BA Illustration
About this course
BA (Hons) Illustration is an undergraduate design degree focused on visual storytelling, narrative processes and contemporary creative practice. Core topics include Research Methods, Critical & Analytical Thinking, and Design & Creative Practice. Students can also undertake an optional placement year as part of their studies. The first year introduces narrative processes and contemporary approaches through compulsory modules including Professional Futures: Communication (Illustration), Moving Stories, and Discuss and Distribute. Year two builds collaborative and analytical skills with modules such as Professional Futures: Collaboration and Defining Practice, alongside optional modules like Industry Project and Independent Creative Entrepreneur. Final year teaching encompasses Independent Enquiry, Professional Futures: Presentation, and a Major Project.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
Standard offer: 112 UCAS Tariff points. Learn more about UCAS Tariff points . Accelerate offer: 80 UCAS Tariff points. Find out more about BCU Accelerate . As creativity is an important part of this course, you are expected to submit a portfolio as part of the selection process. This is your opportunity to show your ideas and skills to our tutors. If you are not studying a creative subject at Level 3, you can still apply for this course. Our portfolio guidance information includes alternative options for how you can show us your passion for art. This course does not require evidence of GCSE qualifications. Please see A Level, BTEC and other level 3 requirements below. A Level / AS Level: A Level: 112 UCAS Tariff points / BBC (or equivalent) AS Level: Must be in a different subject to A Levels A maximum of four subjects will be considered Pearson BTEC (Diploma / Extended Diploma/ Extended Certificate): 112 UCAS Tariff points Diploma accepted with one A Level or equivalent level 3 qualifications Extended Certificate accepted with two A Levels or equivalent level 3 qualifications T Level: Merit overall All subjects accepted but Digital Production, Design and Development and Craft and Design preferred. Access to HE Diploma: Pass with 60 credits, 45 credits at level 3 Accepted subjects: Arts, Media and Publishing subjects preferred but other subjects also considered OCR Cambridge Technical qualifications: 112 UCAS Tariff points NCFE CACHE Level 3 qualifications: 112 UCAS Tariff points WJEC Level 3 qualifications: 112 UCAS Tariff points Considered with two A Levels or equivalent level 3 qualification(s) Irish Leaving Certificate (Highers): Minimum of 112 UCAS Tariff points, achieved in five Higher level subjects Scottish Higher / Advanced Higher: 112 UCAS Tariff points from three Advanced Highers (CCD) or two Advanced Highers (CD) plus two Highers (CC) Welsh Baccalaureate: 112 UCAS Tariff points. Considered with three A Levels or equivalent level 3 qualifications UAL Leve
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What students say
Based on about 28 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 95%
- Learning opportunities: 90%
- Assessment and feedback: 93%
- Academic support: 97%
- Organisation and management: 98%
- Learning resources: 94%
- Student voice: 97%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 35 students who started
- Continued on course: 90%
- Left higher education: 10%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 5%
What graduates do next
Based on about 23 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 80%
- Working and studying: 10%
Most common jobs
- Artistic, literary and media occupations: 20%
- Sales occupations: 20%
- Elementary occupations: 20%
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionals: 5%
- Administrative occupations: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 30%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 30%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 30%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 630 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North West: 5%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 2%
- East Midlands: 12%
- West Midlands: 55%
- East of England: 5%
- London: 10%
- South East: 5%
- South West: 3%
- Wales: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 55 students who started
- A levels: 93%
- Baccalaureate: 4%
- Other HE qualification: 2%
- Other qualifications: 2%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Gold for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Professional Futures: Communication (Illustration)
- Moving Stories
- Discuss and Distribute
- Professional Futures: Collaboration
- Defining Practice
- Industry Project
- Independent Creative Entrepreneur
- Independent Enquiry
- Professional Futures: Presentation
- Major Project
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BA Illustration at Birmingham City University earn?
The median salary is £25,500 after 15 months, £20,000 after 3 years, £25,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £19,500 and £30,500. The £25,000 median after five years is £1,000 less than the UK median for Design studies.
What do graduates of BA Illustration at Birmingham City University do next?
90% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BA Illustration at Birmingham City University?
95% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BA Illustration at Birmingham City University?
The typical offer is BBC at A level. The average entrant had 131 UCAS points.
Does BA Illustration at Birmingham City University include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year.
How many students continue on BA Illustration at Birmingham City University?
90% of students continued into their second year, and 10% left higher education.