Explores how illustration communicates ideas, stories and research through visual language with our BA Illustration degree at Winchester School of Art.
This studio-based course encourages you to develop your own authentic visual language and experimental approach with a range of techniques across the discipline.
Drawing is a core part of the studying illustration at university. You'll use it as a tool for investigation, communication and culturally aware practice while developing your own approach to visual storytelling.
Working in our specialist studios, you'll use both traditional materials and digital tools to explore image-based storytelling. Through hands-on practice you'll combine tactile, physical methods with contemporary digital processes as you develop your skills as an illustrator.
As you learn how to become a socially responsible creator across a wide range of cultures and communities, you'll explore how you can responsibly use emerging technologies including artificial intelligence (AI) as tools for research and generative image making, alongside more traditional forms of mark making.
As technology continues to reshape the illustration industry, there is growing demand for practitioners who can adapt, think critically and work responsibly across cultures and platforms.
Our illustration degree course prepares you for that changing landscape. You'll have opportunities to:
Assessment on BA Illustration is portfolio-based and includes research, development work, practical outcomes and reflective writing. You'll develop your portfolio through studio projects, live briefs and collaborative work that reflect professional illustration practice.
Projects focus on ethical communication and community engagement, exploring how illustration can create impact in different contexts. You may work with live archive material, respond to real-world contexts and collaborate across disciplines at Winchester School of Art, building experience in teamwork and creative collaboration.
You'll explore how audiences engage with illustration beyond the page, including sequential work, digital outputs and audio-led approaches.
In your final year, you'll refine your work through external and competition briefs in preparation for professional and academic context.
We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Find out why, when, and how we might make changes.
Our courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).
This course is based at Winchester.
This qualification is awarded by the ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ.
Our standard offer is BBC at A-level or equivalent qualification, we also consider grades of comparable value and offer on these taking into account the suitability of the portfolio submission for the intended course.Â
A Level offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.
If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer: BCC and grade A in the EPQ.
We are committed to ensuring that all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise an applicant's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is: CCC from 3 A levels.
Pass, with 28 points overall with 14 points at Higher Level.
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements. Please see the ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
Distinction, Distinction, Merit in the BTEC National Extended Diploma.
Distinction, Merit in the BTEC National Diploma plus B in an A level.
Distinction in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus BC in two A levels
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
The University aims to recruit students from a wide range of backgrounds who we believe have the potential and motivation to succeed on our challenging programmes. We are committed to fair admissions and strive to ensure we give equal consideration to all applicants who possess the necessary knowledge and skills.
Distinction, Distinction, Merit in the BTEC Extended Diploma.
Distinction, Merit in the BTEC Diploma plus B in an A level.
Distinction in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus BC in two A levels.
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3, of which 18 must be at Distinction and 27 credits at Merit
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
H3 H3 H3 H3 H4 H4
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education.
Please see the for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
M2 M2 M1 in three principal subjects
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
BBC from 3 A levels, or BB from two A levels and C from the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales.
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
To be advised
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)
Find the equivalent international qualifications for our entry requirements.
If English is not your first language, you must show that you can use English to the level we require. Visit our English language pages to find out which qualifications we accept and how you can meet our requirements.
If you are taking the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), you must get at least the following scores:
If you do not meet the English language requirements through a test or qualification, you may be able to meet them by completing one of our pre-sessional English programmes before your course starts.
Most courses require GCSE English Language (or GCSE English) and GCSE Mathematics at grade 4/C or above, or an equivalent qualification accepted by the University. Please check the ‘UK students’ tab for this course’s specific requirements.
You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. Find out more about:
Find out more about our Admissions Policy.
We welcome applications from learners of all ages. Students who are aged 21 and over at the start of their undergraduate course are defined as mature by the ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ. We take a holistic assessment of the application looking for academic ability and commitment to study. Typical entry requirements, which may vary from discipline to discipline, includes for example, evidence of recent formal academic qualifications or professional qualifications, relevant work experience or volunteering. You may also be invited to attend an interview with an Admissions Tutor. For some degree programmes, there may also be a Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body (PSRB) requirement. We accept many different academic qualifications. For more information, please contact the Admissions Team.
All applicants will need to provide a portfolio of art work
Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education.
Please see the for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. Find out more about:
Find out more about our Admissions Policy.
Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
During this 3-year illustration course you'll progressively develop your technical skills, research methods and professional practice through studio-based practice at Winchester School of Art.
You'll experiment with different media, challenge conventions and develop your own approach to visual storytelling. You'll also work across both physical and digital platforms while receiving regular feedback to refine your ideas and strengthen your process.
Alongside studio practice, you'll take part in:
You may be eligible to apply to study at one of our selected partner institutions for one academic year as part of this programme. This will help you develop skills and knowledge in a different context.
You may also be eligible to apply for a year in employment, which is a great opportunity to complete a work placement between years 2 and 3 of your degree and develop work-based skills. The University's Work Experience Team offer support and guidance before and throughout your placement.
In your first year, you'll build core drawing and storytelling skills, while experimenting with a range of materials and techniques.
You'll explore the historical, social and technological contexts that have shaped illustration. You'll also develop your own visual identity through research and creative experimentation.
In your second year, you'll expand your skills through more complex projects, specialist workshops and industry-focused briefs.
You'll develop more independent and socially engaged practice, exploring illustration's role in communities, cultural movements and activism. You'll also learn to shape and manage your own projects.
In your final year, you'll develop an independent body of work and professional portfolio, exploring how illustration responds to contemporary issues while engaging critically with emerging technologies.
You'll work on external briefs and your Final Major Project, while developing your professional practice and preparing for your career.
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
The modules outlined provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our course to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Find out why, when and how we might make changes.
You must study the following modules in year 1:
You must study the following modules in year 2:
You must also choose from the following modules in year 2:
You must study the following modules in year 3:
The learning activities for this course include the following:
You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.
Eleanor Wemyss is the course leader.
The employability and enterprise skills you'll gain from this course are reflected in the ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ skills model. When you join us you'll be able to use our skills model to track, plan, and benefit your career development and progress.
Download skills overview
Choosing to do work experience is a great way to enhance your employability, build valuable networks, and evidence your potential. Learn about the different work and industry experience options at ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ.
We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you. This support includes:
We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, , is open to every student.
Your career ideas and graduate job opportunities may change while you're at university. So it is important to take time to regularly reflect on your goals, speak to people in industry and seek advice and up-to-date information from Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise professionals at the University.
Fees for a year's study:
Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and standard exams.
Find out how to:
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.
Explore:
If you're a UK or EU student and your household income is under £36,200 a year, you may be able to get a ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ bursary to help with your living costs. Find out about bursaries and other funding we offer at ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ.
If you're a care leaver or estranged from your parents, you may be able to get a specific bursary.
Get in touch for advice about student money matters.
You may be able to get a scholarship or grant to help fund your studies.
We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from under-represented backgrounds.
The Student Hub offers support and advice on money to students. You may be able to access our Student Support fund and other sources of financial support during your course.
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
We will assess your application on the strength of your:
We'll aim to process your application within 2 to 6 weeks, but this will depend on when it is submitted. Applications submitted in January, particularly near to the UCAS equal consideration deadline, might take substantially longer to be processed due to the high volume received at that time.
We treat and select everyone in line with our Inclusion and Respectful Behaviour Policy.
Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Illustration (BA) is a course in the Art, design and fashion subject area. Here are some other courses within this subject area:
