About this course
Accreditations and partnerships:
- Entry year: 2013/14
- Course code: W224
- Applications: UCAS
- Level: Undergraduate
- Tariff points: 280
- Department: Creative Industries
- Campus: Bower Ashton
- Duration: Three years
- Delivery: Part-time, Full-time
- Study Abroad: Yes
- Programme leader: Christine Hill
- Key fact: We also offer students the opportunity to study an Animation pathway - please refer to the Structure tab for more information.
Introduction
Aimed at students with high levels of drawing ability and an interest in narrative, this course focuses on understanding and developing visual language and refining technique. Through experimentation, exploration and continual practice you are encouraged to develop your individual voice, methods and language as diverse as your imagination.
Cultural and theoretical studies broaden your awareness of the tradition of illustration and encourage analysis and critical enquiry while visits from respected practitioners aim to keep you informed about contemporary illustration practice.
The course consistently produces award-winning students. In 2009 students were successful at the Macmillan Children's Book Awards, D&AD New Blood and the 3x3 Illustration Awards.
See some of our students' work on Flickr.
>> Structure
Student's view
The tutors have always given 100% of their enthusiasm and time, and have set interesting and challenging briefs to build our confidence and to help develop our personal visual language. The course has helped me to become a proper artist. Ig
Structure
Content
Year 1
The first year introduces you nature its applications in problem solving. Major emphasis is placed on drawing draughtsmanship as basis communication foundation personal language. You are encouraged to explore a wide range of traditional and digital media and to explore painting techniques and the translation of image into printmaking.
Year 2
You will be introduced to the wider experience of professional illustration practice. You will experience sequential storytelling and the exposition of complex ideas in single images. You are encouraged at all times to reflect on your personal practice and to understand the sources that drive and inform it.
Option modules include a work experience module, the chance to take part in an international exchange programme, and the chance to study animation.
Year 3
You will take responsibility for your own creative progress through a programme of student-led self-directed study, where individualism and innovation are encouraged. Business studies and freelance seminars led by practising illustrators will advise you in the selection and presentation of a professional portfolio of work.
BA(Hons) Illustration with Animation
The 'with Animation' pathway offers a unique opportunity for students to specialise in animation. Students choosing this pathway will take a module in the second half of Year 2 and work on animation modules throughout the final year.
You are introduced to contemporary production processes and principles of animation that may be applied within classical 2D, stop frame and computer animation. Film making, narrative and design for animation are central to the 'with Animation' pathway.
Animation is taught within the Bristol School of Animation, which has links with some of the major practitioners within the animation industry.
Please note this structure is for the full-time course delivery only. For part-time delivery the same modules will be studied over a longer period and the structure will differ.
Teaching and learning
The course will be delivered through a mix of lectures and seminars.
For more details see our full glossary of learning and teaching terms.
Assessment
All modules are assessed, and marks from modules undertaken in Year 2 and Year 3 can contribute to the final award.
A variety of assessment methods are used including projects, essays, group presentations and visual presentation.
For more details see our full glossary of assessment terms.
>> Features
Special Features
Placements
Students can also participate in exchanges with European institutions. There are also opportunities to participate in exchanges with European institutions and go on a field trip.
Study facilities
All Illustration students have access to the 3D Centre, EPI Centre, Media Centre, Print Centre and library at Bower Ashton.
Find out more about the facilities and resources UWE has to offer.
>> Careers
Careers/further study
Recent graduates are successfully pursuing careers as freelance editorial, publishing, design and advertising image-makers. Others are working in film/animation as pre-production designers, stylists and model makers or in education. Graduates have also taken up positions in a number of prestigious animation studios in Bristol and throughout the UK.
Graduate destinations
Find out what our graduates are doing six months after graduating- includes examples of careers, employers and further study. Download a PDF from graduate destinations.
Creating employable students
UWE places strong emphasis on employability and skills development at every level. Through work placements, volunteering, study abroad and UWE initiatives which nurture talent and encourage innovation, students gain valuable real world experience and graduate with diverse career opportunities and a competitive place in the job market.
See great graduate prospects for further information.
Be inspired
Read how Lisa honed her skills to become a freelance illustrator.
See some of our students' work on flickr.
Hear about some of the work opportunities generated by the Enterprise office.
Useful links
UWE - careers in illustration
Prospects - careers in the creative arts sector
The UWE careers service provides guidance and support throughout your studies in addition to useful resources, CV checks, career coaching and details of current job vacancies.
>> Entry
Entry
Typical offers
- Tariff points: 280
- GCSE: English Language at grade C or above required.
- A-level subjects: Art/Design Technology may be useful
- EDEXCEL (BTEC) Diploma: BTEC diploma in Art and Design acceptable
- Access: The Department of Art and Design guarantees to interview all Access to HE Diploma students whose qualification includes achievement of level 3 credits in Art and Design and achievement of level 2 credits in English Language.
Entry requirements
Successful applicants are generally those with the strongest portfolios. Students of all ages and from all social backgrounds are recruited with a variety of qualifications including Foundation Studies Diploma, BTEC National Diploma, A levels or equivalent qualification in Art and Design.
Applicants demonstrating commitment to and knowledge of the subject on their application form are invited to a selection session where they will be required to present a collection of their creative work to demonstrate a good practical ability in and understanding of their chosen field.
All applicants who comply with the UCAS deadline of 15 January 2013 will be invited to a selection session. Illustration is a visual course and as such staff view creative work as a means of selection rather than using personal statements. The course is very popular, with ten applications for every place. This means we will guarantee to look at every applicants work, but we cannot guarantee an interview for all applicants. After viewing portfolios applicants may be advised they have not been successful. Those whose portfolio suggests they may be suitable for the course will be interviewed to further assess whether this is the right course for them.
Staff will be looking for individuals that have a combination of drawing ability and other skills and techniques - both 2D and 3D. Your portfolio of work should contain preparatory work and sketchbooks as well as finished pieces of work which reflect your personality. You should also be able to speak articulately about why you want to study illustration and have an awareness of literature, film and visual narrative.
Fees
Tuition fees for new Home/EU students studying this course full-time in 2013/14 will be £9000 per year.
For information on part-time and international fees as well as funding and scholarship opportunities see our fees and funding pages.
How to apply
Please see the general information about applications. The code for applications is W224.
For further information
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