Illustration with Design

UCAS code: W221

Here's what East Sussex College says about its Illustration with Design course.

Our Illustration with Design programme will equip you with the creative skills and ability to adapt to the ever-changing demands of the creative industry.

You'll explore the methodologies, and principles of Graphic Design and Illustration whilst also broadening your knowledge with theoretical approaches from other disciplines, i.e. photography and printmaking, to enable diverse conceptual outcomes. The course is structured to develop strong ideas and creative expression, alongside cementing your own ethos' and approach to the use and application of visual language in response to self-initiated or commercial briefs.

Although there is a strong digital aspect to the course embracing new technologies and software, we want you to develop and enhance your practical skills enabling you to be as much of a physical maker as a digital artist. The full-time course is delivered over three days a week, allow time for independent study and access to studio spaces. Part-time pathway is also available and can be discussed at interview. Our tutors will draw on their years of industry experience to help, stimulate, and encourage you to learn from real-life examples, providing value and quality throughout your learning experience to prepare you for the creative industry.

What can I do after completing this course? Once you have graduated, you will have a diverse range of transferable skills that will enable you to start your career in this exciting industry. You will be fully equipped to seek out roles in either as part of a studio/agency or apply your knowledge as a freelance designer/illustrator or beyond. Other options could include further study onto MA programmes or complete a Post Graduate Certificate of Education. You will be able to work in your own dedicated study/studio environment, with access to workshops and project spaces

Although it’s not essential to have your own laptop, as we have PC’s and Mac’s you may feel that having your own allows for more harmonious working on and off campus. Our thought-provoking lectures will give you the confidence to create strong visual messaging, helping you to achieve the aims and objectives of client briefs. An abundance of transferable skills, reinforcing the vocational aspects of the course, providing you with intellectual flexibility and sustainability to take into your future career. You will have the advantage of being part of smaller class sizes giving you increased contact time with your tutors, providing you with real value for money. Live projects and industry briefs, will also provide you with opportunities to gain valuable knowledge and experience. You can become a part of the thriving creative community of Hastings with its many public and private galleries and cultural events. Part-time study is available to study alongside full-time group to get a fully enriching experience.

In 2024 we were awarded an exceptional 94% National Student Survey (NSS) rating. Every university in the UK takes part in the NSS, as do many colleges. This survey gathers students’ opinions on the quality of their courses which helps to inform prospective students’ choices and provide data that supports universities and colleges to improve the student experience. East Sussex College University Courses is very proud of our extremely high score. The NSS is managed by the OfS on behalf of the UK funding and regulatory bodies.

Year one builds a strong foundation in illustration techniques, visual language, and idea generation to develop digital and analogue skills to help challenge you perception, skills and inquisitive mindset.

Modules / ID401 - Ideas Generation IDP402 - Contextual Studies 1 ID403 - Visual Communication - Image ID404 - Visual Communication - Typography ID405 - Exploring Practice

Year Two Year two Pushing boundaries further and experimenting with new mediums, responding to briefs, and developing your own unique illustrative style.

Modules / IDP501 - Creator IDP502 - Contextual Studies 2 ID503 - Illustration and Ethics ID504 - Explore & Respond

Year Three By year three, you'll refine your style and approach, to forming a diverse body of work, concluding with a final personal project displayed in our end-of-year show.

Modules / IP601 - Professional Practice IP602 - Extended Essay IP603 - Reflect and Resolve IP604 - Final Major Project

Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to amendment from time to time as part of the University’s curriculum enrichment programme and in line with changes in the University’s policies and requirements.

Coursework and practical work.