BA (Hons) Illustration

What you will study

YEAR 1 (LEVEL 4) - Core skills

Level 4 introduces you to the fundamental principles of illustration, design thinking, and visual communication. You will develop core illustration skills alongside an understanding of basic design thinking processes, graphic communication, and introductory animation, supporting a broad and flexible creative foundation. Teaching focuses on tools, materials, and creative techniques, as well as historical and contemporary contexts of illustration, print, and production. You will also be introduced to the illustration industry, helping you understand how illustrative practice operates across different professional settings.

MODULES

Semester 1

• History & Context
• Visual Communication
• Interactive Design

Semester 2

• Social Design
• Story Telling: Theory and Practice
• Digital Communication

YEAR 2 (LEVEL 5)

Level 5 focuses on extending skills, ideas and professional awareness. Teaching is structured to challenge conventions and push the boundaries of illustration practice, encouraging you to become more versatile and adaptable designers. Through real-world examples, live contexts and a range of design thinking and production techniques, you will develop a more confident individual approach to the role of illustration in society.

MODULES

Semester 1

• Motion Design
• Print and Production
• Critical thinking

Semester 2

• Creative Futures: Making a Living
• Design Project: Illustration

YEAR 3 (LEVEL 6) 

Level 6 is focused on specialism, research and progression. You will apply the knowledge, skills and approaches developed across earlier years to an area of illustration that reflects your interests and ambitions. Working closely with staff, you will propose and pitch self-directed projects that demonstrate your illustrative practice, technical ability and understanding of professional contexts. Level 6 places a strong emphasis on employability and progression, supporting pathways into employment, freelance practice and postgraduate study, while introducing research as a central component of advanced illustration practice.

MODULES

Semester 1

• Specialist Project: Illustration

Semester 2

• Creative Futures: Professional Practice
• Live Brief

The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the programme that will take the form of either core or option modules. Modules are designated as core or option in accordance with professional body requirements and internal academic framework review, so may be subject to change.

Entry requirements & applying

The academic requirements for the course are 96-112 UCAS tariff points at GCE A-level or equivalent. Appropriate AS-Level and Level 3 Key Skills qualifications will also be considered.

The programme welcomes applications from anyone who can demonstrate a commitment to the subject and the potential to complete their chosen programme successfully. This can be established by showing appropriate academic achievements or by demonstrating that they possess the knowledge and ability equivalent to the academic qualifications.

Candidates may be interviewed and asked to display a portfolio of their work. Experience may also be taken into consideration depending on the extent and depth of such subject knowledge. Students from overseas, or who are unable to attend an interview, are asked to send their portfolio of work digitally for consideration.

An admissions tutor considers each application individually. Different qualifications are considered, including Scottish Higher, Irish Leaving Certificate, the Welsh Baccalaureate, the International Baccalaureate, Access courses, BTEC, VCE, GNVQ, A and AS levels as well as other overseas qualifications.

Progression from HND / FDA

Applicants with relevant HND qualifications, or a foundation degree in a relevant Art and Design subject area may progress onto Level 6 of a BA subject to Glyndŵr University’s RP(E)L procedures.

Teaching & Assessment

There are no set exams. Assessment is continuous and relates to all aspects of the programme, providing a more carefully defined emphasis on formative assessment and feedback on your coursework throughout the academic year. We will advise you on your level of attainment and direct you towards a strategy for further progression as assignments and modules are completed.

There are varied formats of assessment to encourage your learning through group seminars, critiques, and tutorials. This can be through group interaction with critical analysis where you will submit a range of work including sketchbooks, design sheets, finished artwork, screen-based work, technical/ production files, journals, essays, and audio-visual presentations. There are reviews of work at key points before Christmas and before Easter and this provides time for you to reflect on your progress prior to a final or summative year end assessment.

TEACHING AND LEARNING

The programme is structured to enable you to work in a multidisciplinary manner, to be flexible and enable you to develop individually.  This is supported by a personal tutor / tutorials system that provides you with guidance throughout all aspects of the programme.

Wrexham Glyndŵr University is committed to supporting our students to maximise their academic potential.

We offer workshops and support sessions in areas such as academic writing, effective note-making and preparing for assignments. Students can book appointments with academic skills tutors dedicated to helping deal with the practicalities of university work. Our student support section has more information on the help available.

In terms of particular needs, the University’s Inclusion Services can provide appropriate guidance and support should any students require reasonable adjustments to be made because of a recognised prevailing disability, medical condition, or specific learning difference.

Career prospects

Emphasis is placed on personal and professional development, communication and entrepreneurial skills, equipping graduates to work within a diverse and evolving creative sector. Illustration graduates develop adaptable skills that support a wide range of career pathways across creative industries and related fields.

Graduates have progressed into roles including: 

• Freelance illustrator
• Book designer and publishing assistant
• Comic and graphic narrative artist
• Storyboard artist for film, television and animation
• Character designer
• Visual designer within animation and games studios
• Graphic designer and visual communicator
• Content creator and visual storyteller
• Creative practitioner within education and community settings 
• Studio assistant or junior creative within design agencies
• Roles supporting marketing, branding and digital media teams 

The degree also develops transferable skills such as research, visual communication, project management and critical thinking, which support employment beyond traditional illustration roles. Graduates may also progress to further study, including MA programmes, teacher training routes such as the PGCE, or other postgraduate creative pathways. 

Fees & funding

You do not have to pay your tuition fees upfront.

The fees you pay and the support available will depend on a number of different factors. Full information can be found on our fees & finance pages. You will also find information about what your fees include in the fee FAQs.

All fees are subject to any changes in government policy, view our undergraduate fees.

For international students looking to study this course please see our international fees.

Accommodation

At Wrexham University, we offer on-campus en-suite rooms within our Wrexham Student Village. These private, fully furnished spaces are conveniently located, providing easy access to campus facilities, study areas, and social spaces. Plus, you’re just a 10-minute walk from the city centre!

With all bills included, free Wi-Fi, 24/7 security, and large social areas, you’ll find everything you need for a great student experience.

Explore our student accommodation options to find your perfect home away from home.

International

This course is open to international students, for information about the university’s entry requirements for EU/international students, please visit our international section.