BA Illustration
About this course
BA (Hons) Illustration is a fashion design degree focused on visual communication, narrative formation, and contemporary practice. Core topics include Ethics & Professional Practice. Students have access to dedicated studio spaces, print rooms, photographic darkrooms, and workshops equipped for metal and woodwork. The first year covers foundational methods through Reading the Image, Observation and Drawing, Defining Your Practice, and Visual Positioning. The second year progresses into specialized areas via Interpreting Cultural Codes, Editorial Illustration, Storytelling and Narrative, and Commercial Illustration. The third year emphasizes professional readiness through Observing Contemporary Society, The Competitive Illustrator, Professional Practice and Portfolio, and concludes with the Final Major Project Illustration module.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
104-120 UCAS tariff points A minimum of two completed A-levels in an relevant subject, a BTEC Extended Diploma at DMM or BTEC Diploma at D*D*, or equivalent qualification , or a combination of qualifications which comply with the minimum entry requirement of 104 UCAS points. UK applicants will be asked to attend a portfolio viewing. Direct entry into second or third year may be considered for this course Applicants over the age of 21 will be considered based on relevant experience, without the tariff point requirements. For further information about UK qualifications, please contact admissions.
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What students say
Based on about 8 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 83%
- Learning opportunities: 80%
- Assessment and feedback: 82%
- Academic support: 90%
- Organisation and management: 55%
- Learning resources: 63%
- Student voice: 81%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 10 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 100%
What graduates do next
Based on about 12 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 85%
- Further study: 5%
- Unemployed: 5%
Most common jobs
- Elementary occupations: 30%
- Artistic, literary and media occupations: 15%
- Sales occupations: 15%
- Information Technology Professionals: 5%
- Teaching and Childcare Support Occupation: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 80%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 70%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 55%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 385 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North West: 3%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 1%
- East Midlands: 4%
- West Midlands: 4%
- East of England: 11%
- London: 17%
- South East: 45%
- South West: 12%
- Wales: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 20 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 70%
- Access course: 10%
- Other qualifications: 15%
- No formal qualifications: 5%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Gold overall, Gold for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Modules
- Reading the Image
- Observation and Drawing
- Defining Your Practice
- Visual Positioning
- Interpreting Cultural Codes
- Editorial Illustration
- Storytelling and Narrative
- Commercial Illustration
- Observing Contemporary Society
- The Competitive Illustrator
- Professional Practice and Portfolio
- Final Major Project Illustration
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BA Illustration at Solent University earn?
The median salary is £24,000 after 15 months, £20,500 after 3 years, £25,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £20,500 and £31,000. The £25,500 median after five years is £500 less than the UK median for Design studies.
What do graduates of BA Illustration at Solent University do next?
90% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2022-23).
Are students happy with the teaching on BA Illustration at Solent University?
83% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2024-25.
What grades do I need for BA Illustration at Solent University?
The average entrant had 100 UCAS points.
How many students continue on BA Illustration at Solent University?
100% of students continued into their second year, and 0% left higher education.