BA Illustration
University for the Creative Arts
About this course
BA (Hons) Illustration is an undergraduate design degree exploring visual communication, narrative techniques, and contemporary creative practice. Core topics include Research Methods, Critical & Analytical Thinking, Ethics & Professional Practice, and Design & Creative Practice. Students can optionally undertake a year abroad or a compulsory foundation year. The first year covers foundational creative disciplines through modules such as Situating Illustration, Career Catalyst: Skills & Capability, Applied Illustration, and Hybrid Practices. The second year builds technical capability and contextual understanding through Expanded Illustration Practice, Career Catalyst: Communities & Influence, Integrated Illustration Practice, and Festival. The final year focuses on professional readiness and independent work through Creative Research, Career Catalyst: Futures & Direction, and 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
For both the BA (Hons) course and the Integrated Foundation Year we will need to see your portfolio, please see the portfolio requirements section for more details. The standard entry requirements* for these courses are one of the following: 112 UCAS tariff points, see accepted qualifications; Pass at Foundation Diploma in Art & Design (Level 3 or 4); Distinction, Merit, Merit at BTEC Extended Diploma / BTEC National Extended Diploma; Merit at UAL Extended Diploma; 112 UCAS tariff points from an accredited Access to Higher Education Diploma in appropriate subject; 27 total points in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program with at least 15 IB points at Higher Level (HL), see more information about IB entry requirements . And four GCSE passes at grade 9-4/A*-C including English (or Functional Skills English/Key Skills Communication Level 2). Other relevant and equivalent Level 3 UK and international qualifications are considered on an individual basis, and we encourage students from diverse educational backgrounds to apply.
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What students say
Based on about 249 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Teaching on my course: 86%
- Learning opportunities: 85%
- Assessment and feedback: 85%
- Academic support: 88%
- Organisation and management: 73%
- Learning resources: 87%
- Student voice: 79%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 20 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 85%
- Left higher education: 15%
What graduates do next
Based on about 81 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Working: 74%
- Working and studying: 8%
- Further study: 1%
- Unemployed: 8%
Most common jobs
- Web and Multimedia Design Professionals: 13%
- Sales occupations: 12%
- Elementary occupations: 10%
- Artistic, literary and media occupations: 8%
- Administrative occupations: 7%
- Find their work meaningful: 70%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 45%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 40%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 870 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North West: 2%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 2%
- East Midlands: 2%
- West Midlands: 2%
- East of England: 8%
- London: 37%
- South East: 42%
- South West: 3%
- Wales: 1%
- Scotland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 10 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 90%
- Access course: 10%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Silver for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Situating Illustration
- Career Catalyst: Skills & Capability
- Applied Illustration
- Hybrid Practices
- Expanded Illustration Practice
- Career Catalyst: Communities & Influence
- Integrated Illustration Practice
- Festival
- Creative Research
- Career Catalyst: Futures & Direction
- Major Project
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BA Illustration at University for the Creative Arts earn?
The median salary is £26,500 after 15 months, £21,500 after 3 years, £26,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £21,000 and £32,500. The £26,500 median after five years is £500 more than the UK median for Design studies.
What do graduates of BA Illustration at University for the Creative Arts do next?
83% 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 for the Creative Arts?
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 at University for the Creative Arts?
The typical offer is 27 points in the IB. The average entrant had 93 UCAS points.
Does BA Illustration at University for the Creative Arts include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on BA Illustration at University for the Creative Arts?
85% of students continued into their second year, and 15% left higher education.