Illustration BA(Hons) Degree
Student work
Kate Daubney
Book jacket illustration by Kate Daubney, 2009 graduate, highly commended in the Macmillan Children's Book Prize, with clients including Caterpillar Books and Cambridge University Press.
Bobby Cheung
Children's book illustration by Bobby Cheung, 2009 graduate who also studied MA Illustration: Authorial Practice at Falmouth.
Mark Boardman
Book cover artwork by Mark Boardman, 2009 graduate and winner of D&AD Best New Blood Award 2009.
Emily Kapff
Illustration by Emily Kapff, 2009 graduate
Latest news
Graduate’s Baroness Thatcher portrait gains national attention
Falmouth University Alumnus
who painted Baroness Thatcher's portrait in a series of intimate sittings has
gained national attention for her work following the former Prime Minister's
passing.
Illustrious Accolades for Illustration Alumni
BA(Hons) Illustration and MA Illustration: Authorial Practice at
Falmouth University are regarded as two of the best Illustration courses
in Europe. Many students go on to develop successful careers in the
industry or become autonomous writers and illustrators of their own
books and graphic novels. As such, individual recognition has recently
been awarded to three of Falmouth University's Illustration Alumni:
Pippa Sweeney, Rebecca Cobb and Viviane Schwarz.
Internationally renowned illustrators visit Falmouth
Four internationally renowned illustrators visited Falmouth last week to present at the annual Illustration Forum, at the Falmouth Campus. The event was chaired by leading comics and graphic novels critic and historian Dr. Roger Sabin. Each year a theme is chosen for the Forum which explores a different aspect of authorial illustration practice.
MA Authorial Illustration success at the Cheltenham Illustration Awards
MA Illustration: Authorial Practice graduates Peter Murgatroyd and Jack
Brougham have scooped the student prizes at the Cheltenham Illustration
Awards 2012, claiming ‘Student Winner' and ‘Student Runner-Up' and
receiving an Apple iMac computer and £500 respectively.
Success for Falmouth at D&AD Awards 2012
Students from BA(Hons) Graphic Design and MA Creative Advertising scooped notable awards at this year's D&AD (British Design & Art Direction) Awards.
It's Absurd! International Illustrators Visit Falmouth
Five internationally renowned illustrators visited Falmouth last week to present at the annual Illustration Forum at the Woodlane Campus.
F is for Falphabet: Affordable Art in Falmouth
26 final year BA(Hons) Illustration students are creating 26 unique limited edition prints of the letters in the alphabet, which they hope to sell to raise funds for their graduating year book, ‘Illustrated Quotes and Sayings.'
Latest events
Exhibition: Headhunted
'Fri, Apr 26th, 2013, 10:30am to Sun, May 26th, 2013, 4:30pm'
Ben Sanderson, Matthew Benington and Louise Thomas, three alumni from Fine Art BA(Hons) at Falmouth University, present a month long exhibition at The Bucca Gallery, Newlyn curated by Jesse Leroy Smith and Henry Garfit.
Exhibition: Rituals Are Tellers Of Us
'Sat, May 4th, 2013, 10:00am to Sat, Jun 29th, 2013, 5:00pm'
A feast of real, invented and re-made rituals, Rituals Are Tellers Of Us is a group exhibition bringing together contemporary works to explore aspects of ritual action.
Exhibition: You Are Here
'Sat, May 11th, 2013, 10:30am to Mon, Jun 10th, 2013, 5:30pm'
You are Here brings together site-specific artifacts designed and built to define a sense of space by level two students on the BA(Hons)Contemporary Crafts course at Falmouth University.
MA Art Lectures Summer Series: Nick Hayes
'Wed, May 22nd, 2013, 5:00pm to 6:00pm'Nick Hayes is a writer, illustrator, political cartoonist and storyboard artist living in East London. His first book published by Jonathan Cape in 2011 was a retelling of ST Coleridge's famous poem The Rime of the Modern Mariner, set in a very real, modern disaster zone, a whirlpool of plastic waste in the North Pacific Ocean. It told a story of mans disconnection from the repercussions of his actions.
Degree Shows: Falmouth Summer Festival 2013
'Fri, May 24th, 2013, 9:00am to Sun, Jul 14th, 2013, 5:00pm'
Our summer festival is a celebration of the outstanding creative work produced by Falmouth's talented graduating students.
Foundation Diploma in Art & Design End of Year Show
'Fri, May 24th, 2013, 10:00am to Thu, May 30th, 2013, 4:00pm'
Astounding, moving, shocking, innovative and engaging are just a few
words that sum up the work on display as students specialise in their
chosen fields prior to employment or further study at degree level.
Fal River Fringe Festival
'Fri, May 24th, 2013, 12:00pm to Sun, Jun 2nd, 2013, 6:00pm'
Falmouth University will host the first Fal River Fringe Festival which will run in parallel to this year's Fal River Festival. Expect to see theatre, comedy and dance performances by University students in some unusual places and interesting venues.
How Broadband is Changing Television
'Fri, May 24th, 2013, 1:00pm to 2:00pm'
Doug Williams, research scientist working for BT, looks at how fast internet access will change the way we communicate and are entertained.
Open forum
Creative Blitz
'Wed, May 29th, 2013, 10:00am to 4:00pm'
Come and join Falmouth University for a day of performances, workshops and activities. The day promises to be a real showcase of students' talent.
Falmouth Fashion Show 2013 - Afternoon and Gala Shows
'Wed, May 29th, 2013, 3:00pm to 11:00pm'
Students from our BA(Hons) Fashion Design and BA(Hons) Performance Sportswear Design courses showcase their imaginative designs and entrepreneurial spirit, giving you the opportunity to see tomorrow's designers today.
There will be two shows: the afternoon show at 3pm and the evening Gala at 7pm.
There will also be a free screening in Events Square between 9pm and 11pm.
Staff profiles
- Ashley Hold Associate Lecturer
- Dr Carolyn Shapiro Wyatt Senior Lecturer
- Keryn Roach Part-time Lecturer
- Linda Scott Associate Lecturer
- Marilyn Towndrow Part-time Lecturer
- Mark Foreman Senior Lecturer
- Nick Mott Lecturer
- Nigel Owen Programme Leader, Illustration
- Pam Otto Lecturer
- Professor Alan Male Professor of Illustration
- Rachel Dunn Part-time Lecturer
- Sue Clarke Senior Lecturer
- Sue Miller Part-time Lecturer
Our alumni
Mark Boardman: Illustration BA(Hons) graduate
Falmouth treats illustration like the vocation it is. Everything from day one is designed to guide students to work in the industry. I never once felt that I was doing a pointless exercise. The fact that the course was so professionally orientated meant that careers support was a constant thing. The knowledge of the tutors, all being working illustrators themselves, means the reality of the business is never far away.
Jemma Westing: Illustration BA(Hons) graduate
Jemma works as a book designer for Dorling Kindersley in London, creating book layouts and interactive features for their upcoming books. She also does freelance work for UK and international clients.
Claire Jones: Illustration BA(Hons) graduate
Illustration at Falmouth was very appealing. Falmouth looked stunning and the course had a fantastic reputation: from how it was structured, the experience of the tutors and the emphasis on professional practice. I also wanted to be beside the sea. I come from Birmingham, so the change in environment was very refreshing. I liked the small town and the quirky character of Cornwall.
Emma Dibben: Illustration BA(Hons) graduate
I chose to study Illustration at Falmouth both because of the impressive reputation of the course and because of the location. Cornwall is an incredibly inspiring place to be. Having the Cornish coastline on your doorstep is something unbeatable - whether it's long walks or just half an hour by the sea, there is great mental and physical space and freedom. There is a wonderful feeling of support and fun amongst the student community and this is one of the really special things about studying at Falmouth.
Samara Bryan: Illustration BA(Hons) graduate
University College Falmouth appealed to me for many reasons. I knew it had a great reputation for the arts and its beautiful location seemed ideal. My Falmouth experience was not only shaped by the course but also by the people I met, the location, the encouragement, and the vibrant social scene. A vital lesson that I learnt at my time at University College Falmouth was the idea of ‘professionalism'. I learnt that no matter what happens, work must be in on time and must be produced to the highest standard. That way, clients will return time and time again.
Chloe Luxford: Illustration BA(Hons) graduate
I chose Falmouth because it was the only art institution in the country that had a 100% teaching score in the quality assurance assessment, and the calibre of teaching staff along with the course structure was beyond excellent.
The freedom that the Illustration degree offered was ideal. What I wanted to do was not really traditional illustration - I was interested in paper folding, pop-ups and models - but I still had the support to explore my interests regardless. The tutors even brought in a paper engineer to give me some specific tutorials. I now work as a paper engineer for leading children's book publisher, Dorling Kindersley.
Jenny Lloyd: Illustration BA(Hons) graduate
Jenny has an interesting and varied portfolio with a passion for contemporary illustration. Her style is contemporary and accessible, with a fresh, delicate, feminine edge. She takes inspiration from Japanese art prints, art nouveau, and the natural world.
Facilities
Our dedicated, large open-plan studios with wireless networking are ready for you
Our dedicated, large open-plan studios with wireless networking are ready for you
A broad range of IT facilities with all the necessary software and printing options
A broad range of IT facilities with all the necessary software and printing options
A life studio
A life studio
Dedicated workshop space
Dedicated workshop space
Access to over 140,000 books
Access to over 140,000 books
An extensive DVD and video library featuring over 17,000 titles
An extensive DVD and video library featuring over 17,000 titles
UCAS Code W221
- How to apply Close
We consider each application on its merits and look for evidence of commitment and motivation. For full details on the application procedure follow the link below.Read more...
- Attend an open day Close
Meet staff and students and discover how study at Falmouth can fast-track your career. Open days include a welcome talk, campus tours, and presentations on our courses, information on fees, finances, admissions, accommodation, and student services. Follow the link below to book online.Read more...
- Request a prospectus Close
Follow the link below to download a copy of our prospectus, or complete the form to request a printed prospectus by post.Read more...
- Entry requirements Close
A typical offer is between 260 and 300 UCAS points, equivalent Level 3 qualifications or relevant experience. You may be required to submit some work to help us decide who to interview. Successful applicants will be able to demonstrate experimentation, emerging strengths in drawing and mark making, and creative idea generation skills supported by research and informed enthusiasm for the subject.
Location:Falmouth Campus
Length:3 years full-time
Direct line:01326 255763
I heard Falmouth was a great place for Illustration. When I saw the beautiful ocean views I knew it was for me.Moyuru Matsumoto, BA(Hons) Illustration graduate
Why study for a BA(Hons) Illustration degree at Falmouth University?
From books and magazines, to packaging, adverts and interactive content, the demand for original and powerful illustration continues to grow. At Falmouth we shape illustrators ready to meet that demand, with a course that directly responds to the industry. By balancing professional practice with creativity and experimentation, we give you the freedom to explore and evolve in a creative environment, while still emerging with the skills and experience needed for a successful career.
The discipline of illustration is very broad. You'll be encouraged to consider all mediums, contexts, subjects, trends and styles to find a personal direction that suits your strengths. Our staff – all practising professionals working in the real-world illustration industry – support you to create original and progressive solutions to complex problems, helping you to develop as a forward-thinking, flexible and adaptable illustrator.
For a greater insight into what Falmouth's Illustration degree offers, visit: www.falmouthillustration.com
National Student Survey 2012: a selection of comments from our students
Here's what some of our graduating students said about the course when completing the survey, administered by the independent marketing research agency, Ipsos Mori.
Course ethos, staff and contact time
"Great support from all tutors and encouragement to develop own voice within work. High amount of tutor contact drive, direction and quality of work."
"Lecturers know us personally, rather than treating us as part of a number."
"Having our own studio progress is invaluable; we are very lucky to have this and such a strong tutor presence."
"Having studio space and contact time with teachers has been particularly vital."
"Enthusiastic staff that have good knowledge and experience of the industry."
"Tutors are available every day in my studio all day, which means I get a lot of feedback on my work. It is the tutors which have made the course excellent."
"Tutors are practicing in the field and are enthusiastic about what they teach."
"As the tutors are practicing illustrators they have been very useful in helping me prepare for a career in illustration."
"This aspect of the course couldn't have been better. The course is geared towards a profession."
Facilities
"A strong relationship between the students and the tutors. Constant availability of tutors and studio space."
"Having our own studio is invaluable; we are very lucky to have this and such a strong tutor presence."
Course outline
Stage 1
- Illustration Studies
- Visual Studies
- Historical & Cultural Studies
Stage 2
- Applied Illustration Studies
- Visual Studies
- Historical & Cultural Studies
- Negotiated Programme
Stage 3
- Negotiated Programme
- Dissertation
- Professional Practice
Tell me more about the BA(Hons) Illustration course
BA(Hons) Illustration award information form (262.45 KB)
You'll acquire the necessary tools to become technically proficient, critically engaged and professionally aware as you explore many techniques and processes across a wide range of traditional and digital media. Project work will shape your problem-solving skills while deepening your understanding of the creative process, from storyboarding and creative writing through to image rendering.
We also want you to gain an in-depth understanding of the industry, so you're well equipped to take your skills into the workplace. This is supported by our teaching staff's unrivalled connections, self-funded professional practice trips to New York and London and designing and constructing your own website.
Experience you'll get
- Self-funded study visits to London and New York
- Creating your own website
- Working on real briefs and meeting clients
By choosing to study for a degree in Illustration at Falmouth you will:
- Benefit from our teaching staff's unrivalled connections, helping you to gain an in-depth understanding of the industry, so you're well equipped to take your skills into the workplace.
- Cover all aspects of illustration, including Drawing, Visual Studies, Professional Practice, and Historical and Cultural Studies.
- Take on real briefs for real clients; recent projects include a collaborative live advertising commission for Nokia.
- Take part in a number of specialist workshops including Flash, Dreamweaver and Story Telling.
- Present your work to the industry at two important annual London based exhibitions, ‘New Designers' at the Business Design Centre and the D&AD's ‘New Blood'.
- Have the opportunity to go on self-funded professional study trips to New York and London, meeting agents and art directors to show them your portfolio.
- Join a course that has produced many award-winning students, including winners of the 3x3 Illustration Award and the Association of Illustrators' Gold Award.
- Be based at the inspiring Falmouth Campus with its impressive array of studios and facilities.
Professional practice
BA(Hons) Illustration has recently launched The Agency Falmouth. The aim of The Agency is to create an environment that reflects industry practice and enables students to work on live projects. It gives local, national and international businesses access to the rich pot of talent available on the BA(Hons) Illustration course.
Our students have the skills to work with both traditional and digital media. We invite them to develop ideas, present pitches, work closely with clients, meet deadlines and build on their professional practice skills.
Projects are principally undertaken by final year students and form part of the professional practice element of the course. The commissions so far have been varied and challenging with strong successful outcomes.
Links
How is the course taught?
A full-time, hands-on course striking a balance between creative freedom and professional practice, BA(Hons) Illustration covers all aspects of the discipline, including drawing, visual studies, and historical and cultural studies. Project work is supported by lectures, seminars, study trips, professional experience and tutorials. You'll be asked to develop peer and self-evaluation skills, which will be used in critical, conceptual, productive and professional capacities.
Assessment
You'll be continuously assessed through visual, verbal and written assignments, including the creation of your portfolio, as well as a dissertation or final year project.
Facilities
Our dedicated, large open-plan studios with wireless networking are ready for you. Facilities include:
- A broad range of IT facilities with all the necessary software and printing options
- A life studio
- Dedicated workshop space
- Access to over 140,000 books
- A comprehensive electronic journal resource base
- An extensive DVD and video library featuring over 17,000 titles
Successes
- Association of Illustrators' Gold Award winner
- The Folio Society Book Illustration Award finalist
- 2012 graduate won D&AD Student Award for Illustration
- The Book of Illustrated Quotes and Sayings series, an annual collection of graduate work for the industry
- The Agency is an illustration agency based within the course, giving you the opportunity to work on real briefs and meet clients
- Two 2012 graduates gained representation by The Organisation Illustration Agency
- Recognition at the 2012 Macmillan Children's Book Awards
Projects
We Wish
BA(Hons) Illustration students worked collaboratively with MA Professional Writing students, children from schools in Cornwall, and the NSPCC, to produce a fully illustrated book of poems on the theme 'we wish'. University College Falmouth published the book, and all proceeds from the sales went to support the NSPCC.
Book of Illustrated Quotes and Sayings
The BA(Hons) Illustration course produces the Book of Illustrated Quotes & Sayings; a beautifully presented compendium of illustrations by final year students that is a fitting tribute to their talents and a respected new industry source book.
Price: £12.75 (includes £2.75 postage). Delivery available to mainland UK only. Order the Book of Illustrated Quotes & Sayings through our secure online payment system.
Falmouth 24hr Comic
The Falmouth 24hr Comic was a unique event that saw a group of illustrators challenging themselves to create a 24-page comic each, over a 24-hour period.
Press release: The Falmouth 24hr Comic event created on 24 November
Professorial lecture series
Falmouth's Professorial lecture series aims to produce an engaging and challenging public programme that stimulates the intellectual curiosity of our staff, students and alumni, our research collaborators, our industry partners, our local communities and other supporters.
Recent lectures include Professor of Illustration, Professor Alan Male, on ‘The Visualisation of Species: A Natural Selection of Original Expositions into the Evolution of Life through Illustration'.
Alan is an international authority on illustration and his most recent book, Illustration: A Theoretical and Contextual Perspective (AVA Academia, 2007), has been critically acclaimed, translated into 30 languages and is the acknowledged textbook for students of visual communication. A recipient of a number of international awards, Alan's professional practice focuses on the interpretation of scientific research that has never before been visualised. He has also illustrated more than 30 complete books during his career and has been instrumental in turning Falmouth's BA(Hons) Illustration degree into one of the most respected in the country.
The illustrated evolution of life: inaugural professorial lecture by Professor Alan Male
Answers and advice about the course
For further information about BA(Hons) Illustration at Falmouth University, please email admissions@falmouth.ac.uk or telephone Admissions on 01326 255763.
Our student mentors are now on Facebook. To
chat to a mentor about the course, living in Cornwall, or what to expect
at Falmouth, check out the Illustration group. You need to
join the group
before you can post. Our student mentors have already done the first
year of the course... so ask them anything you like!
If you're not Facebook you can still speak to a student mentor. Email your name and the course you're starting to: studentmentorenquiries@falmouth.ac.uk and we will be in touch with you.
Follow BAIllustration on Twitter
Career opportunities
- Career as a freelance illustrator
- Work in advertising, publishing, animation or television
- Work as part of a design group practiceCareer in studio management
- Career in art direction
- Postgraduate study
Recent graduates' employers include:
Entry requirements
A typical offer is between 260 and 300 UCAS points, equivalent Level 3 qualifications or relevant experience. You may be required to submit some work to help us decide who to interview. Successful applicants will be able to demonstrate experimentation, emerging strengths in drawing and mark making, and creative idea generation skills supported by research and informed enthusiasm for the subject.
Successful applicants will be able to demonstrate experimentation, emerging strengths in drawing and mark making, and creative idea generation skills supported by research and informed enthusiasm for the subject.
Please see our How to Apply page for more information.
For further information about BA(Hons) Illustration at Falmouth University, please email admissions@falmouth.ac.uk or telephone Admissions on 01326 255763.
Interview and selection process
We ask all applicants to submit an online portfolio of 10-15 images and a short piece of writing. These will be assessed by the Illustration course team. We are looking for evidence of visual problem solving, your approach to drawing and also media experimentation.
If you are successful at this stage, you will be invited to interview.
You will be interviewed individually, by up to three members of staff and one third year student, for around 25 minutes. You will talk to one person at a time, not a panel. You will be asked to select elements of your work from your portfolio or sketchbooks to support your responses to interview questions. There will also be the opportunity to tour the campus and facilities and to speak to current students.
You will need to bring a comprehensive portfolio of recent work, development sketchbooks and a written essay. Your portfolio and sketchbooks should focus on objective and analytical drawing, showing development of ideas with good use of colour, composition and media experimentation. Your written essay should demonstrate strong analytical skills.
Interviews will be held in the week commencing Monday 11 March 2013.
Location: Falmouth Campus
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