University of Northampton

Illustration BA (Hons)

University of NorthamptonWaterside Campus, Northampton

Course overview

This BA Illustration degree at the University of Northampton puts the power of storytelling and visual communication at the heart of what we do. Supporting students through an open, diverse, and enquiring approach to image making, our undergraduate illustration course provides a nurturing space for creative ‘play’ in which students can experiment and explore. Through a range of media, project briefs and critical thinking, we create work with meaning and purpose.

This intellectually stimulating environment allows personal development, entrepreneurial skills, a practical approach to problem solving, and the opportunity for the individual student to find their own personal ‘voice’ as an illustrator. Through this integrated programme of study students have the freedom to discover a range of processes and outcomes using traditional and digital media – from page to screen, 3D, installation, and interaction – supporting the development of their own visual language. We prepare students to be confident and competent professional practitioners during their time on the course and for their long-term careers.

We invite a variety of leading people from the creative industries to give talks, workshops, and portfolio reviews to enhance your learning. A professional practice field trip is usually planned into the course, where students get the opportunity to visit illustration agencies, publishers and leading art directors responsible for commissioning illustration.

Key highlights

  • Storytelling and visual communication at the heart of the course
  • Traditional and digital media, from page to screen, 3D and installation
  • Talks, workshops and portfolio reviews from creative industry figures
  • Professional practice field trip to agencies, publishers and art directors
  • Develops entrepreneurial skills and a personal visual language as an illustrator

Entry requirements

  • A-level: BBC — A typical offer for this Illustration degree would be: BBC at A-Level or, DMM at BTEC/Cambridge Technical or, Merit at T Level A Foundation Diploma in Art and Design will also be accepted.
  • BTEC: DMM — A typical offer for this Illustration degree would be: BBC at A-Level or, DMM at BTEC/Cambridge Technical or, Merit at T Level A Foundation Diploma in Art and Design will also be accepted.
  • T-level: Merit — A typical offer for this Illustration degree would be: BBC at A-Level or, DMM at BTEC/Cambridge Technical or, Merit at T Level A Foundation Diploma in Art and Design will also be accepted.

Scholarships

  • ICAEW Foundation Bursary

    Three annual payments of £4,000

    Up to £12,000

  • John Lowe Accounting and Finance Scholarship

    Scholarship is paid as £1,000 in the second and third years of study.

    Up to £2,000

  • Northampton Energy Elite Athlete Scholarship

    This scheme offers the student athlete a support network enabling them to balance the demands of performance sport with academic study.

  • Reid Science, Engineering, and Computing Bursary

    £500 per year of study

    Up to £1,500

  • TD Lewis Scholarship

    The T D Lewis Scholarship provides both undergraduate and postgraduate students with financial awards of up to £1,000.

    Up to £100

  • The Chancellor's Fund

    Up to £50

  • The University of Northampton International Scholarship

    The University of Northampton International Scholarship Scheme is a merit-based scholarship that provides up to a £4,000 reduction in tuition fees.

  • Wilson Endowment Scholarship

    Successful students will receive three annual payments of £500, one for each year of study.

    Up to £1,500

Careers this course leads to

  • Freelance illustrator
  • Children's book illustrator
  • Editorial illustrator
  • Concept artist
  • Graphic designer
  • Animator

Cost of study

UK/Home: £9,790 per year | International: £17,000 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 Northampton, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.

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