This course has been devised in response to industry and student-led demand for practical training in makeup and hairdressing techniques for theatre, film, TV, fashion, festival, carnival and entertainment arenas.
Level 4+
BA (Hons) Illustration Degree (Full-time)
COURSE OVERVIEW
Institution Code: C57
UCAS Course code: W221
Our BA (Hons) Illustration course offers an intensively creative experience, designed to help you develop your unique artistic style through workshops, seminars, and professional illustration briefs. You’ll have the opportunity to experiment with traditional digital and innovative techniques, equipping you with the skills needed for a career in contemporary illustration.
Taught by award-winning professional illustrators, this course provides with a strong foundation for a lucrative and commercially viable art career. Many of our students have won prestigious illustration prizes from global publishers and agencies like Macmillan and Plum Pudding, and our alumni include successful illustrators such as Jamie Hewlett, creator of Gorillaz.
In the first year, you will be introduced to the creative process and encouraged to experiment with a variety of media while developing ideas in response to practical tasks.
The second year focuses on refining your existing skills and applying them to industry-standard project briefs while gaining insight into current market trends and industry demands.
In your final year, you will develop you personal visual style and take creative ownership of your work by writing your own briefs and completing a Final Project tailored to your interests, preparing you for the professional world of illustration.
For those seeking a more flexible study option, we also offer this course on a part-time basis, taught over five years, making it ideal for individuals balancing study with other commitments.
Key features of the course are:
- Study across a wide variety of media, processes and disciplines, including graphic design, illustration and animation
- Work across a range of briefs, covering areas such as children’s books, editorial, advertising, packaging, and posters to build your portfolio
- Taught by practising tutors, including an award-winning children’s illustrator
- Collaborative learning opportunities with other students in the creative arts
Modules:
This course is designed to provide you with a well-rounded understanding of both the practical and conceptual aspects of illustration. Throughout your studies, you’ll engage with a variety of modules that will enhance your technical skills, inspire creative exploration, and encourage you to push the boundaries of visual storytelling. Here’s an overview of the module you’ll explore during your time on the course:
Level 4 (Year One) –
- The Creative Process (20 credits)
- Cultural and Contextual Studies (20 credits)
- Material and Methods (20 credits)
- Digital Design (20 credits)
- Applied Illustration (20 credits)
- Minor Project (20 credits)
Level 5 (Year Two)
- Professional Practice #1 (20 credits)
- Advanced Cultural and Contextual Studies (20 credits)
- Professional Practice #2 (20 credits)
- Business Practice (20 credits)
- Independent Project (40 credits)
Level 6 (Year Three) –
- Portfolio Studies (40 credits)
- Creative and Critical Research Project (20 credits)
- Final Major Project (40 credit)
- Self-promotion (20 credits)
Whether you aspire to be a freelance illustrator, digital artist or a children’s illustrator, this degree will give you the skills and confidence to transform your passion into a rewarding career.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Ready to stand out and secure your place in our course? Here’s how we evaluate your application:
We look at each application individually, considering your grades, interview performance, portfolio and any relevant experience. While we typically expect the following qualifications:
- A relevant A-Level qualifications, or
- A Level 3 Extended Diploma
We understand that not everyone follows the same path. If you don’t meet the standard entry requirements, don’t worry – there are still plenty of ways to show use what you are capable of! Show us your potential through:
- Relevant academic or work experience
- A strong, compelling personal statement
- An exception portfolio and interview
What do I bring to the interview?
For your interview, you will need to bring a small portfolio of your best work and attend an interview. Your portfolio should showcase a variety of different skills and creativity. This might include sketchbooks, colour work, drawings and a sample of written work.
This is your chance to shine and show us what makes you unique. So, pick the work you are most proud of and let your creativity do the talking.
Graduates from this course go on to pursue exciting and diverse careers, including:
- Freelance illustrator
- Animator
- Children’;s book illustrator
- Editorial illustrator
- Advertising and packaging designer
- Visualiser
- Graphic novel artist
Our illustration students gain an invaluable hands-on experience and build industry connections through live briefs, collaborations, and professional projects with publishers, agencies and creative studios. Many go on to establish successful careers in illustration, with some launching their own freelance businesses, securing commissions, or forming creative partnerships during the course.
Whether you aspire to work in publishing, digital media, advertising or storytelling, this course opens the door to a world of exciting opportunities in illustration.
Our teaching and assessment methods are designed to keep learning dynamic, engaging, and hands-on. You’ll experience a mix of:
- practical and creative studio-based workshops
- discussions
- lectures/seminars
- tutorials
- small group study
- self-directed study
- study trips
Assessment methods are tailored to each unit and may include:
- presentations (of practical work)
- journals
- research proposal
- sketchbooks/drawings
- written assignments
With this variety, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to grow and demonstrate your skills in ways that suit your strengths.
What are the costs of doing our course?
Tuition fees:
The tuition fee for this course is £9,535 per year.
Finance options:
There are several options available to help manage your tuition fees:
- Student Loan
- Instalment Payment Plan
- Company Scholarship
For more information, please visit our Finance and Funding page – Funding your Course | Northbrook College
Additional Costs for Creative Degree Programmes:
When planning your studies, it’;s important to consider potential additional costs beyond tuition fees. While tuition fees cover teaching, assessment, and access to College facilities such as studios, workshops, libraries, shared IT resources, and support services, some courses may require additional investment in materials, equipment, or activities.
- Textbooks: Key texts are available in our libraries, but you may choose to purchase personal copies for convenience.
- Computer Equipment: On-campus computers are available for student use, but having a personal laptop or tablet may be beneficial for flexibility and off-site study.
- Printing and Photocopying: Most coursework is submitted online, but some printed submissions may be required, along with optional binding or presentation materials.
- Materials: Creative courses may require specific art materials or equipment, and a suggested materials list will be provided upon enrolment.
- Field Trips: Some courses offer optional study visits or field trips to enhance learning.
- External Shows and Exhibitions: Students may have opportunities to participate in external exhibitions or shows, which could involve additional preparation or travel.
We are committed to providing transparent information regarding costs to help you plan effectively for your studies. For more information regarding the financial support that we offer, please visit our Financial Support page – Financial Support | Northbrook College
Validated by University of the Arts London (UAL)
This programme is validated by University of the Arts London (UAL). UAL is a leading education provider in the creative arts, ranked second in the world for art and design (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023). They oversee the standards and quality of our curriculum, which enriches your overall learning experience.
Please note this course is undergoing revalidation
Every 5 years UAL and Chichester College Group reviews course content to ensure that our students are benefitting from a high-quality academic experience. During this process there may be some changes made to the course which are not immediately reflected in the content displayed on this page. The information on this page will be updated once the process has been completed. Please contact us if you have any questions about this or the course via enquiries-worthing@gbmc.ac.uk
BOOK AN OPEN DAY
If you want to find out more about what Northbrook College has to offer why not join us at our next open day.
Visit our one of our specialist campuses to see our industry-standard facilities and meet our expert tutors.