Skip navigation
Illustration at University of Brighton - UCAS

Course options

2025 - 20262026 - 2027
Apply

If the course start date is before 31 December 2025 and you have already submitted an application, this course can be added. If you have not submitted an application, contact the university or college direct.

If the course start date is between 01 January and 31 July 2026 click the 'Apply' button to make an application.

University of Brighton has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

Open days

8Nov
University of Brighton - open day - Falmer campus
Undergraduate
15Nov
University of Brighton - open day - Moulsecoomb campus
Undergraduate
22Nov
University of Brighton - open day - City campus
Undergraduate

Course summary

A Brighton Illustration degree prepares you for numerous rewarding career paths, including roles such as illustrator, concept artist, special effects technician or production designer. Studying here at Brighton, you’ll be part of a community that helps you grow, no matter what your background. This course is packed with opportunities to build real-world experience, including a paid placement after year two and live brief modules across the course. Our inclusive approach to learning will help you go further; we’ll make sure you play to your strengths and learn in ways that suit you best. Recent graduates from this course have gone on to work at MTV, The Tate, Google and the Cartoon Network. Top reasons to choose this course

  • You’ll work on live industry projects with real-life clients which means you’ll graduate with industry experience and gain a competitive edge with employers.
  • We encourage you to develop your own creative voice while exploring a wide range of artistic styles. There is no house style!
  • Boost your CV with an optional paid placement year to apply your learning in a real-world setting.
  • Customise your degree from year two and specialise in areas that align with your interests and future creative ambitions.
  • We’re renowned for producing artists who are confident in using their own creative voice and who work in a range of styles. Our graduates are making their mark at major creative institutions such as the the Tate, Wieden+Kennedy and MTV.
  • Collaborative working: just like in industry, you will connect with students from different creative courses, developing contacts for when you graduate.
  • You’ll have the opportunity to exhibit your work in our Graduate Show and take part in events including the Brighton Illustration Fair.
Why Brighton is a great place to study Illustration Brighton is a city with creativity at its heart, making it the perfect setting to study Illustration. From independent studios to galleries and design festivals, the city offers endless inspiration and opportunities to engage with the creative community. Our long heritage in art and design education means you’ll be part of a diverse network of creatives, with access to exhibitions and industry connections that extend beyond the campus. Living and studying here gives you the chance to explore new ideas in a supportive, open-minded city known for its culture, innovation and craft. Named one of the best cities on the planet and third best city in the UK by Time Out, Brighton is also a bustling hub for music, media and fashion.

Modules

Year 1 You’ll develop your drawing, image-making and visual storytelling skills, experimenting with different media and techniques. Modules also introduce research, critical thinking and communication skills to support your creative practice. Core modules Introduction to Visual Communication: Orientation and Exploration The Practice of Visual Communication: Investigation and Application The Theories and Practice of Visual Communication: Media, Messages and Meaning in Illustration Developing a Visual Language: Personal Project Year 2 You’ll refine your style and begin to specialise in areas that suit your career ambitions, taking on live projects and collaborative work. Core modules The Theories and Practice of Visual Communication: Audiences and Contexts The Theories and Practice of Visual Communication: Contemporary Practice The Theories and Practice of Visual Communication: Context of Personal Practice in Illustration Global Challenges – Visual Communication Optional placement year An optional placement year gives you the chance to apply your skills in a professional setting, gain industry experience and build valuable contacts before returning for your final year. Final year You’ll create a substantial independent body of work, bringing together your skills, research and creative ideas. Your work will be presented in the Graduate Show, a large-scale public exhibition. Core modules The Theories and Practice of Visual Communication: Articulation of Illustration 1 and 2 The Theories and Practice of Visual Communication: Independent Practice in Illustration

How to apply

29Jan

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:
B72
Campus name:
Brighton
Campus code:
B

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1
  • Year 2

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

Additional entry requirements

Portfolio

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)66.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5. in each element, or equivalent English Language qualification.

Review our English Language requirements

https://www.brighton.ac.uk/international/applying-here/how-to-apply/english-language-requirements/index.aspx

Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students
0%
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
0%
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

England £9535 Year 1
Northern Ireland £9535 Year 1
Scotland £9535 Year 1
Wales £9535 Year 1
Channel Islands £9535 Year 1
Republic of Ireland £9535 Year 1
EU £17250 Year 1
International £17250 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

The fees listed in the table above are for full-time UK undergraduate students in academic year 2025-26. You will pay further fees in each year of your course. Fees may increase each year. UK undergraduate and certain postgraduate fees are regulated by the UK government. The annual fee increase will not exceed the UK government's maximum regulated tuition fee limit set for the relevant academic year. Many of our courses include the option of a salaried placement year. Tuition fees for a placement year are charged at a lower rate of £1850. The international tuition fees listed above are for full-time courses during the academic year 2025-26. Further tuition fees are payable in each year of study. Non-regulated tuition fees, which usually apply to international students and UK postgraduate students* are subject to an annual increase of a maximum of 5% or the Consumer Prices Index (CPI), whichever is higher. *Some designated postgraduate courses are regulated by the UK government – the annual fee increase for eligible UK / Home students on these designated courses will not exceed the UK government’s regulated tuition fee limit set for the relevant academic year.
Illustration at University of Brighton - UCAS