Illustration
University of DerbyDerby (Markeaton Street), United Kingdom
Course overview
• You will be encouraged to experiment and challenge what illustration is, with the opportunity to take part in live projects and high-profile competitions. Each module is designed to challenge you in exploring and solving a range of creative problems • Located in a dedicated and inspiring illustration studio you will network with your peers and forge lifelong connections. You will gain opportunities to specialise in a specific field or area of expertise in illustration and flexibility to discover and create self-authored projects • You will be introduced to a variety of illustration practices, including sequential image-making, characterisation, reportage and editorial illustration • We also run a high-profile lecture series offering you the chance to meet leading industry speakers from a variety of disciplines, such as Sam Arthur, founder of Nobrow Publishing and ceramicist and illustrator, Laura Carlin • Take up opportunities for trips to galleries and events both locally and further afield as well as the chance to take part in exciting pop-up showcase events in the city • All students become members of The Association of Illustrators and network with influential illustrators at the forefront of the industry, gaining advice on how to set up as a freelancer, receive professional portfolio consultations, accessing resources such as legal and pricing advice.
Key highlights
- Live projects and high-profile competitions built into the course
- Dedicated illustration studio for collaborative work and peer networking
- Practices include sequential image-making, characterisation, reportage and editorial illustration
- Lecture series with leading industry speakers such as Sam Arthur
- Membership of The Association of Illustrators for every student
- Freelance guidance, portfolio consultations, and legal and pricing advice
Entry requirements
- UCAS tariff points: 96 — Requirement: What we're looking for Requirement: What we're looking for UCAS points: 96 A Level: CCC T Level: Pass (C and above) BTEC: MMM GCSE: GCSE Maths and English Grade 4/Grade C (or above) or equivalent qualificati…
- A-level: CCC — …What we're looking for Requirement: What we're looking for UCAS points: 96 A Level: CCC T Level: Pass (C and above) BTEC: MMM GCSE: GCSE Maths and English Grade 4/Grade C (or above) or equivalent qualification Access to HE…
- T-level: Pass — …looking for Requirement: What we're looking for UCAS points: 96 A Level: CCC T Level: Pass (C and above) BTEC: MMM GCSE: GCSE Maths and English Grade 4/Grade C (or above) or equivalent qualification Access to HE: Pass Access…
- BTEC: MMM — …we're looking for UCAS points: 96 A Level: CCC T Level: Pass (C and above) BTEC: MMM GCSE: GCSE Maths and English Grade 4/Grade C (or above) or equivalent qualification Access to HE: Pass Access to HE Diploma with 60 credi…
- GCSE: 4/C — to include Mathematics, English
- Access to HE Diploma: Pass — Pass; with 60 credits: 45 at Level 3 with a minimum
Scholarships
Full Payment Discount
If you pay your annual tuition fee in full ahead of enrolment, you will benefit from a £1,000 discount.
Up to £1,000Sports Scholarships - Individual and Team Sport Scholar
Up to £3,000 fee subsidy and support services.
Sports Scholarships - Performance Team Sports Scholar
Up to £3,000 fee subsidy and support services.
Talented Athlete Award
Please contact the provider.
Vice-Chancellor's Scholarships
Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarships - £2,000
Up to £2,000
Careers this course leads to
- Freelance illustrator
- Editorial illustrator
- Children's book illustrator
- Comic and graphic novel artist
- Character designer
- Concept artist
Cost of study
UK/Home: £9,535 per year | International: £17,500 per year
Admission
Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to University of Derby, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.
Ready to start?
Book a free consultation and we'll map your fastest route to a September 2026 place.