BA Illustration
About this course
BA (Hons) in Illustration BA (Hons), a fashion design degree centred on practical image-making, visual communication, and the expanding cultural contexts of illustration. Core topics include Research Methods, Project Management, Communication & Writing, Critical & Analytical Thinking, Ethics & Professional Practice, Entrepreneurship, Design & Creative Practice, and Global & Comparative Perspective. The course is based at the Harrow campus and includes client-facing projects, live briefs, and professional memberships. The first year covers foundational techniques through compulsory modules such as Documentary Illustration, Drawing Explorations, Industry Skills, Illustration Cultures, and Illustration Methods, alongside optional studies like 2D Computer Animation and Typography as Image. The second year progresses into professional application through compulsory modules including Client and Community, Illustration Impact, Image-making Systems, and Visual Storytelling, with options such as Branding and Identity and Stop-Motion Animation. The final year centers on independent development through compulsory modules like Major Project (Illustration), Public Studio, and Professional Futures, while options allow specialisation in areas such as Character Performance, Entrepreneurship for Creatives, and Publishing and Print.
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
A levels – CCC (96 UCAS Tariff points). T levels – 96 UCAS Tariff points. International Baccalaureate – 96 UCAS Tariff points from all components of the Diploma Programme. International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme will be considered on a case-by case basis. BTEC Extended Diploma – MMM. BTEC Diploma – DD. Access – 96 UCAS Tariff points from the Access course. In addition to one of the above, you should have: GCSE English Language grade 4/C – IB grade 4 Higher level, GCSE Maths Pass – IB Pass. If your first language is not English, you will need an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with at least 5.5 in each component. We also welcome applications from students who are taking a combinations of qualifications listed above. For further information, please contact Course Enquiries.
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What students say
Based on about 36 final-year students who answered
- Teaching on my course: 82%
- Learning opportunities: 85%
- Assessment and feedback: 84%
- Academic support: 88%
- Organisation and management: 74%
- Learning resources: 88%
- Student voice: 85%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 55 students who started
- Continued on course: 86%
- Left higher education: 4%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 11%
What graduates do next
Based on about 77 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Working: 77%
- Working and studying: 6%
- Further study: 1%
- Unemployed: 9%
Most common jobs
- Artistic, literary and media occupations: 19%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 11%
- Sales occupations: 8%
- Web and Multimedia Design Professionals: 8%
- Design occupations: 8%
- Find their work meaningful: 65%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 65%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 45%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 300 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 3%
- North West: 5%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 5%
- East Midlands: 6%
- West Midlands: 4%
- East of England: 10%
- London: 48%
- South East: 12%
- South West: 4%
- Northern Ireland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 60 students who started
- A levels: 89%
- Foundation course: 2%
- Other HE qualification: 10%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Silver for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Documentary Illustration
- Drawing Explorations
- Industry Skills
- Illustration Cultures
- Illustration Methods
- 2D Computer Animation
- 2D Game Creation
- Concept Art
- Typography as Image
- Client and Community
- Illustration Impact
- Image-making Systems
- Visual Storytelling
- Branding and Identity
- Character and Creature Creation
- Designing for User Experience (UX)
- Extended Reality for Creatives
- Interactive Texts and Narratives
- Stop-Motion Animation
- VFX for Film and Games
- Major Project (Illustration)
- Public Studio
- Professional Futures
- Character Performance
- Critical Enquiry for Creatives
- Designing Narrative Environments
- Entrepreneurship for Creatives
- Experimental Image Making
- Publishing and Print
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BA Illustration at University of Westminster earn?
The median salary is £25,000 after 15 months, £22,000 after 3 years, £27,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £20,500 and £34,500. The £27,500 median after five years is £1,500 more than the UK median for Design studies.
What do graduates of BA Illustration at University of Westminster do next?
84% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2022-23).
Are students happy with the teaching on BA Illustration at University of Westminster?
82% 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 University of Westminster?
The typical offer is CCC at A level. The average entrant had 106 UCAS points.
Does BA Illustration at University of Westminster include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year and an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on BA Illustration at University of Westminster?
86% of students continued into their second year, and 4% left higher education.