BA Illustration
About this course
BA (Hons) in Illustration, an art and design degree focusing on visual communication, narrative development, and practical studio processes. Core topics include Research Methods, Critical & Analytical Thinking, Ethics & Professional Practice, and Design & Creative Practice. Students can optionally undertake a year abroad. The first year introduces foundational techniques through modules such as Drawing and Printmaking, Storytelling Through Illustration, and Character. The second year expands into contextual study and collaboration with modules including Theme and Context, Drawing: from Observation to Interpretation, Illustration and Impact: Making a Difference, and Collaborartive Practice. The final year culminates in independent portfolio and project work supported by modules such as Research Project, Minor Negotiated Project, Professional Practice 1: Understanding the Market, Major Negotiated Project, and Professional Practice 2: Setting out your stall.
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
A level: 104 from a minimum of two A levels. BTEC National Extended Diploma: DMM in any subject. Access to HE Diploma: Pass an Access to Higher Education Diploma (preferably Art and Design or combined), with at least 33 credits at merit and/or distinction. T level: Merit with a preference for Digital Production or Design and Development. Other subjects may be considered. International Baccalaureate: 26 overall. Portfolio: Applicants are required to submit a portfolio, with an optional informal interview, for entry onto this course. If you have any questions, please contact our Admissions Team; drop us an email at applications@plymouth.ac.uk or alternatively give us a call on +44 1752 585858 . Learn more about submitting your portfolio Other qualifications: Other combinations and non-A level qualifications also considered.
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What students say
Based on about 13 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 89%
- Learning opportunities: 96%
- Assessment and feedback: 88%
- Academic support: 86%
- Organisation and management: 74%
- Learning resources: 65%
- Student voice: 81%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 30 students who started
- Continued on course: 95%
- Gained a higher qualification: 5%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 5%
What graduates do next
Based on about 18 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 70%
- Working and studying: 20%
- Further study: 5%
- Unemployed: 5%
Most common jobs
- Elementary occupations: 30%
- Artistic, literary and media occupations: 20%
- Managers, directors and senior officials: 5%
- Administrative occupations: 5%
- Web and Multimedia Design Professionals: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 75%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 60%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 45%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 185 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North West: 1%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 1%
- East Midlands: 2%
- West Midlands: 5%
- East of England: 2%
- London: 11%
- South East: 10%
- South West: 65%
- Wales: 3%
- Scotland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 30 students who started
- A levels: 90%
- Access course: 5%
- Other HE qualification: 5%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Gold overall, Gold for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Modules
- Drawing and Printmaking
- Storytelling Through Illustration
- Character
- Theme and Context
- Drawing: from Observation to Interpretation
- Illustration and Impact: Making a Difference
- Collaborartive Practice
- Research Project
- Minor Negotiated Project
- Professional Practice 1: Understanding the Market
- Major Negotiated Project
- Professional Practice 2: Setting out your stall
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BA Illustration at University of Plymouth earn?
The median salary is £25,000 after 15 months, £21,000 after 3 years, £25,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £21,500 and £32,000. 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 University of Plymouth 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 Plymouth?
89% 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 Plymouth?
The average entrant had 157 UCAS points.
Does BA Illustration at University of Plymouth include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on BA Illustration at University of Plymouth?
95% of students continued into their second year, and 0% left higher education.