BA Illustration and Visual Media
About this course
BA (Hons) Illustration and Visual Media, an undergraduate degree focused on contemporary illustration practices, experimental visual media, and professional storytelling. Core topics include Research Methods, Critical & Analytical Thinking, Ethics & Professional Practice, and Design & Creative Practice. The course includes an optional placement year through the Diploma in Professional Studies, as well as opportunities to undertake the Diploma in Creative Computing or the Diploma in Storytelling between the second and third years. The first year covers foundational methods and playful experimentation through units such as 1A - Exploration and Play, 1B - Introduction to Illustration and Visual Media, 2A – Critical Positions, and 2B – Responsible Design. The second year expands into immersive enquiries and imagined realities with modules including 3A – Immersive Enquiries, 3B - Professional Practices, 4A – Imagined Realities, and 4B - Design Cultures. The final year centres on independent research and portfolio development, featuring compulsory modules such as 5A: - Self-Initiated Research Project, 5B: - Professional Positioning, and 6: - Realisation Portfolio.
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
The course team welcomes applicants from a broad range of backgrounds from all over the world. The course attracts students who apply direct from A-level (or equivalent) or from Foundation Diploma in Art and Design, or other art or design courses, as well as mature students who may have previously worked in industry. The standard entry requirements for this course are as follows: 80 UCAS tariff points, which can be made up of one or a combination of the following accepted full level 3 qualifications: A Levels at grade C or above (preferred subjects include: English; History; Media; Business; Art and Design, or other subjects within Social Sciences). Pass at Foundation Diploma in Art & Design (Level 3 or 4). Merit, Merit, Pass at BTEC Extended Diploma (preferred subjects: Art and Design, IT & Computing). Merit at UAL Extended Diploma. Access to Higher Education Diploma (preferred subject: Digital and Creative Media, Film and Production, Computing). OR equivalent EU/International qualifications, such as International Baccalaureate Diploma at 24 points minimum And 3 GCSE passes at grade 4 or above (grade A*-C).
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What students say
Based on about 53 final-year students who answered
- Teaching on my course: 86%
- Learning opportunities: 83%
- Assessment and feedback: 90%
- Academic support: 93%
- Organisation and management: 76%
- Learning resources: 89%
- Student voice: 84%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 130 students who started
- Continued on course: 91%
- Left higher education: 9%
What graduates do next
Based on about 8 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 75%
- Working and studying: 10%
- Unemployed: 10%
Most common jobs
- Elementary occupations: 30%
- Sales occupations: 20%
- Teaching Professionals: 10%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 10%
- Administrative occupations: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 65%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 40%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 35%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 1,110 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North West: 2%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 1%
- East Midlands: 2%
- West Midlands: 3%
- East of England: 8%
- London: 68%
- South East: 11%
- South West: 3%
- Wales: 1%
- Scotland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 125 students who started
- A levels: 72%
- Baccalaureate: 3%
- Other HE qualification: 25%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Bronze overall, Bronze for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- 1B - Introduction to Illustration and Visual Media
- 1A - Exploration and Play
- 2A – Critical Positions
- 2B – Responsible Design
- 3B - Professional Practices
- 3A – Immersive Enquiries
- 4A – Imagined Realities
- 4B - Design Cultures
- 5A: - Self-Initiated Research Project
- 5B: - Professional Positioning
- 6: - Realisation Portfolio
- Diploma in Professional Studies (DPS) (Optional)
- UAL Diploma in Creative Computing (Optional)
- Diploma in Storytelling (Optional)
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BA Illustration and Visual Media at University of the Arts London earn?
The median salary is £23,500 after 3 years, £29,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £21,500 and £36,000. The £29,500 median after five years is £3,500 more than the UK median for Design studies.
What do graduates of BA Illustration and Visual Media at University of the Arts London do next?
85% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BA Illustration and Visual Media at University of the Arts London?
86% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BA Illustration and Visual Media at University of the Arts London?
The typical offer is 24 points in the IB. The average entrant had 130 UCAS points.
Does BA Illustration and Visual Media at University of the Arts London include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year.
How many students continue on BA Illustration and Visual Media at University of the Arts London?
91% of students continued into their second year, and 9% left higher education.