Illustration Pathways in the UK

Illustration is a tool often used to communicate and convey ideas to others. An effective illustration can usually say more, and have a more powerful impact than words, hence the saying ‘a picture is worth a thousand words’. Illustrations allow you to make a statement, evoke emotions or tell a story without using a single word. By studying an illustration degree, you will take your talent and skill, and turn it into a career.

Undergraduate

An undergraduate degree in illustration will give you a good foundation of knowledge in the area. You will develop your natural and practical talent with theoretical techniques. You will study modules on the theories of art and design, the history and culture of illustration, visual narratives, how to develop your voice through illustration, as well as exploring a variety of illustration styles and techniques.

Your degree will be delivered through a mixture of modes. These will include lectures and seminars, as well as incorporating practical, studio based sessions and potential field trips. You may also be presented with the opportunity to take part in a work experience placement, which will allow you to develop your professional practice.

Postgraduate

A postgraduate degree in illustration will help you to build on the skills and knowledge you gained at undergraduate level. You will also be able to find your unique illustration style and technique. The modules you study could include critical analysis in illustration, advanced visual communication, illustration for advertising, graphic design, and the context of illustration. A postgraduate illustration degree will be aimed at helping you to build a portfolio of work in preparation for work in the creative industries.

Depending on where you choose to study, you may be able to specialise towards the end of your illustration degree. This specialisation could influence the area in which you choose to work after you have graduated. It can also help you to decide which area you wish to focus your dissertation or final year project on. Common specialisations include:

• Contemporary Illustration
• Digital Illustration
• Illustration for Fashion
• Illustration for Newspapers and Magazines

The accreditation of your degree will depend on where you choose to study. It will also be influenced by your level of study. At undergraduate level, you can expect to be awarded a Bachelor of Arts (BA), a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), or a Bachelor of Design (BDes). At postgraduate level, you can expect to be awarded a Master of Arts (MA), Master of Fine Arts (MFA), or Master of Design (MDes). If you choose to study for a postgraduate research degree, you will be awarded a Master of Research (MRes), Master of Philosophy (MPhil), or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).

Generally, an undergraduate degree will take three to four years to complete. Foundation degrees, diplomas and certificates can last up to two years when studied full-time. A postgraduate degree will normally take one to two years. If your course includes a placement, this will usually add another year onto your studies.

Some institutions might offer part-time study options. Studying for a degree part-time normally means that your course will last anywhere between three and eight years, with some universities offering more flexible study options.

Illustration graduates will find that there are career opportunities available to them in a wide range of industries. Popular destinations include animator, graphic designer, self-employed illustrator, and printmaker. You will have gained a variety of useful and transferable skills throughout your degree. These could include project development, time management, independent working, and effective communication.