BA Illustration
About this course
BA (Hons) in Illustration BA (Hons), a fashion design degree centred on creative image making and visual communication practices. Core topics include Research Methods, Communication & Writing, Ethics & Professional Practice, and Design & Creative Practice. The curriculum incorporates live industry projects and concludes with a public degree show exhibition. The first year covers foundational methods through compulsory modules such as Drawing, Context: Making Art and Artists, Visual Narratives, and Presenting Representation. Year two builds on this foundation with modules including Engagement, Making, Sensing, Thinking, Professional Networks, and Exhibition, allowing students to refine their technical skills. The final year focuses on independent portfolio development and contextual analysis through Advanced Studio, Dissertation, Degree Show, and Professional Futures.
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
Minimum entry requirements: 104 UCAS Tariff points; and 3 GCSEs at grade C/4 (or equivalent) including English Language. Portfolio Day: If your application is successful, you will be invited to a portfolio day. On the day, you will show your work to our tutors and discuss your work and the ideas behind it. You should prepare your portfolio with a range of work that may include finished projects, sketch books, digital work, paintings, photographs, drawings, 3D work, storyboards, short films or animations.
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What students say
Based on about 10 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 85%
- Learning opportunities: 78%
- Assessment and feedback: 75%
- Academic support: 85%
- Organisation and management: 43%
- Learning resources: 77%
- Student voice: 72%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 30 students who started
- Continued on course: 85%
- Left higher education: 10%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 5%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 40 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 15%
- North West: 5%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 70%
- Scotland: 5%
Who gets in
Based on about 25 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 90%
- A degree: 5%
- No formal qualifications: 10%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Gold for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Drawing
- Context: Making Art and Artists
- Visual Narratives
- Presenting Representation
- Engagement
- Making, Sensing, Thinking
- Professional Networks
- Exhibition
- Art: Ethics and Aesthetics
- Professional Networks (Exchange)*
- Advanced Studio
- Dissertation
- Degree Show
- Professional Futures
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BA Illustration at York St John University earn?
The median salary is £19,500 after 3 years, £24,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £19,500 and £30,000. The £24,000 median after five years is £2,000 less than the UK median for Design studies.
Are students happy with the teaching on BA Illustration at York St John University?
85% 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 York St John University?
The average entrant had 133 UCAS points.
Does BA Illustration at York St John University include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year.
How many students continue on BA Illustration at York St John University?
85% of students continued into their second year, and 10% left higher education.