BA Honours Illustration Degree

Overview & facilities

For our BAIllustration degree with Honours in Londonwe have strived to create a studio space that is lively, stimulating and productive. We provide each student with an individual work place, something we have identified as essential to the creative happiness of our students. The individual visual work of each student is developed through a variety of themed projects and image making processes which include print making, photography, animation and time-based media, typography and 3D. On the BA Illustration Degree with Honours there is a particular emphasis on drawing, both communicative and expressive, and we provide life and observational drawing each week for all the 3 years.

Professional practice is explored at all levels and we have visiting illustrators, agents publishers and designers who show their work and discuss the students' folios. Some students will get the opportunity to get work or be published before they graduate. The second and third year are entered for major competitions such as the Macmillan's children's book prize, the D&AD and other related competitions.

At the end of your degree you will exhibit your work at the Middlesex University Art and Design Degree Show.  The show is a celebration of the end of your studies and the start of your creative career, it's a great opportunity to show off your talents to friends, family and creative industry employers. 

BA Illustration Staff

The BA Illustration staff are all working professionally and bring to the course specialised expertise in book and children's book illustration, editorial, advertising and design, printmaking, animation and time based media. 

Programme flyer (front)

Programme flyer (back)

You might also be interested in the 12 week long Foundation course, which runs three times a year, successful completion of which will guarantee a place on a nominated BA Honours programme:

Foundation in Art and Design, Intensive Short Course

 

Content & modules

1st year comprises projects and workshops centered on exploration, interpretation, and communication. Printmaking, animation and observational drawing support these core activities.

2nd year students expand their knowledge of illustration through professional and personal projects developing an individual visual language.

3rd year emphasis is on consolidation, enabling students to graduate with current knowledge and skills, identifying and producing an individual professional portfolio.

Modules

• Year 1

  Introduction to Illustration (60 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module aims to: establish essential thinking and communication skills to enable students to explore, understand and utilise illustration as a possible career. establish visual perception, research and study skills consider issues and concerns common to Art and Design as a basis for further development in this field. establish an understanding of how personal working methods and approaches, are critical to the subject and the development of a personal visual language establish exploration in illustrative and technical processes, media and materials as a way of investigating visual communication

  Visual Communication Workshops 1 (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module aims to provide an opportunity to explore a variety of different graphic media and understand their value as methods of visual communication. It aims to encourage an inventive and experimental response to the use of processes and materials in workshop areas chosen from photography, screenprint, etching, lino print, letterpress, 3D design, magazine design, life drawing, animation, electronic design and bookbinding. The module also aims to offer students the opportunity to learn a range of transferable practical and technical skills in art and design, through material handling, exploration of process, production and presentation. This module also aims to provide students with the opportunity to identify and develop a range of specific transferable skills which will enable each student to independently engage in effective learning at first degree level. Additionally the module aims to provide an initial framework for the acquisition of personal and career development skills. Both of these main aims are further developed at level 2 and 3 through subject specific modules.

• Year 2

  Illustration Practice (60 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module aims to: further encourage the development of a personal way of working and to establish a coherence in processes of image production and visual identity. to develop working processes that utilise enquiry, analysis and research techniques in relating a visual solution to the objectives of a brief. to demonstrate a confidence in articulate, critical analysis and discussion. to introduce and develop an awareness of historical and contemporary illustration practice to introduce professional levels of practice and presentation through participation in external illustration competitions.

  Visual Communication Workshops 2 (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module aims to develop an understanding of specialist subject areas of creative practice through studio and workshop based activities. It enables students to develop individual approaches to visual communication and to begin to identify broad areas of interest that could form the basis for further specialist study on their programme. It will encourage the acquisition of intermediate specialist skills to work effectively in creative workshop areas chosen from; advertising, life drawing, publicity, editorial photography, publishing, magazine design, animation, etching and print, interactive and web design. The module aims to further develop skills in using creative processes analysing, evaluating visual pieces of work and presentation methods.

• Year 3

  Critical and Contextual Proposition (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module aims to enable students to identify and deliver a research project that is the product of sustained and creative engagement both with a range of research resources and an area of studio-practice. The module will consolidate skills of project identification, research organisation and development, time management, written and visual analysis and the presentation of a critical argument/thesis. The module further consolidates the development of skills required for autonomous learning.

  Illustration Major Projects and Portfolio (90 Credits) - Compulsory

  This Module aims : - to reinforce and extend previously acquired skills in pursuing specialist illustration projects from analysis and research through to image production, presentation and final critical evaluation. - to consolidate a professional approach to pictorial and non-pictorial communication skills - to work in an increasingly independent and self directed way - encourage the use of collaborative and interdisciplinary consultation within their peer group and externally - develop students understanding of professional and/or statutory issues informing their discipline, the illustration process and their specific projects. - encourage students to audit and articulate their practice in relation to the different fields of knowledge, design and communication, professional practice, technologies and processes, history and theory - developed throughout their studies for their major project

 
•1st year comprises projects and workshops centered on exploration, interpretation, and communication. Printmaking, animation and observational drawing support these core activities.
•2nd year students expand their knowledge of illustration through professional and personal projects developing an individual visual language.
•3rd year emphasis is on consolidation, enabling students to graduate with current knowledge and skills, identifying and producing an individual professional portfolio.

Modules

Year 1

Introduction to Illustration (60 Credits) - Compulsory
This module aims to: establish essential thinking and communication skills to enable students to explore, understand and utilise illustration as a possible career. establish visual perception, research and study skills consider issues and concerns common to Art and Design as a basis for further development in this field. establish an understanding of how personal working methods and approaches, are critical to the subject and the development of a personal visual language establish exploration in illustrative and technical processes, media and materials as a way of investigating visual communication

Visual Communication Workshops 1 (30 Credits) - Compulsory
This module aims to provide an opportunity to explore a variety of different graphic media and understand their value as methods of visual communication. It aims to encourage an inventive and experimental response to the use of processes and materials in workshop areas chosen from photography, screenprint, etching, lino print, letterpress, 3D design, magazine design, life drawing, animation, electronic design and bookbinding. The module also aims to offer students the opportunity to learn a range of transferable practical and technical skills in art and design, through material handling, exploration of process, production and presentation. This module also aims to provide students with the opportunity to identify and develop a range of specific transferable skills which will enable each student to independently engage in effective learning at first degree level. Additionally the module aims to provide an initial framework for the acquisition of personal and career development skills. Both of these main aims are further developed at level 2 and 3 through subject specific modules.

Year 2

Illustration Practice (60 Credits) - Compulsory
This module aims to: further encourage the development of a personal way of working and to establish a coherence in processes of image production and visual identity. to develop working processes that utilise enquiry, analysis and research techniques in relating a visual solution to the objectives of a brief. to demonstrate a confidence in articulate, critical analysis and discussion. to introduce and develop an awareness of historical and contemporary illustration practice to introduce professional levels of practice and presentation through participation in external illustration competitions.

Visual Communication Workshops 2 (30 Credits) - Compulsory
This module aims to develop an understanding of specialist subject areas of creative practice through studio and workshop based activities. It enables students to develop individual approaches to visual communication and to begin to identify broad areas of interest that could form the basis for further specialist study on their programme. It will encourage the acquisition of intermediate specialist skills to work effectively in creative workshop areas chosen from; advertising, life drawing, publicity, editorial photography, publishing, magazine design, animation, etching and print, interactive and web design. The module aims to further develop skills in using creative processes analysing, evaluating visual pieces of work and presentation methods.

Year 3

Critical and Contextual Proposition (30 Credits) - Compulsory
This module aims to enable students to identify and deliver a research project that is the product of sustained and creative engagement both with a range of research resources and an area of studio-practice. The module will consolidate skills of project identification, research organisation and development, time management, written and visual analysis and the presentation of a critical argument/thesis. The module further consolidates the development of skills required for autonomous learning.

Illustration Major Projects and Portfolio (90 Credits) - Compulsory
This Module aims : - to reinforce and extend previously acquired skills in pursuing specialist illustration projects from analysis and research through to image production, presentation and final critical evaluation. - to consolidate a professional approach to pictorial and non-pictorial communication skills - to work in an increasingly independent and self directed way - encourage the use of collaborative and interdisciplinary consultation within their peer group and externally - develop students understanding of professional and/or statutory issues informing their discipline, the illustration process and their specific projects. - encourage students to audit and articulate their practice in relation to the different fields of knowledge, design and communication, professional practice, technologies and processes, history and theory - developed throughout their studies for their major project

Entry & applying

We are looking for people who are excited about illustration and creative ideas, good at drawing and aware of contemporary media. We interview all students who apply and look at a portfolio of art and design work. For applications from mature students we also consider work and life experience. Most successful applicants will come from an Art and Design Foundation Course or equivalent. We also accept strong candidates direct from school with A levels 220 UCAS tariff points in appropriate subjects.

The UCAS deadline for guaranteed consideration of applications for Middlesex art and design courses is 24 March.

Apply now

Qualifications accepted

For a comprehensive list of qualifications accepted by Middlesex, see further information under entry requirements

English language requirements

You must have competence in English language and we normally require Grade C GCSE or an equivalent qualification. The most common English Language requirements for international students are IELTS 6.0 (with minimum 5.5 in all four components) or TOEFL paper based 550 (no less than 4 in test of written English) or TOEFL internet based 80 (with no less than 17 in each component). Middlesex also offers an Intensive Academic English course (Pre-Sessional) that ranges from 5-17 weeks, depending on your level of English. Successful completion of this course would meet English language entry requirements. For more information on applying for the pre-sessional please email english@mdx.ac.uk. For details of other equivalent English language requirements that Middlesex accepts see international entry requirements. 

Entry into year two or three (transfer students)

If you have achieved a qualification such as a foundation degree or HND, or have gained credit at another university, you may be able to enter a Middlesex course in year two or three. For full details of how this works see transfer students

UK/EU applicants with existing higher education qualifications

If you have already been awarded a qualification at the same level as the course you are applying for, you may not be eligible for a tuition fee loan, see fees and funding for more information.

Applying

Applications for UK and EU students should be made to UCAS – the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service. The institution code for Middlesex is M80, and the code name is MIDDX. You also need the code for the course you wish to apply for – this is found in the 'at a glance' box above.

International students from outside the EU can make a direct application.  We have a network of regional offices across the world to assist you with your application.  They have worked with people from your region coming to Middlesex before and can help. Read more on international applications

You might also be interested in the 12-week long Foundation course, which runs three times a year, successful completion of which will guarantee a place on a nominated BA Honours programme:

Foundation in Art and Design, Intensive Short Course

Fees & funding

The tuition fee for the 2012/2013 academic year for UK/EU students is £9,000.
The tuition fee for the 2012/2013 academic year for International students is £10,400.

Click here to find out more about fees, funding and our scholarships in 2012.

Careers & placements

There is much emphasis on identifying specialist skills, and equipping students with knowledge to enable them to set up studios, approach agents or produce websites in order to embark on their future careers. There are specific lectures and visiting illustrators, agents and publishers to inform students of the issues involved. Students gain work in writing and illustrating children's books, magazine publishing, editorial illustration, advertising and design, animation and time-based media.

BA Illustration (Honours) at Middlesex equips you with the specialist skills and knowledge to enable you to set up studios, approach agents or produce websites in order as you embark on your future career. Typically students gain work in writing and illustrating children's books, magazine publishing, editorial illustration, advertising and design, animation and time-based media.

Middlesex has strong links with art and design employers. Our industry partners sponsor final year students, give visiting lectures and hundreds of art and design agencies, organisations and other employers attend our final year degree show each year.

Our Careers Service offers you a range of support both while you’re studying with us – and after you’ve graduated.

And to see how our illustration graduates progress after university, take a look at this interview with Laura, who graduated in 2009 and is now a graphic artist.

Placements

Work placements are proven to increase your success in the job market – as well as being a fantastic experience. We encourage as many students as possible to grasp this opportunity.

We have a dedicated Placements Service which helps you find and plan for a placement.