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Illustration for Commercial Application at The Northern School of Art - UCAS

Course options

2025 - 20262026 - 2027
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This course is not open to application until the 13th May 2025.

The Northern School of Art has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

Open days

31May
The Northern School of Art - Open Day Event
Undergraduate

Course summary

Turn your passion for illustration into a thriving career. This exciting degree empowers you to discover your unique creative voice while gaining the technical, professional, and business skills needed to excel in industries such as publishing, advertising, fashion, comics, games, and film. From your first day, you’ll be part of the illustration industry as a member of the Association of Illustrators. Guided by expert practitioners and inspired by guest lectures from high-profile illustrators, you’ll build a professional portfolio that showcases your individuality and aligns with real-world industry demands. Our dynamic studio culture ensures no two days are the same. You’ll work on diverse, hands-on projects, access industry-standard facilities, and participate in exhibitions and networking opportunities. Whether you aspire to create picture books, editorial illustrations, or concept art, this programme equips you with the tools and confidence to succeed. With our focus on individuality and commercial awareness, you’ll graduate ready to make your mark in the creative industries. Join a community where your talent is nurtured, your ideas are valued, and your future as an illustrator begins.

Modules

In your first year (Level Four) you will explore:

  • Creative Process and Visualisation
  • Introductory Visual Culture
  • Exploring Narrative in Illustration
  • Exploring Contemporary Illustration
In your second year (Level Five) you will develop:
  • Innovation in Illustration
  • Visual Culture Theory
  • Negotiated Commercial Illustration
  • Illustration for Editorial and Advertising
In your third year (Level Six) you will produce:
  • Project Research and Preparation
  • Dissertation Report
  • Final Major Project
- Final Show and Portfolio

Assessment method

In course assessment. Each module is assessed upon completion and given a percentage mark.

How to apply

This course is not open to application until the 13th May 2025.

14Jan

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
W220
Institution code:
C71
Campus name:
The Northern School of Art
Campus code:
H

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1
  • Year 2
  • Year 3

International applicants

We do not currently accept students from outside of the UK. However, we can accept applications from those have evidence of pre-settled status to live, work and study in the UK. Please contact [email protected] for more information.

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

Your potential is our main focus when assessing your suitability for the programme you have applied to. Because of this, we take into account all aspects of your application and not just your academic profile. If you are a mature applicant (i.e. 21+ years), we will place more emphasis on your portfolio and the skills and experience you can demonstrate at interview. Your portfolio, which you bring to interview, is an integral part of the assessment. It should demonstrate your current skills, interests and knowledge where appropriate. It is also expected that you will bring evidence of written work to interview and/or have a Level 2 qualification in English/Literacy.

Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course

https://northernart.ac.uk/study-with-us/hartlepool-campus/supporting-you/how-to-apply/

Additional entry requirements

Interview

https://northernart.ac.uk/study-with-us/hartlepool-campus/supporting-you/how-to-apply/

Portfolio

https://northernart.ac.uk/study-with-us/hartlepool-campus/supporting-you/how-to-apply/

Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students
50%
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
70%
Go onto work and study

The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

Channel Islands £9535 Year 1
Republic of Ireland £9535 Year 1
England £9535 Year 1
Northern Ireland £9535 Year 1
Scotland £9535 Year 1
Wales £9535 Year 1

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

As with most creative programmes delivered at higher education, this programme will have additional costs such as material and basic tools and contribution towards educational visits to ensure successful completion of the programme. The School offers financial support packages to help with this, whether this be through means-tested bursaries and/or grants. In addition, the School offers subsidised resale of course materials, free use of studios etc. More detailed information is provided at the interview stage; however, if you require this sooner please contact [email protected]
Illustration for Commercial Application at The Northern School of Art - UCAS