BA (Hons) Illustration at University of Brighton

Programme overview

The Illustration degree course at Brighton enjoys a reputation for producing artists who are confident in using their own creative voice and who work in a range of styles. This course celebrates both the traditional and the contemporary, exploring what illustration could be, not just what it is. We place an emphasis on experimentation, and our course team will help you to develop your own visual language.

Faculty: School of Art and Media | Department: Visual Communication | Duration: full-time: 3 years; with placement year: 4 years | Study mode: full-time (optional placement year) | Intake: 2027 entry | Location: Brighton, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Year 1 introduces you to the basic concepts of visual communication in illustration. Through a series of studio-based projects and workshops in observational and life drawing, photography and book arts, you will begin to develop your own visual language. You will be introduced to the key concepts and practices of visual communication – a dynamic and mobile subject that has been fundamental in shaping modern global culture and continues to profoundly influence the way we perceive, understand and navigate the world. Modules include Introduction to Visual Communication: Orientation and Exploration, The Practice of Visual Communication: Investigation and Application, Developing a Visual Language: Personal Project, Global Challenges – Visual Communication, Theories and Practice of Visual Communication: Contemporary Practice, Ben Shepherd, Saeyeon Jang, Melissa Amalir, Yingxuan He, Teddy Baron.

Career pathways

With an Illustration BA(Hons) degree from Brighton you can work in areas and roles including: As part of our week-long employability event Future Selves, graduate Dan Woodger talked about his time at Brighton and his career working for clients including Google, Pepsi, The New York Times, GQ and The Washington Post.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Your portfolio. Your portfolio is the most important part of your application for this course. Your grades do matter so you’ll still need to work hard but they’re not the only thing we take into account. Every application is considered individually. Even if your predicted or actual grades are below our usual range, we will review your application if your portfolio shows high-quality work and demonstrates your thinking and abilities. A-levels ABB–BCC. BTEC Extended Diploma DDM–MMM. UCAS tariff 104–128 points. Art foundation diploma Pass. A foundation diploma is not a requirement for entry – it is just one of a range of qualifications that is accepted for admission to this course. International Baccalaureate 27 points, with three subjects at Higher level. Access to HE Diploma Pass with 60 credits overall. Art and design courses preferred. At least 45 credits at level 3, and 30 credits must be at merit or above. T-level Merit in any T-level. Foundation degree/HND/degree May enable you to start the course in year 2 or later depending on the qualification you hold and the level of your creative and practical experience. English language requirements. If English is not your first language, IELTS 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each element.

Domestic applicants: GBP 9,790 a year (2026/27). First-year tuition fee, full-time; fees may rise in later years. Source

International applicants: GBP 19,692 a year (2026/27). First-year tuition fee, full-time; fees may rise in later years. Source

Intake: 2027 entry

Duration: full-time: 3 years; with placement year: 4 years

Apply through the official page: https://www.ucas.com/ucas/undergraduate/register

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