Illustration
Entry requirements
A level
Required subjects: A Levels: no specific A Level subjects required. GCSEs: English at C or 4.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
34 points with 655 at HL. Required subjects: HL: no specific subjects required. SL: English at 5.
Scottish Higher
ABBB by end of S5 or AABB/ABBBB by end of S6. BBB must be achieved in one year of S4-S6. Required subjects: Highers: no specific Higher subjects required. National 5s: English at C.
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About this course
"To make clear, to explain or elucidate by means of pictures, to cast light upon..."
These words seek to define illustration, which is an element within the architecture of the page. Illustration encompasses form, colour, line, composition and pictorial space. The idea of the page embraces a variety of actual and virtual formats, and it reflects the evolving nature of the contemporary art, design and publishing industries.
Illustrations are seen in many settings, illuminating a range of printed material, advertising, graphic and web design, packaging, periodicals, books and more. Contemporary practice includes the theatre, music, television, museum-related work and exhibitions. We teach drawing and image-making from a broad methodology including observation, perception and literary interpretation.
You will be guided through a range of themes and briefs, to visualise your ideas and texts towards individual ways of seeing. An illustration philosophy includes intellectual and aesthetic sensibilities, allied to practical methods within evolving disciplines of the graphic arts. As such, this builds upon the energy and application of those who study, teach, and instruct students in reaching their full potential.
As a part of this process, we collaborate with publishers, designers and writers. You will experience both academic and live briefs. Our studio environment is a vital and creative space in which to explore perception, imagination, and the visual interpretation of texts.
Our illustration students study a challenging academic programme which encapsulates contemporary practice, its historical contexts, and aspects of professional applications. Illustration provides an education as well as a preparation for professional life.
A series of projects will enhance your awareness of the above elements, and will introduce collaborative working and interdisciplinary connections.
Integrated with the practical studio work, Design and Screen Cultures courses provide a contextual and theoretical understanding of the holistic nature of contemporary design.
Tuition fees
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The Uni
Central area campus
Edinburgh College of Art
What students say
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Design studies
Teaching and learning
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Who studies this subject and how do they get on?
Most popular A-Levels studied (and grade achieved)
After graduation
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Design studies
What are graduates doing after six months?
This is what graduates told us they were doing (and earning), shortly after completing their course. We've crunched the numbers to show you if these immediate prospects are high, medium or low, compared to those studying this subject/s at other universities.
Top job areas of graduates
What about your long term prospects?
Looking further ahead, below is a rough guide for what graduates went on to earn.
Creative arts and design
The graph shows median earnings of graduates who achieved a degree in this subject area one, three and five years after graduating from here.
£15k
£19k
£22k
Note: this data only looks at employees (and not those who are self-employed or also studying) and covers a broad sample of graduates and the various paths they've taken, which might not always be a direct result of their degree.
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