Illustration

University of Cumbria

Undergraduate BA (Hons) Full-time 3 Years ArtFashion, textiles, and jewelleryGraphic designProduct design

Illustration BA (Hons) is an undergraduate degree at University of Cumbria, based in Carlisle, taught full-time over 3 years. Graduates earn £24,000 on average 15 months after finishing. Typical A-level entry is BCC - BBC.

A-Level Entry

BCC - BBC

Typical offer · UCAS

UCAS Points

104 - 112 points

Typical offer · UCAS

Avg. Graduate Salary

£24,000

15 months after graduation · HESA via Discover Uni

About this course

Want to become a great illustrator? One who takes a line and conjures worlds that compel and transfix? Technique is important. Courage is needed. But individuality is demanded. That’s why we’ll give you the space, resources and inspiration to find your voice. That’s why, with our help, you’ll make art that makes a difference.

We are unique amongst university illustration courses in giving you a thorough grounding in graphic design, allowing you to also potentially work for a design studio as a designer.

Course Overview

On our illustration degree, we will help you develop strong drawing, composition, and colour skills that will underpin your personal visual language, allowing you to develop a unique voice as an artist. You’ll gain the experience, confidence, and advanced technical skills you need to succeed. And once you find your voice as an artist, your personality, passion and the quality of the work in your portfolio will get you noticed. You’ll receive extensive feedback, support, and advice throughout your studies and have access to state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, as well as the opportunity to work on a variety of projects, including ‘live briefs’ to develop and hone your skills.

We are unique amongst illustration courses in giving you a thorough grounding in graphic design. You’ll have the necessary skills and experience to stand out from the crowd.

On this course you will...
- Study illustration within a university institute recognised by the industry as a course provider that engenders strong drawing skills. Through doing so, we provide our graduates with the backbone of a long career in illustration.

- Be encouraged to develop an individual approach to illustration - allowing you to develop a personal style that stands out from the crowd.

- Have regular and meaningful contact with tutorials, workshops, and discussions - reinforcing your practice with the support of tutors and peers who know you and your work inside and out.

- Be included in deciding what direction the course/module/brief should take. Small group sizes mean a supportive and open community of practice.

- Have access to a large professional studio space that is open plan and shared across all-year groups. Stock up on supplies with our in-house shop and experiment in our reprographic department.

Entry Requirements

A-Level Grades BCC - BBC
UCAS Tariff Points 104 - 112 points
Scottish Higher BBBC - BBBB
BTEC DMM

Career Prospects

Graduates from this course typically go into the following occupations. Click through for salaries, employment rates and other UK degrees that lead there:

Related Courses

Course Details

Qualification
Bachelor of Arts (with Honours) - BA (Hons)
Study Mode
Full-time
Duration
3 Years
Start Date
2025

2025-entry data — 2026 offers may differ

Academic Year
2025
Campus / Location
Carlisle
Scheme
Undergraduate
Subjects
Art, Fashion, textiles, and jewellery, Graphic design, Product design
Avg. Graduate Salary
£24,000