Illustration
Entry requirements
Access to HE Diploma
An Access to HE Diploma with at least 45 credits at level 3 and 15 credits at level 2. At least 18 level 3 credits must be at merit grade or above, in an art & Design related programme from a QAA-recognised Access to HE course, or an equivalent Access to HE certificate.
GCSE/National 4/National 5
English Language at grade C or 4 or equivalent.
UCAS Tariff
This must include at least 64 points from two A levels, or equivalent BTEC National qualifications(to include a relevant subject such as Art, Design and Technology, Textiles, Graphics or Media). For example: BBC-BBB at A Level. DDM in BTEC Extended Diploma. Merit overall from a T Level Qualification A combination of qualifications, which may include AS levels, EPQ and general studies.
You may also need to…
Present a portfolio
About this course
This course has alternative study modes. Contact the university to find out how the information below might vary.
**Please check Sheffield Hallam University website for the latest information.**
**Course summary**
- Develop the knowledge, skills, and attributes you need to become a professional illustrator
- Experiment with the latest digital tools and technologies in our purpose-designed workshops and illustration studios
- Transform your illustrative practice through live, client-led creative projects for diverse audiences
- Build a unique portfolio and showreel to prepare for a career in the wider creative industries and further study
The BA (Hons) Illustration course is a progressive, innovative, technologically enhanced course that prepares students for professional practice. Employability is integrated into the curriculum through applied creative projects. These real-world challenges and work experiences are designed to build confidence, creativity and resilience.
**Creative UK membership**
We are members of Creative UK, which means our art and design students are also members until they graduate. With 10,000 members in its network, Creative UK represents, champions and supports the UK’s creative industries, advocating on the issues that matter the most to creative communities.
**How you learn**
All our courses are designed around a set of key principles based on engaging you with the world, collaborating with others, challenging you to think in new ways, and providing you with a supportive environment in which you can thrive.
Based in our bespoke studios, workshops, and digital spaces, you’ll become part of a dynamic and collaborative learning community. Together, you’ll undertake creative adventures, explore possibilities, and challenge conventions.
Through our teaching, we help you unlock your potential to contribute as a creative thinker and doer – applying your knowledge to art practice, culture, society, and life systems.
You learn through:
- Studio practice
- Workshops
- Technical demonstrations
- Group work and collaboration
- Crit activities
- Lectures
- Guest talks
- External visits and field trips
**Live projects**
We take a holistic and person-centred approach to assessment to support your creative growth while respecting the diverse ways people learn.
**Key themes**
Year one lays the foundational principles of illustration practice. Drawing is at the heart of developing your conceptual, theoretical, and practical skills. You’ll learn the core methods used in illustration practice – research, process, and presentation.
As the course progresses, we’ll also explore the future role of illustrators and learn what it will mean to thrive as an illustrator of the future.
You’ll gain confidence with both analogue and digital tools, learning how to adopt new and emerging technologies as you define your own, unique visual language. You’ll also get to test your concepts on live industry projects with commissioners, agents, and future employers – not only developing professional skills, but also helping you build your profile and network.
In your final year, you’ll curate a portfolio of work that articulates your practice and moves you further towards your creative path.
**Course support**
- Access to our Skills Centre with one-to-ones and online resources to help with planning and structuring your assignments
- Access to office and studio space, expert workshops, freelancing opportunities and a vast business network to tap into
- Industry-specific employability activities and careers support for up to five years after you graduate
The course develops strategies of attention, empathy, imagination, courage and resilience in the face of an uncertain future. Our course prioritises care as a critical activity – care for global human contexts and for the more-than-human world.
**Applied learning**
Your course has been designed to embrace real-world challenges and provide you with the practical skills and knowledge to be successful.
Modules
Module and assessment information for future years is displayed as currently validated and may be liable to change. When selecting electives, your choices will be subject to the core requirements of the course. As a result, selections may be limited to a choice between one of two or more specified electives in some instances.
You will be able to complete a placement year as part of this course. See the modules table below for further information.
**Year 1**
**Compulsory modules**
- New Adventures In Illustration: Methods, Tools, Technologies
- Pencils & Pixels: Drawing Foundations For Illustration
**Year 2**
**Compulsory modules**
- Future Now: Collaboration In Action
- Illustration In Action: Character, Narrative & Sequence
- In Here, Out There: Illustration Agency
**Year 3**
**Optional modules**
- Placement Year
**Final year**
**Compulsory modules**
- Future Paths: Illustration Portfolio
- Future Proof: Illustration Practice
Assessment methods
Coursework
Tuition fees
Select where you currently live to see what you'll pay:
Extra funding
Scholarships, discounts and bursaries may be available to students who study this course.
The Uni
Sheffield Hallam University
College of Social Sciences and Arts
What students say
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After graduation
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Design studies
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£16k
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