You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience.

Having trouble viewing in Internet Explorer 11? We're working on this. For the best user experience please try using a different web browser.

Skip to main content Skip to search Skip to menu
HomeStudyUndergraduate StudyIllustration BA(Hons)
Search
Menu
  • Study
    • Back
    • Study with us
    • Undergraduate
    • Postgraduate
    • Online study
    • International students
    • Research degrees

    Virtual Open Day

    Sat 15 May 202110:00 - 17:30

    Our virtual Open Days give you and your family and friends a chance to experience Falmouth from...

    Student Funding

    We offer a range of financial support to try and ensure that all students can succeed and fulfil their potential during their studies.

  • Apply
    • Back
    • How to apply
    • Student funding
    • Accommodation

    Preparing for Your Interview

    What's an interview like and how can you prepare? Read our advice and tips and search for course information here.

    Application Toolkit

    Our Application Toolkit holds lots of advice and information about applying to Falmouth University.

  • Experience Falmouth
    • Back
    • Open Days & events
    • Student life
    • Student Voice
    • News & stories
    • About us

    Virtual Open Day

    Sat 15 May 202110:00 - 17:30

    Our virtual Open Days give you and your family and friends a chance to experience Falmouth from...

    Ask a Student

    Our students are here to tell you all about life at Falmouth. From settling in and studying to making friends and making memories.

  • Research & Innovation
    • Back
    • Discover R & I
    • Our projects
    • Research with us

    How to Apply for a Research Degree

    Whether you’re applying for a MPhil or PhD research degree, find out about the key stages of the application process.

    Launchpad (with MSc Entrepreneurship)

    Drive the development of a high-growth tech start-up, supported by a stipend. Alongside this, you’ll benefit from business guidance, mentoring and...

  • Business collaboration
    • Back
    • Working with industry
    • Launchpad Outreach
    • Academic partnerships

    Launchpad Outreach

    Discover Launchpad Outreach, our fully funded business support programme.

    Working with Industry

    Business support, industry collaborations and impactful innovation. Find out more about how we work with businesses.

  • Support
    • Back
    • Student & staff portal
    • Student support
    • Find us
    • Contact us

    Term Dates

    Find out all the key dates and study blocks for undergraduate, postgraduate and research degrees.

    Accommodation

    Explore all our on and off-campus accommodation options and discover modern, well-equipped spaces designed to fit a range of budgets.

Prospectus

Explore our future-focused undergraduate and postgraduate degree courses by viewing our prospectuses.

Virtual Open Day

Sat 15 May 202110:00 - 17:30

Our virtual Open Days give you and your family and friends a chance to experience Falmouth from...

Coronavirus Information

Find out how we're keeping our community safe, and how you can help.

Illustration BA(Hons)

Become adept at problem solving and creating your visual language on an illustration course renowned for its professional practice and industry connections. From day one you’ll be encouraged to embrace the studio culture of creative communities.

Illustration BA(Hons)

Key details

LocationFalmouth Campus
Course Duration3 years
AttendanceFull-time
UCAS codeW221
Contact01326 254350

Apply now

Get a prospectus

Ask an advisor

Explore Open Days & events 

Introduction

You’ll maximise your employability in the visual communications industry by learning about marketing, copyright, tax and more. Our academic team has experience in every aspect of the sector, creating a diverse learning environment with multiple specialisms available, preparing you for the constantly evolving needs of the creative industries.

You will:

  • Create your own online marketing campaign; building a portfolio website, setting up a professional Instagram account and creating your LinkedIn profile.
  • Have the opportunity in your final year to showcase your work in our professional online magazine, Wunderkammer, circulated to art directors, editors and designers all over the world.
  • Have the opportunity to meet clients and win commissions for live briefs.
  • Have the chance to develop your professional practice with work placements and internships.
  • Have the opportunity to go on study trips to places like Bristol, London, Bologna and New York, gain industry portfolio feedback, attend conferences, visit agencies, publishers and design companies. In the third year, you can exhibit your own work in London.
  • Attend guest lectures from alumni and industry leaders such as Sara Fanelli, Owen Davey and Edel Rodriguez.

Covid-19 update

In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, we have reviewed and made changes to our courses to provide flexible, blended delivery that offers high-quality digital engagement and access to face-to-face teaching in our facilities. You can see how your course may be adjusted by viewing the changes for the current academic year by visiting our welcome letters & latest course updates pages

  • Students
  • Graduates
  • Course details
  • How to apply
  • Fees, costs & funding
  • Ask a student

    What our students do

    Article
    Article

    Introducing Wunderkammer: A new online illustration magazine

    16 April 2021
    Keryn Bibby, Head of Illustration at Falmouth, has collaborated with Illustration courses teams and...
    Article
    Article

    Grayson Perry: access all areas

    17 November 2020
    Illustration students enjoyed a private viewing and tour of the Turner-Prize winning artist,...
    Article
    Article

    Illustration Students in the Running for Penguin Student Design Awards

    3 August 2020
    Congratulations to Falmouth Illustration students, Adriena Fong and Isabelle Walker for being...
    Article
    Article

    Emerging Talent Celebrated at Global Awards

    14 July 2020
    Falmouth University Graphic Design, Advertising and Illustration undergraduates and postgraduates...
    Article
    Article

    Students Webcomics on The Promise

    2 June 2020
    The Promise is a new collection of webcomics produced by BA & MA Illustration students at Falmouth...
    Article
    Article

    Students heard on BBC Radio 3 Saturday Sounds

    30 April 2020
    Illustration Associate Lecturer, Ashley Hold, featured on the BBC Radio 3 Breakfast Show’s Saturday...
    Article
    Article

    Illustrators Focus on Climate Emergency at Annual Forum

    13 March 2020
    The annual Falmouth Illustration Forum, organised by MA Illustration: Authorial Practice students,...
    Article
    Article

    Student Selected for Illustration Competition

    21 February 2020
    Third year Illustration student Amita Sevellaraja has been longlisted for this year's Book...
    Article
    Article

    Illustration Student Highly Commended for MacMillan Children’s Book Prize

    1 July 2019
    For the second year running, Alfie Steveson-Kelly, one of our third year Illustration students, has...
    Article
    Article

    Illustration Students Smash iJungle Awards

    26 June 2019
    Four ambitious third year Illustration students have made their mark at this year’s iJungle...
    Colourful illustration of women and a dog lying on beach towels at the beach.
    Green furry pig like creature puppet and illustrations of long haired girl with leaf crown.
    Two women puppets fighting with one pulling hair of the other on a red rocking horse.
    Illustration of large woman with a small head sitting with knees bent and holding a flower.
    Illustration of large people riding uphill on bicycles in a New York city scene.
    Illustration of girl and woodland animals curled up and sleeping among leaves and toadstools.
    Underwater illustration. blue coloured plants and egg with multiple eyes, full moon.
    Illustration creatures in clothing and with umbrella, pink trees.
    Book cover, brown line drawings of figures overlaid with red text Naked Lunch.
    Illustration of various London based characters, guards, police, business men with bowler hats.
    Black silhouette  on red and black background.
    Barbie doll with cut out face from magazine, markings on body for surgery and scalpel next to it.
    Masked characters in robes, psychedelic colours, trees behind.
    Folklore style illustration, creatures and fire in red, black and yellow.
    Illustration of outdoor cinema next to the Thames, London skyline in the distance.
    Pop art illustration of Fab style lolly.
    Illustration of feet walking on coloured tiled floor.
    Tablet with miniature people and coloured lollipops.
    Illustration of barber cutting hair in front of yellow striped background. Man sleeping in bicycle trailer, feet in the air.
    Giant fish in the sea, the section immersed in water is skeleton. Small boat on horizon.
    Illustration of seagulls flying around a house.
    Magazine cover, illustration of boy on yellow background.
    Illustration of two inuits holding hands with animals and fish surrounding them.
    Illustration of woman with small men and ladders around her torso.
    Detailed illustration of woman her face disappearing into the air in front of her and small people crawling on her head.

    What our graduates do

    Our graduates have won awards like the Kate Greenaway Gold Medal, the Guardian Clearing Cover Illustration, and the Pushkin Press Student Illustration Award. They’ve also gone on to work in areas like graphic design, branding and packaging, tactile imagery, and book design.

    Article
    Article

    Graduate lands Google doodle

    1 March 2021
    Falmouth graduate Elin Manon has collaborated with Google to create a 'doodle' for St David's Day....
    Article
    Article

    Graduate illustrating the Telegraph

    5 October 2020
    Jake Hawkins graduated BA (Hons) Illustration in 2019. We caught up with him recently to find out...
    Article
    Article

    Graduate Illustrates Book Seven in Series

    3 July 2020
    Owen Davey graduated Falmouth in 2009. Since then he has been a professional freelance illustrator...
    Article
    Article

    The Hilton Christmas Illustrator

    5 December 2019
    Rupert Skelton has gone from strength to strength since graduating from Illustration this summer. ...
    Article
    Article

    Illustration Alumnus Part of Team That Has Won $100K in NASA Competition

    12 June 2019
    A degree in Illustration can take you much further than book covers, editorial pieces and product...
    Article
    Article

    Illustration Graduate Commissioned by VOGUE

    11 December 2018
    Sophie Melissa, 2017 BA(Hons) Illustration graduate, has been commissioned by British VOGUE to...
    Article
    Article

    Illustration Graduates Listed at Blue Peter Book Awards

    14 November 2018
    Two Illustration graduates, Lauren Humphrey and Joe Lillington, have been recognised at the...
    Article
    Article

    Advertising Award for Illustration Graduate

    21 August 2018
    Illustration graduate Charlotte Jones has triumphed in the You Can Now (YCN) Student Awards,...
    Article
    Article

    Illustration Graduate Publishes First Book

    31 July 2018
    Illustration graduate Ella Kasperowicz has written and illustrated her own book entitled #...
    Article
    Article

    Award-winning Illustrator goes Global

    23 May 2018
    Every artist has a dream. For actors, it's their name in lights on Broadway, for writers, it's...

    Course details

    What you'll learn

    Through this Illustration degree, you'll cover everything from drawing and visual studies to historical and cultural studies – developing peer and self-evaluation skills for the professional world. We'll teach you core business skills in licenses, copyright and tax, and essential technical skills in Photoshop, Illustrator and Dreamweaver. You'll learn to analyse a text, come up with strong ideas, compose an image, and properly market yourself when you enter the industry.

    • Year one
    • Year two
    • Year three
    Year one

    Beginning with visual problem solving, you'll develop your conceptual skills as you explore a range of thinking strategies. You'll also take part in life drawing and other themed visual studies sessions, and learn about critical theory and illustration's historical contexts.

    Travelling to London, you'll learn about illustration in the design industry from influential art directors and illustration agents, and take part in a major illustration forum.

    Modules

    Visual Problem Solving

    This module focuses on conceptual thinking and consists of a range of projects. It will provide you with strategies for generating conceptual solutions to prescribed visual problems, including systematic and intuitive thinking.

    Visual Studies 1

    Forming an exploration of visual language, this module will provide you with opportunities to experiment with a wide range of media and mark making techniques and drawing styles. In this way, you'll begin to identify and strengthen your own visual language. Life drawing, printmaking and digital skills sessions will alternate with studio-based sessions that will allow you to engage in an experimental approach to media, process and mark-making.

    Applied Illustration

    In this module, you'll undertake text-based, thematic projects and explore in depth some of the main contexts of illustration. You'll explore how illustration is applied within the industry of visual communication, while also considering your audience. We'll also cover the major domains of illustration: editorial, advertising, narrative and information.

    Visual Studies 2

    This module focuses on the development of visual language, providing you with further opportunities to experiment with media and mark making techniques and drawing styles.

    Year two

    You'll start with a series of applied illustration projects, spanning advertising, book cover design, editorial illustration, children's book illustration and information illustration.

    Putting your knowledge into practice, you'll then manage and develop your own projects, finding a unique direction and focusing on a specific area of the industry.

    Modules

    Contextual

    You'll be introduced to the main contexts of illustration through a series of projects in which you'll evaluate and put into practice the knowledge you've gained so far. Projects will relate to a key context of contemporary Illustration practice and will enable you to make decisions about the future direction of your work.

    Visual Language 1

    This module offers new opportunities to evaluate and evolve existing strengths and weaknesses within your visual language. Through digital workshops and seminars, you'll be provided with the tools to experiment with a variety of media and learn strategies with which to develop and refine your personal visual language. Practical work will be supported by reflective analysis of images related to your chosen themes and should demonstrate a depth of understanding, supported by annotation.

    Negotiation 1 

    In this module, you'll begin to establish a personal direction within the field of illustration while fostering both independent and collaborative working practices. Collaboration could one of many forms, such as collectives, zines, joint exhibitions, student-led discussion forums, external community outreach projects, or external industry collaborations.

    Visual Language 2

    Through continued experimentation with a range of processes and techniques, you'll identify strengths and interests within the broad spectrum of Illustration. You'll develop and refine your visual skills throughout the module, and by continuing self-reflection and intellectual analysis of the work produced, ultimately develop an emerging authentic visual language.

    Year three

    You'll develop a physical and digital portfolio of work, write a research project and produce a professional practice dossier. Connecting with industry, you'll have the chance to show your portfolio to the best art directors, editors and designers, either in the UK or aboard, receiving valuable feedback.

    During this final year of your illustration course, there'll also be an opportunity to take part in a placement or internship to gain industry experience.

    Modules

    Negotiation 2 (Consolidation)

    Through continued negotiated projects, you'll identify strengths and interests within the broad spectrum of illustration. You'll experiment visually and intellectually, and refine your skills and self-reflection in order to develop an emerging signature visual language. The projects that you design via negotiation will help you to push and challenge yourself in your chosen areas and enable you to develop fundamental skills accordingly, such as research, visual problem solving and technical visual skills. Work undertaken at this level will provide a platform for you to demonstrate knowledge and critical awareness of insights, much of which is at, or informed by, the forefront of the discipline.

    Dissertation

    Negotiation 3 (Completion)

    Continuing to work on negotiated projects, you'll build a body of work based on your strengths and interests, demonstrating your intellectual, technical and self-reflective skills, in order to consolidate an emerging authentic visual language. Professional practice forms a key part of this module, and you'll prepare for a career within the creative industries through a programme of lectures.

    The modules above are those being studied by our students, or proposed new ones. Programme structures and modules can change as part of our curriculum enhancement and review processes. If a certain module is important to you, please discuss it with the Course Leader.

    From module information to course aims and assessment criteria, discover the full course details

    We are making changes to our curriculum framework for courses starting in 2022. Modest amendments to our course module structure will provide you with new opportunities to collaborate and co-create with students from across disciplines during your studies.

    This course page will be updated when these changes have been finalised and applicants will be notified.

    How you'll learn

    Balancing creativity with professional practice, you'll gain hands-on knowledge and experience through project work, live briefs and client meetings. Supporting this will be lectures, seminars, group crits, workshops, one-to-one tutorials and optional placements or industry visits.

    Our visiting speaker series has seen our students learn from Dave McKean, Noma Bar, Laura Carlin, McFaul, Nobrow, Sue Coe, Paul Slater, Sara Fanelli, Russell Cobb, Graham Rawle, Matthew Richardson, Posy Simmonds, Jason Ford, Kai & Sunny, Owen Davey and John Vernon Lord.

    How you'll spend your time

    Year

    Timetabled teaching and

    learning activity

    Guided independent

    study

    1

    31%

    69%

    2

    36%

    64%

    3

    18%

    82%

     

    How you'll be assessed

    Year

    Written exams

    Practical exams

    Coursework

    1

    0%

    0%

    100%

    2

    0%

    0%

    100%

    3

    0%

    0%

    100%

      The above percentages relate to 2019/2020 data.

    Assessment methods

    Assessment will take place at the end of each semester, and you'll get feedback and evaluation throughout the year. You'll be assessed through visual, verbal and written assignments, including your portfolio, as well as a research proposal.

    Staff

    Our teachers are practising illustrators with experience working for the Wall Street Journal, the Lancet Medical Journal, United Airlines, and Varoom. They’re often key in helping our students find work connections and opportunities.

    Some members of staff only teach on specific modules, and your course might not feature every member shown here.

    Staff profile
    Staff profile

    Keryn Bibby

    Head of Illustration

    Keryn Bibby is qualified with a BA(Hons) in Graphic Information Design from the Falmouth School of...

    Staff profile
    Staff profile

    Nicholas Mott

    Senior Lecturer

    Nick Mott is an illustrator, artist and musician; being a co-founder of the underground,...

    Staff profile
    Staff profile

    Nigel Owen

    Senior Lecturer

    Having performed the roles of both Head of Illustration and also Course Leader since 2011, I...

    Staff profile
    Staff profile

    Sue Clarke

    Senior Lecturer, Illustration

    Sue Clarke has been an academic and illustrator for over 30 years; she graduated from Central Saint...

    Staff profile
    Staff profile

    Tilly McKerrow

    Senior Lecturer

    Tilly is an Illustrator and art and design educator with over 10 years of experience teaching in FE...

    Staff profile
    Staff profile

    Hugh Frost

    Course Leader

    Hugh is the Course leader for MA Illustration Authorial Practice at Falmouth. He is also an Editor...

    Staff profile
    Staff profile

    Rachel Dunn

    Lecturer, Illustration

    Rachel Dunn's background is as colourful and varied as her artwork and illustrations. She has been...

    Staff profile
    Staff profile

    Linda Scott

    Senior Lecturer

    Linda joined Falmouth University in 2004, relocating from London where she worked as a freelance...

    Staff profile
    Staff profile

    Dr Carolyn Shapiro

    Senior Lecturer

    Dr Carolyn Shapiro received her MA and PhD in Performance Studies from New York University (2004),...

    Staff profile
    Staff profile

    Christopher Odgers

    Lecturer, Illustration BA(Hons)

    After graduating from Falmouth University in 1999, Chris Odgers has gained over 20 years experience...

    Staff profile
    Staff profile

    Dr Caroline Pullee

    Academic Lead, Quality Assurance & Enhancement

    Caroline is currently academic lead for Quality Assurance and Enhancement and senior lecturer in...

    Staff profile
    Staff profile

    Julie Ann Monks

    Lecturer

    Since graduating from Kingston University in 1996, Julie worked as a freelance illustrator based in...

    Staff profile
    Staff profile

    Georgie Bennett

    Lecturer

    Georgie Bennett is a freelance illustrator, workshop facilitator, and lecturer. Clients include The...

    Staff profile
    Staff profile

    Graham Black

    Lecturer

    Graham graduated from Brighton Polytechnic with a BA(Hons) degree in Graphic Design and...

    Staff profile
    Staff profile

    Maria Christoforidou

    Associate Lecturer

    Maria Christoforidou is an artist, writer and researcher. Maria was born in Zambia, grew up in...

    Staff profile
    Staff profile

    Cally Gibson

    Senior Technician

    Cally Gibson works at Falmouth University as a senior technician, solving software queries and...

    Staff profile
    Staff profile

    Emma Lewis

    Associate Lecturer, Illustration BA(Hons)

    Emma Lewis is an illustrator and writer from London, and creates work spanning both narrative and...

    Staff profile
    Staff profile

    Laurence North

    Senior Lecturer

    I have worked at Falmouth University for almost 25 years, during this time I have worked with a...

    Staff profile
    Staff profile

    Ashley Hold

    Associate Lecturer, Drawing

    BA(Hons) Fine Art, PGCE, MA 20th Century Art & Design

    Academic interests/teaching themes

    Drawing,...

    Facilities

    • Dedicated open plan studios and seminar rooms.
    • Dedicated desk space for every student.
    • Printmaking workshop.
    • Life drawing studio.
    • Range of IT facilities with full software and printing facilities.
    • Access to over 140,000 books, comprehensive electronic journal resource and DVD library featuring over 17,000 titles.

    Take a virtual tour

    How to apply

    Apply via UCAS

    Ready to join us? If you're applying through UCAS Apply and Track, you'll need to reference the university and course codes below. 

    • University code: F33
    • Course code: W221

    Apply now

    Applying as an international student? 

    International students can apply for a course through UCAS, via an agent or directly with the university. For more information about how to apply as an international student, visit our International applications page.

     

    International applications

    Application advice & interview information

    Go to Toolkit
    • Entry requirements
    • Language requirements
    • Deadlines
    Entry requirements

    We consider all applications on their own individual merit and potential. We invite all applicants to an interview day or audition to give them the opportunity to demonstrate this along with what inspires and motivates them in their field. Applicants will also be able to show their portfolio or give a performance depending on the course. We welcome applications from all subject backgrounds, whether you’ve specialised in STEM, the arts or humanities.

    As a guide our typical offer at undergraduate level is 104 – 120 UCAS Tariff points, primarily from Level 3 qualifications such as but not limited to A-levels, a BTEC Extended Diploma or a Foundation Diploma. 

    Check how many points your qualifications are worth

    Language requirements

    For applicants whose first language is English we require you to have or be working towards GCSE English Language Grade 4 (C), or equivalent. 

    If English is not your first language you will need to meet the same standard which is equivalent to the IELTS Academic 6.0 overall score, with at least 5.5 in Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening. We accept a range of in country equivalencies and approved tests.  

    If you need a student visa to study in the UK, you'll need to take a recognised language test that is approved and vouched for by the University. You can read our English Language Requirements for more information.

    Deadlines

    UK/EU applications: 29 January 2021 (for equal consideration) 

    Late applications will be considered if there are places available. 

    International fee payers can apply throughout the year. But we recommend applying as early as possible, to make time for visa and travel arrangements.

    What we're looking for

    We want someone who:

    • Has visual problem-solving skills, with a specific focus on generating ideas.
    • Shows development of visual language in drawing, life drawing, media, mark-making experimentation, reflective analysis and finished pieces.
    • Has a good contextual understanding of what illustration is.
    • Is confident in their abilities and prepared for the challenges of higher education.
    • Can communicate effectively.
    • Has a theoretical understanding of visual arts issues.

    Fees, costs & funding

    Tuition fees

    • Tuition fees 2020-21
    • Tuition fees 2021-22
    Tuition fees 2020-21

    £9,250 per year - full-time UK/EU

    £16,000 per year - full-time international

    Tuition fees 2021-22

    £9,250 per year - full-time UK

    £16,950 - full-time EU

    £16,950 - full-time international

    Tuition fees are set annually and are subject to review each year. The University may therefore raise tuition fees in the second or subsequent years of a course, in line with inflation and/or the maximum permitted by law or Government policy. Students will be notified of any changes as soon as possible.

    Typical course costs 

    • £250-£550 - Recurring annual costs

    • £100 - One off costs for the course duration (compulsory trips, final portfolios or shows, etc)

    • £1,400 - Optional study visits and placements for the course duration

    If you need to bring equipment or materials with you, these will be outlined in your Welcome Letter.

    The figures above don't include accommodation and living costs

    Funding

    For information about funding available, please visit our undergraduate funding page

    Ask a student

    What better way to find out about life at Falmouth University than by asking our current students?  

    From course details, our facilities and the local area to the social scene and settling in, our students are ready and available to answer any questions you might have. Simply set up your account, send them a question and they'll get back to you within 24 hours.

     

    Open Days and Campus Tours

    See how we turn real industry experience into real careers.

    Visit us
     
    • Falmouth School of Art
    • @FalmouthArt
    EmailFacebookTwitterLinkedInMessenger
    • Courses
    • Departments
    • Staff
    • Academic partnerships
    • Jobs
    • Corporate information
    • News
    • Alumni
    • Contact
    • Find us
    • Events
    • Staff & Student Portal
    • Falmouth Campus
      Woodlane, Falmouth
      Cornwall TR11 4RH
      01326 211077
    • Penryn Campus
      Treliever Road, Penryn
      Cornwall TR10 9FE
      01326 370400
    © Falmouth University 2021
    • Accessibility Statement
    • Data Privacy
    • Copyright
    • Terms of Use
    • Cookie Policy
    • Student Regulations

    TEF Gold Logo