BA (Hons) Illustration at Anglia Ruskin University

Follow in the footsteps of established illustrators, designers and creators by developing your individual visual style. In our vibrant studios and workshops, you’ll receive dedicated attention from our expert tutors – all of whom are professional illustrators – to help you find your visual style and kick-start your career. At the same time, you’ll have plenty of space to experiment, discover, discuss and create, with full access to our facilities and expertise in printmaking, 3D, photography, storytelling, editorials, animation, text and image, and moving illustrations, and opportunities to go on local and international trips.

Faculty: Faculty of Arts, Humanities, Education and Social Sciences  |  Department: Cambridge School of Art  |  Duration: 3 years; 4 years with placement  |  Study mode: full-time (placement year available)  |  Intake: September 2027  |  Location: Chelmsford, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

In your first year, you’ll focus on drawing, observation, and experimentation. You’ll explore different styles, media, and ways of reproducing artwork, helping you find your signature illustration style. Year 1: The Illustrator's Toolkit, Drawing for Illustration, Critical and Contextual Studies 1: Think, Play, Learn, Illustration Practice, Print and Process. Year 2: The Curious Illustrator, Narrative Printmaking, The Illustrated World, Critical and Contextual Studies 2: Creativity and Context in Dialogue, Ruskin Module; options include Reality Checkpoint – Socially Engaged Practice and the Public Realm, Reportage, Time Based Media, Exhibitions in Context. Year 3: Portfolio and Professional Development, Launchpad - Major Project Illustration; options include Critical and Contextual Studies 3: Creative Inquiry, Critical and Contextual Studies 3: Working in the Creative Industries.

Career pathways

We had access to some really good illustrators who came into to talk to us and who influenced my decision to be an illustrator. The creative industries are booming in the UK, employing more than two million people.

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