strong>Instagram: </strong><a href="https://www.instagram.com/aup_illustration/">@aup_illustration</a></li></ul>
