BA Illustration
About this course
BA (Hons) in Illustration, an undergraduate degree focused on visual communication, narrative techniques and contemporary creative practice. Core topics include Computer Architecture, Ethics & Professional Practice, and Design & Creative Practice. Students can optionally undertake an industrial placement year, a study abroad period, or a foundation year. The first year introduces foundational principles through Investigating Visual Communication, Illustration Studio, Illustration Voice, Creative Debates, and Creative Interventions. In the second year, studies advance via Illustration World Building, Narrative Illustration, Defining Your Practice, and Professional Contexts, alongside optional modules such as Digital Lab - Explorations and Culture Lab - Image Explorations. The final year centers on autonomous practice and industry preparation through modules like The Design Sprint, The Applied Live Studio, and The Independent Creative Project. Further choices are available in optional pathways including Digital Lab - Strategies, Materials Lab - Strategies, and Independent Critical Strategies.
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
UCAS tariff: 96 A level: CCC T Level: Pass (C and above) BTEC: MMM GCSE: GCSE Maths and English Grade 4/Grade C (or above) or equivalent qualification Access to HE: Pass Access to HE Diploma with 60 credits: 45 at Level 3 with a minimum of Distinction: 15, Merit: 15, Pass: 15 English language: IELTS: 6.0 (with at least 5.5 in each skills area)
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What students say
Based on about 8 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 93%
- Learning opportunities: 76%
- Assessment and feedback: 70%
- Academic support: 90%
- Organisation and management: 80%
- Learning resources: 77%
- Student voice: 80%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 75%
- Gained a higher qualification: 25%
What graduates do next
Based on about 13 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 70%
- Working and studying: 15%
- Further study: 5%
Most common jobs
- Web and Multimedia Design Professionals: 15%
- Design occupations: 15%
- Elementary occupations: 9%
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionals: 8%
- Skilled trades occupations: 6%
- Find their work meaningful: 60%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 65%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 50%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 180 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 1%
- North West: 3%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 7%
- East Midlands: 55%
- West Midlands: 23%
- East of England: 3%
- London: 3%
- South East: 4%
- South West: 1%
- Wales: 1%
- Northern Ireland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 10 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 100%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Gold overall, Gold for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Applied Professional Practice
- Contemporary Issues in Professional Practice
- Investigating Visual Communication
- Illustration Studio
- Illustration Voice
- Creative Debates
- Creative Interventions
- Illustration World Building
- Narrative Illustration
- Defining Your Practice
- Professional Contexts
- Digital Lab - Explorations
- Social Practice Lab – Explorations
- Materials Lab - Explorations
- Culture Lab - Image Explorations
- Creative Industry and Enterprise Lab - Explorations
- The Design Sprint
- The Applied Live Studio
- The Independent Creative Project
- Digital Lab - Strategies
- Social Practice Lab - Strategies
- Materials Lab - Strategies
- Culture Lab - Curatorial Strategies
- Creative Industry and Enterprise Lab - Strategies
- Independent Critical Strategies
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BA Illustration at University of Derby earn?
The median salary is £25,000 after 15 months, £19,000 after 3 years, £24,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £18,500 and £28,500. The £24,500 median after five years is £1,500 less than the UK median for Design studies.
What do graduates of BA Illustration at University of Derby 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 University of Derby?
93% 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 University of Derby?
The typical offer is CCC at A level. The average entrant had 95 UCAS points.
Does BA Illustration at University of Derby include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year and an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on BA Illustration at University of Derby?
75% of students continued into their second year, and 0% left higher education.