Illustration

You’ll learn to tell innovative visual stories on this BA Illustration, which encourages you to experiment, question and take risks in order to develop a strong and distinctive illustrative style.

WHY CHOOSE THIS COURSE?
You’ll be able to explore drawing, photography, printmaking, digital image making, collage and 3D techniques and find out which media you’re truly passionate about. There’s a big focus on project work, including real briefs from employers and arts organisations like QUAD in Derby and Buxton Festival Fringe.

IS THIS COURSE FOR YOU?
Are you eager to make your mark on the world of illustration? Are you open to new ideas and challenges? Are you willing to speak up, stand up and stand out? Then you belong on Derby’s illustration degree.

HOW YOU WILL LEARN
Your focus will be practical project work – including briefs from genuine clients – so you develop a broad set of skills: technical, analytical, intellectual and organisational. There will also be workshop practice, lectures, demonstrations, seminars, group critiques, work checks, individual tutorials, reports and assignments. We’ll visit museums, galleries, exhibitions and other events for further inspiration.

OPPORTUNITIES AND EXPERIENCES.
This is not a place where you can hide away. Experience what working as a freelance illustrator is really like through the student-led design group, PLY. Show off your talent at prestigious competitions and exhibitions, including New Designers in London. Excel in challenges set by organisations like Macmillan, Penguin Books and the Royal Mail.

CAREERS AND EMPLOYABILITY
You’ll graduate from BA Illustration with a distinctive professional portfolio and a suite of promotional material to launch your career. You could go into newspaper and magazine editorial, education, children’s books, graphic novels, print production, advertising or the wider design industry. Your improved business skills and entrepreneurial outlook will also make freelancing a viable option.

Based solely on more than 24,000 student reviews, we were named Uni Compare's University of the Year 2027, and voted 1st in the UK for employability and 2nd in the UK for course quality. Not only that, but 97% of students would recommend the University of Derby*, which we can offer you industry-relevant teaching, state-of-the-art study spaces, multi-award-winning accommodation, and a welcoming, inclusive community.

*Uni Compare 2027