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It combines creativity, drawing, digital tools and conceptual thinking to prepare you for a career in the creative industries. If you love sketching, exploring visual storytelling or experimenting with design and characters, Illustration could be the ideal degree for you.
What Is Illustration Like at University?
Illustration degrees are practical, studio-based and idea-driven. You’ll work across a range of media including drawing, painting, printmaking, collage and digital design. You’ll learn how to use illustration to inform, entertain, educate or persuade. Many courses explore both traditional and digital techniques and give you the freedom to develop your own visual style. You’ll also study visual communication theory, art history and professional practices that prepare you for the realities of working in the creative industry.
How Long Does It Take and What Are the Options?
In the UK, most Illustration degrees are three-year BA (Hons) courses, though some universities offer a four-year course with a foundation year or a placement year in industry. Some degrees are very hands-on with lots of contact hours and practical briefs, while others take a more experimental or conceptual approach. You can also find courses that specialise in children's illustration, editorial design, or digital illustration for games and apps. Some universities offer Illustration as part of a broader Visual Communication or Graphic Arts degree with options to focus on illustration in later years.
How Will You Be Taught and Assessed?
You’ll be taught through studio workshops, technical demonstrations, tutorials, critiques and lectures. You’ll respond to creative briefs and often work on both individual and group projects. Many courses involve live briefs set by industry professionals or organisations. Assessment is typically based on coursework, including sketchbooks, portfolios, final outcomes, research journals and reflective writing. In your final year, you’ll produce a major project that showcases your personal voice and creative development.
What A Levels or Subjects Do You Need?
Most universities require:
Art or Fine Art A level — essential or strongly preferred
A portfolio — essential for all applicants
Other useful subjects include Graphic Design, Photography, Textiles or Media Studies. BTECs in Art and Design or Creative Media are also commonly accepted. Entry requirements vary but your portfolio is often the most important part of your application. It should show your drawing ability, imagination, technical skill and interest in storytelling and design.
What Skills Will You Develop?
An Illustration degree will help you become a confident, adaptable and visually fluent communicator. You’ll build skills in:
Drawing and image-making
Digital design software (like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Procreate)
Visual storytelling and narrative development
Creative research and idea generation
Working to briefs and deadlines
Critical thinking and visual analysis
Presentation and professional communication
Portfolio building and self-promotion
You’ll also learn how to respond to client needs, develop your own creative identity and navigate the world of freelance or studio-based work.
What Can You Do With an Illustration Degree?
Illustration offers a wide range of career paths across publishing, media, design and entertainment. Graduates often work as:
Freelance illustrators for books, magazines or brands
Children’s book illustrators or comics artists
Editorial illustrators for newspapers or digital media
Illustrators for advertising or product packaging
Storyboard artists or concept artists for film, animation and games
Surface pattern designers for fashion and homeware
Graphic novel or zine creators
Visual designers or art directors (with further training)
Some graduates also move into teaching, art therapy, animation or postgraduate study. Many illustrators work independently, combining commissions with personal projects and online sales of prints or products.
Studying Illustration Abroad
Illustration is a popular degree worldwide, and many countries offer strong programmes in art schools and universities. Here’s an overview of what to expect abroad.
USA
In the US, Illustration is often studied as a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA). Programmes usually include a wide range of specialisms such as children’s illustration, comics, visual development or editorial design. Renowned schools like the Rhode Island School of Design and Savannah College of Art and Design offer industry-focused courses with excellent creative resources.
Canada
Canadian institutions such as OCAD University and Sheridan College offer Illustration degrees with a strong focus on drawing, communication and digital media. Courses often include professional development and internships. Canada’s creative sectors are well-connected to publishing, games and advertising industries.
European Union
Illustration degrees in English are offered in the Netherlands, Germany, Denmark and Sweden. Dutch schools like Willem de Kooning Academy and ArtEZ are known for combining experimental and professional approaches. Many European courses place a strong emphasis on self-directed projects and international collaboration.
Australia
Australian universities like RMIT, Monash and the University of New South Wales offer Illustration within broader design or visual arts degrees. Courses are studio-intensive and often include opportunities to work on real industry briefs or showcase work in exhibitions.
New Zealand
In New Zealand, universities such as Massey and AUT offer Illustration as part of Communication Design or Creative Media programmes. Courses combine visual storytelling with digital media and professional practice. Graduates often work across publishing, marketing and cultural sectors.
Studying Illustration abroad can give you international industry insight and expose you to new visual cultures and design approaches. It’s a great option for students interested in global publishing, animation or brand storytelling.
Is Illustration the Right Course for You?
Illustration is a perfect fit for students who love drawing, storytelling and creating images that communicate ideas. It suits people who are imaginative, self-motivated and enjoy solving creative problems. Whether you want to illustrate books, design for brands or explore new media, a degree in Illustration will help you develop your style, build a professional portfolio and prepare for a creative and flexible career.
