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 now studying MA Illustration: Authorial Practice at UCF.
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
UCF announces new Bursary titled the ‘Alexander David Stuart Taplin (1968-2011) Award'
University College Falmouth (UCF) announces new Bursary titled the ‘Alexander David Stuart Taplin (1968-2011) Award' in memory and dedication to 'Alex'; a MA Fine Art student in Contemporary Art Practice who tragically died on 17 February 2011.
Scattered Plots & Routes We Take: A Solo Exhibition by Katja Davar
Scattered Plots & Routes We Take, an exhibition by artist Katja Davar, opens on 5 May and is curated by students from MA Curatorial Practice in partnership with Newlyn Art Gallery.
MA Curatorial Practice Students meet Artist, Katja Davar
Students from MA Curatorial Practice have met with Katja Davar, Cologne based, British artist.
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.'
Students celebrate in style
Students donned their finery to celebrate their contribution to the wider community at the National Maritime Museum Cornwall on Thursday 1 March. The ceremony was the first of its kind to be planned by FXU, the combined Students' Union for University College Falmouth and the University of Exeter in Cornwall, to recognise achievements in a wide range of areas from sporting prowess to supporting others and fundraising for local charities.
Grand Designs for Fowey Community College
Pupils at Fowey Community College have been re-designing the interior of their school with the help of BA(Hons) Illustration students.
Latest events
YOU ARE HERE: Trelissick Garden's history reflected in art
'Sat, May 12th, 2012, 10:30am to Thu, Jun 14th, 2012, 5:30pm'
You are Here is an exhibition created by level two students on the BA(Hons) Contemporary Crafts course. This will be the sixth year that students have collaborated with the National Trust, returning to Trelissick Garden for a fourth consecutive year.
A Different Perspective
'Wed, May 23rd, 2012, 8:00pm to 9:30pm'
BA(Hons) Fashion Design and BA(Hons) Performance Sportswear Design Show
Foundation Diploma in Art & Design End of Year Show
'Fri, May 25th, 2012, 10:00am to Thu, May 31st, 2012, 5:00pm'
Students at the end of their year's study exhibit their final assessed work.
MA Art Lectures - Summer Series: Cornelia Parker
'Mon, Jun 11th, 2012, 5:00pm to 6:00pm' Cornelia Parker gained critical acclaim in the 1990s for a number of large-scale installations including Cold Dark Matter: An Exploded View (1991), and The Maybe (1995), a collaboration with actress Tilda Swinton. She was shortlisted for the Turner Prize in 1997 and has had major solo exhibitions, for example, at the Serpentine Gallery, London, and has works in the Tate Collection, the V&A and in numerous public and private collections in Europe and the USA.LIVEDART & CONTEXTURE
'Wed, Jun 13th, 2012, 11:00am to Sun, Jun 17th, 2012, 11:00pm'A festival of contemporary performance, art and writing.
Art & Design Summer Show
'Sat, Jun 16th, 2012, 10:00am to Fri, Jun 22nd, 2012, 6:00pm' This show at the Woodlane Campus and in the Design Centre at the Tremough Campus is a platform for around 500 undergraduate students to showcase their final work after three or more years of study.
Staff profiles
- Professor Alan Male Professor of Illustration
- Linda Scott Part-time lecturer
- Rachel Dunn Part-time lecturer
- Pam Otto Historical and Cultural Studies lecturer
- Sue Miller Part-time Lecturer
- Marilyn Towndrow Part-time Lecturer
- Sue Clarke Senior Lecturer
- Nigel Owen Programme Leader
- Mark Foreman Senior Lecturer
- Gary Long 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 UCF 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.
UCAS Code W221 BA/ILL
- 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...
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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 minimum of 220 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:Woodlane Campus
Length:3 years full-time
Direct line:01326 255763
Quality shines through from Falmouth's Illustration course, so for employers in this field it's the first place to stop. Matt Jeanes, Creative Director, F.A.B
Why study for a BA(Hons) Illustration degree at University College Falmouth?
Illustration at Falmouth understands the growing demand and the increased opportunities for original and powerful illustration in our increasingly sophisticated visual world of books, magazines, adverts and interactive content.
We don't discriminate against any medium, context or subject that might need illustration, or against any trend or style - traditional or contemporary - but will encourage you to pursue a direction that suits your strengths. We'll also encourage you to create original and progressive solutions to complex problems, helping you gain the skills and experience to be forward thinking, flexible, and adaptable in your work.
For a greater insight into what the Illustration degree course at University College Falmouth offers, visit: www.falmouthillustration.com
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 (116.28 KB)
At Falmouth you will 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.
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 Woodlane 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?
The course is delivered through a series of units covering all aspects of illustration, including Drawing, Visual Studies, Professional Practice, and Historical and Cultural Studies. Project work is supported by lectures, seminars, study trips, professional experience, and tutorials.
The course operates on a basis of continuous assessment via a combination of visual, verbal and written assignments including a dissertation in your final year. You'll be asked to develop peer and self-evaluation skills, which will be used in critical, conceptual, productive and professional capacities. Your final degree classification is based entirely on your third and final year of study.
Assessment
- Coursework and portfolio
- Dissertation or final year project
Facilities
Our Woodlane Campus includes:
- Dedicated, large open-plan studios with individual desk spaces and wireless networking
- A broad range of IT facilities with all the necessary software and printing options
- A life studio
- Printmaking facilities
- Access to over 140,000 books
- A comprehensive electronic journal resource base
- An extensive DVD & video library featuring over 17,000 titles
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.
Answers and advice about the course
For further information about BA(Hons) Illustration at University College Falmouth, 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.
Career opportunities
Our graduates are highly sought after across a spectrum of multimedia disciplines. Career opportunities include:
- Freelance illustration
- Advertising
- Design group practice
- Animation
- Publishing
- Studio Management
- Art Direction
- Television
- Authorship
- Postgraduate study
Recent graduates' employers include:
Entry requirements
A minimum of 220 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.
Please see our How to Apply page for more information.
For further information about BA(Hons) Illustration at University College Falmouth, please email admissions@falmouth.ac.uk or telephone Admissions on 01326 255763.
Interview and selection process
Applicants will receive an email asking you to submit a minimum of 12 images along with two short written pieces. If successful at this stage you will be invited to interview with your portfolio. Please note, submissions are to be printed and not to be sent on CD. Submission and portfolio to show creative and visual development through to completion, and to demonstrate observational/objective drawing skills eg life drawing or similar.
Applicants will have an individual interview lasting approximately half an hour followed by a campus tour. Interviews will be held on 19, 20, 21, 22 March 2012 only. It is not possible to re arrange interviews outside of these dates.
Location: Woodlane Campus
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