Illustration Bachelor of Arts (with Honours) - BA (Hons)
Course Overview - Illustration Bachelor of Arts (with Honours) - BA (Hons)
Summary\
Explore how illustration communicates ideas, stories and research through visual language. This studio-based course encourages you to develop your own experimental approach with a range of techniques across the discipline.
Drawing is a core part of the programme. You'll use it as a tool for investigation, communication and culturally aware practice while developing your own approach to visual storytelling. Working in our specialist studios, you'll use both traditional materials and digital tools to explore image-based storytelling. Through hand...
Summary\
Explore how illustration communicates ideas, stories and research through visual language. This studio-based course encourages you to develop your own experimental approach with a range of techniques across the discipline.
Drawing is a core part of the programme. You'll use it as a tool for investigation, communication and culturally aware practice while developing your own approach to visual storytelling. Working in our specialist studios, you'll use both traditional materials and digital tools to explore image-based storytelling. Through hands-on practice you'll combine tactile, physical methods with contemporary digital processes as you develop your skills as an illustrator.\
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One of only a few specialist art schools in the Russell Group, you’ll be inspired to create in our purpose built studios and workshops and learn with expert creative practitioners at WSA, part of our University of Southampton community.\
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Key features of the course\
As technology continues to reshape the illustration industry, there is growing demand for practitioners who can adapt, think critically and work responsibly across cultures and platforms.\
This course prepares you for that changing landscape. You'll have opportunities to:\
• use drawing as a tool for investigation, idea generation and community-based research\
• explore illustration across print, digital, animation, product and hybrid media\
• work on live briefs and partnership projects focused on ethical and culturally aware outcomes\
• build a portfolio that reflects research, community engagement and professional practice\
• engage critically with emerging technologies such as generative AI\
• network with industry professionals and your peers\
• progress to postgraduate study or research\
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Student support\
Your Personal Academic Tutor (PAT) will support you throughout your time at Southampton, offering academic guidance, career advice and signposting to wellbeing and pastoral services when needed.\
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Further information\
You can apply for a Year in Employment between year 2 and year 3 to gain extended industry experience before you return to complete your degree.\
Find out more on our course page.
Course Information
1 option available
Some courses vary and have tailored teaching options, select a course option below.
Course Details
Information
Study Mode
Full-time
Duration
3 Years
Start Date
2027-09-20
Campus
Winchester School of Art
Application Details
Provider Details
Codes/info
Course Code
B73-C66
Institution Code
S27
Points of Entry
Year 1
Entry Requirements
A level
UCAS Tariff
Not accepted
Scottish Higher
We normally consider applicants who offer at least 1 Advanced Higher. Applicants presenting with only Highers will be considered on a case by case basis. Where Highers are taken over two years it might be expected that higher grades are achieved, particularly in any specific subjects required. For example, S5 – S6 (2 years): AABBB (A in specific subject) or S6 (1 year): ABBBB (A in specific subject). Unless a more advanced level (Higher or Advanced Higher) is specified in the stated entry requirements, all applicants will be required to have achieved a pass in Mathematics and English at Standard Grade, Grade 3 or National 5, Grade C, the equivalent of GCSE Grade C/ Grade 4" We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
Access to HE Diploma
60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3 of which 18 credits must be at Distinction and 27 credits at Merit.
GCSE/National 4/National 5
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)
Scottish Advanced Higher
Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education. Please see the University of Southampton’s Curriculum for Excellence Scotland Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact Admissions for more information.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
DM
Distinction, Merit in the BTEC National Diploma plus B in an A level, or Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC National Diploma plus C in an A level.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
28.0
Pass, with 28 points overall with 14 points at Higher Level. Applications where Higher Level subjects have been studied without the full Diploma, will also be considered on a case by case basis. International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP): Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements. Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales
BBC from three A levels or BB from two A levels and C from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
DDM
Distinction, Distinction, Merit in the BTEC National Extended Diploma.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
D
Distinction in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus BC in two A levels, or Merit in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus BB in two A levels.
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
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Fees and funding
| Region | Costs | Academic Year | Year | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| International, EU | £0 | 2026/27 | Year 1 | |
| England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales, Republic of Ireland, Channel Islands | £10,050 | 2026/27 | Year 1 |
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