BA Illustration
About this course
BA (Hons) in Illustration, an art and design degree centred on visual communication, image-making, and professional practice. Core topics include Research Methods, Communication & Writing, Critical & Analytical Thinking, Ethics & Professional Practice, and Design & Creative Practice. Students can choose to undertake an optional foundation year at the start of the course, as well as an optional placement year or a year abroad during their studies. The first year introduces foundational skills through modules such as Design Context 1, Creative Thinking, Communication Craft Skills, and Introduction to Graphic Communication. The second year builds upon this knowledge with modules including Design Context 2, Professional Practice, Graphic Communication in Context, and Applied Illustration. The final year focuses on advanced professional development through Design Context 3, Illustration Set Project, Self-Initiated Illustration Project, and External Illustration 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
96 points at A2 BTEC Extended Diploma: MMM BTEC Diploma: DD Pass Access Course: 96 UCAS points International Baccalaureate Diploma: Pass including 96 points from Higher Level subjects T Level: P (C+) IELTS: 6.0 with no component lower than 5.5 GCSEs: 5 at grade C/4 including Maths and English or equivalent Applicants are required to submit a portfolio for consideration - you will be sent an email by our Admissions Office advising how this should be provided.
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What students say
Based on about 19 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 90%
- Learning opportunities: 86%
- Assessment and feedback: 87%
- Academic support: 92%
- Organisation and management: 83%
- Learning resources: 89%
- Student voice: 83%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 20 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 90%
- Left higher education: 10%
What graduates do next
Based on about 11 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 55%
- Working and studying: 5%
- Further study: 10%
- Unemployed: 20%
Most common jobs
- Artistic, literary and media occupations: 40%
- Administrative occupations: 10%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 10%
- Caring personal services: 10%
- Sales occupations: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 70%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 50%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 55%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 315 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 2%
- North West: 73%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 6%
- East Midlands: 4%
- West Midlands: 3%
- East of England: 1%
- London: 4%
- South East: 3%
- South West: 1%
- Wales: 2%
- Scotland: 1%
- Northern Ireland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 30 students who started
- A levels: 95%
- Other HE qualification: 5%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Bronze for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Design Context 1
- Creative Thinking
- Communication Craft Skills
- Introduction to Graphic Communication
- Design Context 2
- Professional Practice
- Graphic Communication in Context
- Applied Illustration
- Design Context 3
- Illustration Set Project
- Self-Initiated Illustration Project
- External Illustration project
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BA Illustration at University of Lancashire earn?
The median salary is £25,000 after 15 months, £19,500 after 3 years, £23,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £19,000 and £28,000. The £23,500 median after five years is £2,500 less than the UK median for Design studies.
What do graduates of BA Illustration at University of Lancashire do next?
70% 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 Lancashire?
90% 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 Lancashire?
The average entrant had 127 UCAS points.
Does BA Illustration at University of Lancashire 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 Lancashire?
90% of students continued into their second year, and 10% left higher education.