Course summary

Why study BA Illustration with Foundation Year with us? This BA is an independent, studio-based programme which looks specifically at illustration as professional practice. Learn to challenge the boundaries of illustration in a creative studio environment with your peers, and discover where you can make a difference in the exciting world of illustration. Our course is specifically focused on developing your skills as a professional illustrator and finding your personal visual language. The course has a strong focus on drawing and you'll be able to continue developing your drawing skills in life and observational drawing classes each work throughout the three-year degree. Our facilities are state-of-the-art and as part of your blended learning, you'll have access to The Grove, an £80 million learning facility. We have a number of illustrators, agents, publishers and designers who make themselves available to discuss your portfolios. Many of our students get the opportunity to publish their work before they graduate. Our north London campus is perfectly located for you to explore museums and galleries to gain inspiration. In previous years, illustration students have also visited Edinburgh and Lisbon to be inspired by new surroundings. Year after year our students produce outstanding industry-standard work and leave the course with an impressive portfolio to launch their career. Take a look at some of the work from last year’s graduates on our Creative Graduates 2022 exhibition site. Gain specialist illustration skills We ensure that you graduate from our course with the specialist skills you’ll need to approach agents, set up studios, and produce a website as you start on your career path. Many of our students go on to work in magazine publishing, editorial illustration, advertising, animation, and more. We have strong industry links with art and design employers, and all the teaching staff are all creative practitioners. Our course is unique, in that we provide you with an individual workspace in the specialist illustration studio, that you can treat as your own throughout your studies. Previous students have told us that they have really enjoyed this lively and supportive learning environment. As part of your blended learning, you will also have access to our amazing workshops, illustration students often use the printmaking and digital media workshops, laser cutting and photographic studios. In your second and third year, you'll have the opportunity to enter many Creative Industry competitions. Past graduates have won many yellow pencils in the D&AD while others have been shortlisted for the Folio Society and Macmillan children’s book prize. Get the support you need We know that sometimes you’ll need assistance and support when it comes to your studies. During your time with us you’ll get assistance from a Personal Tutor. If you require a little extra help, then we have Student Learning Assistants and Graduate Academic Assistants on hand to help. Introducing our new Learning Framework After working with our students to gather feedback on what they love most about our courses, we’re making some changes to how we structure and teach our programmes for the start of the 2024/25 academic year. You can find more information about how this course is affected by viewing the relevant course information sheet on our Learning Framework page: https://www.mdx.ac.uk/study/learning-framework/