Illustration BA
Study of visual storytelling, image-making, and creative communication, developing your ability to convey ideas, narratives, and concepts through drawing, digital media, and visual experimentation.
Is this for you?
This degree could suit you if you:
Love drawing and visual storytelling
Are creative and imaginative
Want a career in illustration or media
Enjoy developing your own style
Like working independently
Popular Career Fields
Publishing & Media
Creative & Design Industries
Advertising & Marketing
Education
Your Personality Might Be:
Visual storyteller
Creative & Design Industries
Drawing-focused
Client-aware
What is it?
What is Illustration?
Illustration is a creative arts degree focused on using images to communicate ideas, stories, and information.
You’ll learn how to develop a personal visual style while working across traditional and digital media, producing illustrations for contexts such as publishing, advertising, editorial work, branding, animation, games, and education.
The degree combines artistic practice with conceptual thinking, research, and professional development.
It is ideal for students who enjoy drawing, visual storytelling, design, and creative problem-solving.
Why study Illustration?
If you want to turn visual ideas into meaningful communication, Illustration offers a flexible and industry-relevant creative pathway.
It helps you understand:
How images communicate messages and emotions
Visual narrative, sequencing, and storytelling
How illustration works across different industries and audiences
How to develop a distinctive creative voice
How to work professionally as a freelance or studio-based illustrator
Illustration graduates develop both creative and commercial awareness.
Course Summary
Study of visual storytelling, image-making, and creative communication, developing your ability to convey ideas, narratives, and concepts through drawing, digital media, and visual experimentation.
What you'll study
Illustration degrees can include:
Drawing and image-making techniques
Visual storytelling and narrative illustration
Digital illustration and mixed media
Concept development and research
Professional practice and portfolio building
Critical studies and contextual research
Skills You'll Gain
An Illusatrion degree builds creative and visual communication skills including:
Drawing and visual communication skills – enabling you to express ideas clearly through images.
Creative and conceptual thinking – helping you develop original and meaningful visual responses.
Digital and technical skills – supporting work across print and screen-based media.
Research and visual analysis – allowing you to ground creative work in context and theory.
Professional and self-promotion skills – preparing you for freelance or studio-based careers.
Pathways, Placements and Work Experience
CAREERS
Career Pathways
Graduates pursue careers such as:
Illustrator (freelance or studio-based)
Editorial or publishing illustrator
Concept artist or visual designer
Children’s book illustrator
Branding or marketing illustrator
Animation or games art roles
Work Experiences & Placements
Illustration degrees strongly encourage gaining industry experience alongside study.
Some programmes offer optional placement years, live briefs, or industry collaborations, while others support students in finding internships or freelance opportunities.
Typical work experience opportunities include:
Design or illustration studios
Publishing houses and editorial teams
Advertising, branding, or creative agencies
Animation, games, or digital media companies
Freelance commissions and self-initiated projects
Universities often support students through careers teams, portfolio reviews, and networking events.
Salary Profile
Coming soon
Qualifications, Personal Satement, What to do Next?
AM I ELIGIBLE?
Entry Requirements
A-levels or equivalent. Most universities prefer Art or design-related subjects. Some accept a broad range if portfolio demonstrates strong illustrative ability.
Personal Statement Tips
Show genuine enthusiasm for illustration and visual storytelling.
Discuss artists or illustrators who inspire your work.
Explain your creative process and interests.
Highlight curiosity, experimentation, and commitment to developing your skills.
What to do Next
Build a strong portfolio with sketchbooks and finished pieces.
Experiment with both traditional and digital illustration tools.
Follow contemporary illustrators and creative studios.
Take part in exhibitions, competitions, or online creative communities.
Wider Reading
Illustration Now! – Julius Wiedemann
A broad overview of contemporary illustration styles and practices.The Illustration Bible – Zeegen & Crush
A practical guide to illustration techniques, styles, and careers.Ways of Seeing – John Berger
A classic text on visual culture and how images communicate meaning.Creative Illustration – Andrew Loomis
A foundational book on drawing and illustration principles.Steal Like an Artist – Austin Kleon
An accessible and inspiring guide to creativity and developing a personal style.