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Entry requirements
Here's what you will need to get a place on the Illustration course at University of Plymouth.
Select a qualification to see required grades
A level
104 tariff points, including a minimum of 2 A Levels
You may also need to
Submit a portfolio
Most popular A-levels studied
See who's studying at University of Plymouth. These students are taking Illustration or another course from the same subject area.
| Subject | Grade |
|---|---|
| Product Design | B |
| Mathematics | C |
| Fine Art | A* |
| Sociology | B |
| Psychology | B |
Course summary
What this course is about
UCAS code: W222
Here's what University of Plymouth says about its Illustration course.
Study in vibrant, purpose-built studios with award-winning staff and fellow creatives. Develop your visual voice through global briefs, study trips, and an optional Global Exchange programme (including Japan) to prepare for dynamic creative industry.
Exceptional creative resources Explore industry-standard digital tools like Photoshop and After Effects, alongside immersive VR, 3D software, and traditional techniques including printmaking, ceramics, and bookbinding.
Connect with industry Gain insight from visiting professionals and global speakers, take part in real-world projects, commissions and competitions and enjoy an overseas study opportunity.
Inspiring career pathways Work with award-winning tutors and practicing illustrators. Choose your direction with specialist exit awards, shaping a career that suits your passion.
This course is for you if...
-
you want to explore your creativity with confidence
-
you seek access to cutting-edge tools, specialist workshops and traditional techniques
-
you want to take part in real-world projects and connect with professionals
-
you are excited to shape and pave your own creative direction.
Source: University of Plymouth
Course details
Qualification
Bachelor of Arts (with Honours) - BA (Hons)
Department
School of Art, Design and Architecture
Location
Main Site | Plymouth
Duration
3 Years
Study mode
Full-time
Subjects
• Illustration
Start date
21 September 2026
Application deadline
14 January 2026
The modules you will study
Year 1 The first year will introduce you to the basics of illustration practice. You’ll develop your knowledge of image-making through character design, life drawing, printmaking, sequential and conceptual approaches, digital workshops, media exploration and analytical and critical writing. We’ll also introduce you to the techniques and essential processes of illustration practice within contemporary frameworks, preparing you for your second year.
Year 2 In your second year, you can keep your focus broad or pursue a more specific area of personal interest at a deeper level. You’ll make contact with experts in the industry and analyse why the creative world is how it is. Critical and contextual modules with a varied visiting speaker programme will help you begin to position yourself as a professional. You’ll also have the opportunity to take part in placements, live briefs and competitions, to study abroad or collaborate with other disciplines.
Final year There is increased emphasis on developing and consolidating your personal visual voice in your final year, while also developing the professional practice aspects (such as business skills, professional networks, social media profile, website and aligned promotion) that will help ensure a successful career in the area of your choice. Competitions and live briefs are encouraged and visiting lecturers offer a variety of viewpoints. You’ll undertake a written or practical research-informed dissertation related to your personal interests and have the chance to exhibit your work, both at our Degree Show and in London.
For up to date details, please refer to our website or contact the institution directly.
How you will be assessed
For up to date details, please refer to our website or contact the institution directly.
University of Plymouth student reviews
Showing 107 reviews
1st year student
1 year ago
There are lots of societies, thereu2019s nearly always something going on and the SU does lots of theme nights (like Halloween and stuff), some societies occasionally join together to do stuff and quite a few offer trips and do pub quizzes as well as regular socials. The SU also does food and drinks...
1st year student
1 year ago
Campus is quite lively, the SU is always doing something, Iu2019m not really a going out person but the clubs are a bit pricey for drinks but the Wetherspoonu2019s are goodrnThere are loads of societies, so thereu2019s something for everyonernPlymouth has just about everything you need shop-wise wit...
1st year student
1 year ago
The uni halls are way overpriced priced compared to the private sector halls which are inarguably nicer and you still get all the residence life events which they donu2019t tell you at open days.rnFood prices are ok - but my loan doesnu2019t cover my accommodation costs so it is a bit tight especia...
1st year student
1 year ago
Academic support is good, I have a great tutor and when Iu2019ve reached out to lecturers they are all more than happy to meet with me or answer questions both in email and at breaks or ends of lectures.rnDisability services have been really good and have been more than accommodating to my needs.rnS...
1st year student
1 year ago
The accommodation Iu2019m in is ok, the room is a decent size (could use a fresh coat of paint) but the windows donu2019t block any sound whatsoever and so when people are being rowdy you can hear it clear as day, and also the street we are on seems to be used as a racetrack? There is, nearly every ...
1st year student
1 year ago
My course is amazing, we have started from the basics which is really good for me and most of my lecturers explain everything really well, for the most part my timetable is very reasonable and completely manageable, my modules all run very smoothly and are easy to follow and they are recorded which ...
National Student Survey (NSS) scores at University of Plymouth
The NSS is an annual survey where final-year students are asked to rate different aspects of their course and university experience.
Here you can see ratings from University of Plymouth students who took the Illustration course - or another course in the same subject area.
Select an option to see a detailed breakdown
Teaching on my course
77%
low
Teaching on my course
77%
low
How often does your course challenge you to achieve your best work?
81%
low
How good are teaching staff at explaining things?
78%
low
How often do teaching staff make the subject engaging?
80%
low
How often is the course intellectually stimulating?
69%
low
Learning opportunities
74%
low
Learning opportunities
74%
low
To what extent have you had the chance to bring together information and ideas from different topics?
88%
med
How well does your course introduce subjects and skills in a way that builds on what you have already learned?
64%
low
How well has your course developed your knowledge and skills that you think you will need for your future?
77%
low
To what extent have you had the chance to explore ideas and concepts in depth?
89%
med
To what extent does your course have the right balance of directed and independent study?
54%
low
Assessment and feedback
72%
low
Assessment and feedback
72%
low
How well have assessments allowed you to demonstrate what you have learned?
92%
med
How fair has the marking and assessment been on your course?
78%
low
How often does feedback help you to improve your work?
72%
low
How often have you received assessment feedback on time?
51%
low
How clear were the marking criteria used to assess your work?
69%
low
Academic support
77%
low
Academic support
77%
low
How easy was it to contact teaching staff when you needed to?
74%
low
How well have teaching staff supported your learning?
80%
low
Organisation and management
53%
low
Organisation and management
53%
low
How well were any changes to teaching on your course communicated?
56%
low
How well organised is your course?
50%
low
Learning resources
72%
low
Learning resources
72%
low
How well have the IT resources and facilities supported your learning?
69%
low
How well have the library resources (e.g., books, online services and learning spaces) supported your learning?
87%
med
How easy is it to access subject specific resources (e.g., equipment, facilities, software) when you need them?
64%
low
Student voice
69%
low
Student voice
69%
low
How clear is it that students' feedback on the course is acted on?
55%
low
To what extent do you get the right opportunities to give feedback on your course?
80%
med
To what extent are students' opinions about the course valued by staff?
72%
low
How well does the students' union (association or guild) represent students' academic interests?
73%
med
Other NSS questions
Other NSS questions
During your studies, how free did you feel to express your ideas, opinions, and beliefs?
88%
med
How well communicated was information about your university/college's mental wellbeing support services?
68%
low
Student information
See who's studying at University of Plymouth. These students are taking Illustration or another course from the same subject area.
Graduate prospects
What graduates do next
Facts and figures about University of Plymouth graduates who took Illustration - or another course in the same subject area.
Graduate statistics
60%
In a job where degree was essential or beneficial
65%
Say it fits with future plans
45%
Are utilising studies
Top job areas
25%
Elementary occupations
25%
Web and Multimedia Design Professionals
10%
Business and public service associate professionals
10%
Science, engineering and technology associate professionals
Graduate statistics percentages are determined 15 months after a student graduates
Earnings after graduation
Earnings from University of Plymouth graduates who took Illustration - or another course in the same subject area.
Earnings
£19k
First year after graduation
£22.3k
Third year after graduation
£23.7k
Fifth year after graduation
Shown here are the median earnings of graduates at one, three and five years after they completed a course related to Illustration.
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
Discussions
Discussions
Students are talking about University of Plymouth on The Student Room.
Chat with University of Plymouth
Welcome!
You've reached the Official Rep profile for the University of Plymouth.
We're on hand to answer your questions and to make your university journey as smooth as possible.
Get in touch if you have any questions
The University of Plymouth is a dynamic, ambitious and award-winning institution with a research-led culture that encourages innovative and creative ideas with the confidence to turn these into reality.
Plymouth is affectionately known as Britain’s Ocean City. The vibrant waterfront and city centre are home to a wide range of shops, bars, cafes and restaurants, while other attractions include theatres, museums, an aquarium and lido – and of course, the spectacular views of Dartmoor just a short drive away.
Our campus is based right in the heart of the city, which means you’re never too far away from the action. Not only do we have the South West’s 2nd biggest pedestrianised shopping area, but we are also highly connected with bus and train routes around the country
University of Plymouth open days
Open days are the best way to get a feel for studying an undergraduate degree at the University of Plymouth. From exploring our city campus, to talking to your future lecturers, our Open Day gives you a flavour of life here at our city uni by the sea. Plus, you could get over 50% off your rail fare when you visit us. Book your place today!
• Saturday 25th April 2026 • Saturday 20th June 2026
Source: University of Plymouth
