Course Summary

Illustrations communicate messages in pictorial form. Illustration informs, illuminates, decorates and entertains across a range of media, stimulating imaginations by interpreting, portraying and enhancing the written word. With established links to the Association of Illustrators, the BA (Hons) Illustration degree aims to enable students to develop their own unique visual signature style and encourages them to prepare for the competitive world of professional illustration and the broader creative industries. In addition to traditional picture making, this course aims to develop the conceptual and technical skills appropriate to a career in illustration and the broader creative industries. There is a balance of focus between creative freedom, communicating specific messages through pictures to target audiences, and developing a professional approach to picture making. Students will have the opportunity to develop a large portfolio of work designed to showcase creative skills and demonstrate an ability to engage with current illustration practice. Illustration staff have professional backgrounds in illustration and other related visual communication disciplines. They maintain active professional links and offer a practical first-hand insight into the professional world of illustration and visual communication.

Course Details - Modules

The first year focuses on providing students with the opportunity to develop visual and conceptual skills through drawing, painting, printmaking, collage and the application of a range of associated processes. Modules give you the opportunity to explore observational drawing, sequential illustration, zines and the production of handmade publications. In the second year, students can study editorial and book illustration aimed at a range of clients and audiences. The focus is on the expression of conceptual ideas through narrative picture making and ways of expressing visual ideas through illustration. Ethical issues and other cultural debates are explored through research and the production of an extensive body of work. In the third year, students are asked to respond to contemporary illustration briefs including ‘live’ competitions. In order to encourage increasingly independent practitioners, students have the opportunity to identify and explore self-directed research interests. The focus is on helping students to produce a portfolio that showcases their unique individual abilities and personal style.

Course Details – Assessment Method

The way students will be assessed on this course will vary for each module. It could include coursework, such as a dissertation or essay, written and practical exams, portfolio development, group work or presentations to name some examples. Throughout this degree, students may receive tuition from professors, senior lecturers, lecturers, researchers, practitioners, visiting experts or technicians, and they may be supported in their learning by other students.

Course Details – Professional Bodies

Professional Bodies are not listed for this Course.

How to Apply

26 January This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application Codes

Course code: W220

Institution code: L39

Campus Name: Lincoln (Main Site)

Campus code:

Points of Entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Entry Requirements for Advanced Entry (Year 2 and Beyond)

Entry Requirements for Advanced Entry are not listed for this Course.

International applicants

Standard Qualification Requirements

From a minimum of 3 A Levels or equivalent qualifications.

112 UCAS Tariff points to include a minimum of 4 Highers or a combination of Highers and Advanced Highers.

45 Level 3 credits with a minimum of 112 UCAS Tariff points


The University accepts a wide range of qualifications as the basis for entry and will consider applicants who have a mix of qualifications. We also consider applicants with extensive and relevant work experience and will give special individual consideration to those who do not meet the standard entry qualifications.

Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Minimum Further Information are not listed for this Course.

English language requirements

Test Grade AdditionalDetails

In addition to meeting the academic requirements, Overseas students will also be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. Please visit our English language requirements page for a full list of the English qualifications we accept: https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/englishlanguagerequirements/

If you have studied outside of the UK, you can find more information about the wide range of international qualifications we accept by visiting our entry requirements and your country page:

https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/entryrequirementsandyourcountry/

Unistats information

Student satisfaction : 85%

Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs): 55%

Go onto work and study: 95%

Fees and funding

England 9250.0 Year 1
Northern Ireland 9250.0 Year 1
Scotland 9250.0 Year 1
Wales 9250.0 Year 1
Channel Islands 9250.0 Year 1
International 15900.0 Year 1

Additional Fee Information

For each course students may find that there are additional costs. These may be with regard to the specific clothing, materials or equipment required, depending on their subject area. Some courses provide opportunities for students to undertake field work or field trips. Where these are compulsory, the cost for the travel, accommodation and meals may be covered by the University and so is included in the fee. Where these are optional students will normally (unless stated otherwise) be required to pay their own transportation, accommodation and meal costs. With regards to text books, the University provides students who enrol with a comprehensive reading list and our extensive library holds either material or virtual versions of the core texts that students are required to read. However, students may prefer to purchase some of these for themselves and will therefore be responsible for this cost. Students on the illustration programme are likely to incur some additional costs for specialist art materials throughout the duration of their three years study. Information about specialist materials will be communicated to successful applicants prior to enrolment.

Provider information

Brayford Pool
Address2 are not listed for this Course.
Address3 are not listed for this Course.
Lincoln
LN6 7TS

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