Level 1

Drawing and Processes

The module focuses on the development and refinement of drawing skills fundamental to the study and practice of illustration. The module also gives you opportunity to explore composition, assemblage, methods of pictorial communication, visual metaphors, and the cultural aspects of image making. Orthodox painting and drawing are supplemented with 3D and model making and you are also introduced to printmaking as a creative medium for image making and communication.

You are required to focus on the language of visual representation through practical study of the fundamentals of seeing and recording visual phenomena. Within the module you will examine accepted methods of representation, visual codes, pictorial composition, and exploration of ideas associated with representational drawing and painting.

Illustration: Context and Reflection

A lecture and seminar programme will provide a structure within which you will be able to discuss, analyse, and process a range of subject related information. The module is designed to emphasise the inter-relationship between theoretical contexts and practice through analysis, exploration, evaluation and debate. References will be made to cultural production in a range of contexts with particular emphasis on the relationship between illustration, design and visual culture.

Introduction to Illustration

The module introduces you to the fundamental purpose and creative process of illustration and its primary objective to convey information within pictorial conventions: to inform, describe, express, embellish and represent ideas. The importance of the pivotal relationships between illustration and related art and design disciplines are stressed. There is emphasis on sound draughtsmanship and good drawing and painting skills as foundations for effective visual communication. Practical projects and assignments are based upon initiatives exploring the breadth of visual expression, from fact to fiction.

Digital & Sequential images

Initially the module furnishes you with a basic understanding, through practice, of the way illustrators exploit digital imaging hardware and software for the creation, production and editing of both still and moving images. It introduces you to prevailing technologies and explores the ways that contemporary practitioners exploit digital media.

The module is also designed to introduce you to the methodologies employed by illustrators when working with pictures in sequence. It explores the potential of using sequential imagery for visual communication establishing the historical context and contemporary practice of artists and illustrators use of visual sequence and pictorial progression including animation.

Level 2

Illustration: Thinking and Making

The module provides a framework for you to explore the intellectual, creative and practical processes appropriate to the development of the skills necessary to function as an illustrator. Word/image association and interpretive skills are encouraged, and technical expertise in mark-making is established. Employment of alternative media beyond orthodox painting and drawing is actively encouraged through assignments and projects.

Understanding of contemporary illustration practice is initiated through lectures, seminars, critiques and projects. The module provides you with the opportunity to begin exploration of story-telling through single and multiple images, it also introduces the notion of the illustrator as narrator, both reporter and story-teller, and how to progress visual imagery for specific audiences.

Illustration Context and Practice

This module builds upon level one study by placing greater emphasis upon developing independent learning via the research and study of a range of contemporary visual communication practices and debates. The lecture programme provides a framework for the exploration of key practitioners and historical events relevant to contemporary art and design practice with particular emphasis on the relationship between illustration, design and visual culture.

You will explore contemporary visual culture against the backdrop of the post-industrial age, the development of digital technologies, globalisation, brand culture, subcultures, and the influence of the mass media.

The second part of the module is specifically geared towards the development of research and project planning skills essential for the preparation of third level independent study.

Books and Story-telling

The module is designed to provide you with the opportunity to develop experiential understanding of the key principles underlying the creation and production of sequential images, including characterisation. The module also addresses core and emerging practical areas of illustration practice. It continues to encourage exploitation of traditional materials and computer technology in exploration of graphic novel concepts, basic narrative story telling, and animation. The knowledge, understanding and experience gained are intended for cross-module application as related to the discipline of illustration.

Illustration: Audience & Message

The module extends and challenges the framework of technical and creative skills that have been acquired in the exploration of narrative picture-making in previous modules. It encourages you to creatively and practically employ alternative thinking methods, develop technical and craft skills, and exercise sound critical judgment. The need to cultivate a unique way of creating pictures, to acquire a distinct visual signature, is furthered. Appropriate Word/image relationships and interpretive skills are cemented as vital components in the illustration process, whilst technical proficiency in mark-making is amplified.

Appropriateness of pictorial content for specific markets and identified target audiences is promoted as a key component for successful illustration.

Words as pictures, and pictures as words are creatively explored and exploited.

Level 3

Contemporary Illustration

The contemporary illustration module properly establishes thinking and working strategies relevant to contemporary illustration practice.

Building on previous and complementing parallel units, practical projects are initially employed to encourage you to use text or themes as starting points to generate ideas and impart meaning through produced artwork. As the module progresses you are encouraged to adapt and devise projects which test your identified areas of interest.

The module gives you the opportunity to secure high levels of craft skill allied to a viable, distinguished visual signature capable of being effectively employed to make functional illustrations. Pictorial content and visual narrative are emphasised in the production of illustrations suitable for identified target groups. Professional ethics, copyright issues and the responsibility of illustrators to their clients are deemed imperative in preparation for a seamless move from academia to industry.

Independent Study/Dissertation

The independent study module offers you an opportunity to explore in-depth a relevant research topic of your own choosing. The module aims to provide a framework for you to work independently gathering and processing information from a variety of sources into a substantial project. The selection of a suitable topic is negotiated to ensure relevance to individual academic and subject specific interests.

Negotiated Illustration Studies

The negotiated illustration module requires you to accept responsibility for initiating and identifying your academic and personal goals within the subject that will accordingly govern the specific content of the module. Some students may choose to follow a distinctly personal agenda whilst others opt for involvement in more mainstream illustration practice. Whatever pattern of study you choose it is an opportunity for you to explore your creative potential without, in some cases, the possible constraints intrinsic to the profession of illustration. The module also provides the opportunity to work in areas or within disciplines not immediately obvious to the study of illustration practice.

Professional Ethics and Business Practice

The module provides the opportunity for you to evaluate and select project briefs from a number of different sources. Typically these will be national and international competitions, bursaries, live briefs, simulated commissions, and promotional materials. All projects normally require the furtherance of acquired craft skills, creative approach and conceptual thinking.

Self-promotion and presentation of work is fundamental to the module, as are self-employment, professional integrity and copyright issues.

A clear structure and framework for you to efficiently focus your efforts and progress your work is established prior to the commencement of the module so that you can prepare an effective work plan to ensure meeting of deadlines and submission of final artwork.

The curriculum is designed to support individual development and creativity not only as illustrators but also as visual communicators in a broader communication industry. The curriculum also provides for progression at each level, through the sequence of modules and projects. The programme encourages and prepares you to take increasing responsibility for the content and direction of your creative work, and requires you to undertake significant and sustained periods of independent study. Typically, this takes the form of a major project and a dissertation presented in the latter stages of the programme. Practical achievements are evidenced through the assembling of a body of work (for example, a portfolio, CD, show-reel or website) that demonstrates your ability to engage with practice at a professional level.

Level One

Level one focuses on addressing drawing and making issues. Students are introduced to a range of media including drawing, painting, digital media, print making and three-dimensional work, in order to make informed choices for further study. The theory programme introduces students to how contemporary art and design practice operates in diverse and cultural contexts.

Level Two

It is at level two that students begin to determine their personal objectives with regard to realising a truly distinctive body of work. These personal ambitions and aspirations are seen as essential to the creative process and progress of the individual. At this stage the programme profiles practice such as editorial illustration, narrative picture making, word/image association, understanding the target audience and social implications. Critical judgement in media and method selection is developed.

Level Three

At level three students develop a personal portfolio of work that will support their career aspirations. Some students may choose to follow a distinctly personal agenda while others select more mainstream illustration practice.

Professional links with the Association of Illustrators, the Design and Art Direction Student Scheme and the Society of Artist’s Agents.

The professional practice elements of the course include advice and support to prepare and assist students in gaining employment upon graduation.

Association of Illustrators; Design and Art Direction Student Scheme; Society of Artists Agents.

Some entrepreneurial students have taken advantage of the ‘Business Incubation’ scheme and have started their own design businesses!

The professional practice elements of the course curriculum include advice and support to prepare for and and assist students in gaining that all-important first job.

Graduates have gone on to careers in many areas including illustration, animation, computer games design, art direction, book and magazine design, advertising and teaching, with many choosing to work in a freelance capacity.

Career direction is dependent on the study route that you choose as you progress through the degree.

Applicants should have some knowledge of the subject and profession of illustration and how illustration differs from other, related visual communication and creative disciplines; particularly some thoughts about the difference between illustration and fine art. Interest in the creative arts in general is expected. Reading and a love of words would be a distinct advantage.

Applicants will require one of the following:

• 280 UCAS points, with a minimum of 100 points ((i.e. B or above at A-Level) in a relevant art/design subject
• Foundation Art and Design (Pass)
• Equivalent Scottish, Irish or Overseas qualifications
• An equivalent qualification to those listed above i.e. Access to Higher Education Certificate.

All applicants will be required to have at least five GCSEs, including a pass in GCSE English Language and evidence of an art/design subject. Mature students with relevant experience and/or portfolio of work are selected on individual merit.

Applicants will be invited for interview, whereby they will have the opportunity to go through their portfolio with members of the academic team.

Portfolios should include drawing/design work illustrating:

• Evidence of good observational drawing skills
• Evidence of basic exploration and experimentation with media and surfaces
• Some evidence of applying drawing/painting skills to textual interpretation.

Being in a studio environment really helped me, input from others is essential to progress your ideas. Its really important to listen to what others say about your work; group critiques can be really helpful and you shouldnt be afraid to give a real opinion and take other peoples opinion into account, as it can help to move your work forward.

One piece of advice I would give new students is be good at time management, being at university isnt just about getting a degree, if you can manage your time then you’re in for the best time of your life!”

Charlotte Hiesley, who achieved a First Class Honours in Illustration won the prestigious New Designers Hallmark Cards Award at New Designers.

For further information and funding your study please see our Fees & Funding pages.

Fees and Funding