Illustration for Screen Arts BA (Hons)

• Foundation diploma: We recommend that applicants undertake a pre-degree art and design foundation diploma.
• A-levels: BBC, supported by a strong portfolio.
• BTEC: Art and design. DDM, supported by a strong portfolio.
• International Baccalaureate: 30 points.
• Access to HE Diploma: pass with 60 credits overall. Art and design diploma preferred. At least 45 credits at level 3, with 30 credits at merit or above.
• GCSE (minimum grade C): a good profile.
• Foundation degree/HND: may enable you to start the course in year 2. Direct entry to year 3: foundation degree or DipHE in related subject, or practical experience.  

English Language Requirement:

• IELTS 6.0 overall, with 6.0 in writing and a minimum of 5.5 in the other elements.

Portfolio advice
Before we can consider your application, you will be asked to send an online portfolio to show us your work. We would like to see:

• Examples of work that demonstrates how you develop ideas. The work can be in any medium or combination of media (for example, drawing, collage, photography, performance, video, text)
• Evidence of personal drawing, collage, photography, and other mediums. What are your interests in the world?
• Your ability to develop an idea from concept, to finished image
• A range of sketchbooks showing how you experiment and explore different techniques and media
• Any completed moving image, animation, or gifs (show on Vimeo)
• Several examples of finished outcomes in either 2-D or animation or moving image
• Your potential to experiment and explore ideas using different techniques and media
• A passion for illustration and graphic design.

Interview advice

• Aim to arrive with time to spare.
• The interview will normally be between yourself, two members of staff and one current student and last 30 minutes.
• Show awareness and interest in contemporary art, design and culture – books, film, music, exhibitions.
• The interview is a two-way process, a conversation that is designed to be friendly and open, so please think of some questions to ask us.

Year 1

In year 1, you will explore the practical and analytical uses for screen-based illustration, through a series of projects. Your work will be nurtured and developed through both group and personal tutorials, and inspired by a series of lectures from visiting industry professionals.

Under the guidance of expert teaching staff, you will investigate subjects and expand your knowledge – immersing yourself in an exciting programme of lectures and workshops, shaping your projects and building your portfolio as you progress through the year.

Subjects you will explore include:

• moving image design history and new developments in digital illustration
• how to storyboard ideas
• how to use a range of digital and analogue cameras, professional-standard digital editing facilities (including those for sound production), green-screen studios and animation techniques.

Year 2

In year 2, you will focus on developing your creative potential, building on knowledge gained during your first year with us.

The projects you will be set have strong links with industry, so that the skills you learn and practise reflect those that  employers are looking for.

You will be encouraged to work collaboratively with your fellow students to develop ambitious, large-scale projects within the local and wider professional community. Your research and analytical skills will be developed through group discussion and documentation of project outcomes.

You will also be able to experiment with image production and alternative content; exploring a broader approach to source material such as 16mm film, found footage, staged environments and animated sequences. 

Year 3

In your final year, the knowledge and skills that you have developed so far come together as you work on a final personal project. You will also write a dissertation in conjunction with Historical and Critical Studies.

Final year lectures and tutorials are taught by teaching staff and by visiting industry professionals. They include practical information about professional development, preparing you for your professional or academic life after university, and one-to one personal tutorials offering in-depth, personalised support for your continued development.