10Jan
UndergraduateThe Northern School of Art has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
Open days
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
Year One - Illustration Foundation and Orientation In your first year (Level 4), you will be introduced to the core concepts, skills, and techniques that form the foundation of illustration practice. You’ll explore a variety of mediums, software, and approaches to help you understand the wide possibilities within the discipline. This year focuses on developing your creative thinking, technical ability, and awareness of the professional contexts in which illustrators work. • Experiment • Print • Publish • Narrative • Creative Thinking Year Two - Development and Exploration Your second year (Level 5) builds on this foundation, allowing you to develop more advanced, industry-standard skills and a deeper understanding of the illustration sector. You will begin to define your personal direction through live briefs and self-directed projects, while building a professional portfolio that reflects your developing specialism. During this stage, you are also encouraged to seek relevant work experience or external collaborations where suitable opportunities arise. • Innovate • Specialisms • Negotiate • Creative Discussion Year Three - Consolidation and Expertise In your final year (Level 6), you will consolidate your skills, experience, and creative identity as an independent illustrator. Working on self-initiated projects, you will refine your practice and explore your future professional direction. This year provides the opportunity to realise your creative ambitions, demonstrate independence and originality, and prepare for a successful transition into professional practice or further study. • Specialist Practice 1 • Specialist Practice 2 • Professional Futures and Final Show • Dissertation and Report
Assessment method
In course assessment. Each module is assessed upon completion and given a percentage mark.
How to apply
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
UCAS Tariff - 96 - 112 points
A level - CCC - BBC
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - MMM - DMM
Access to HE Diploma
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
T Level - Pass (C and above)
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
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
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]
Provider information
The Northern School of Art
University Level Campus
Church Square
Hartlepool
TS24 7EX