Course summary

This Foundation Year (Level 3) has been specifically designed to allow you to undertake an additional year of study to build stronger creative footings that ensure successful progression through your chosen degree. Working in a friendly, lively and energetic environment, you will be given the freedom to expand your knowledge of practical skills, creative exploration and conceptual thinking, underpinned by broad critical understanding, academic writing and emerging theoretical principles. Dedicated Foundation tutors, BA staff and experienced technicians will support you throughout the year and work closely with you to prepare you for progression. There will be a range of opportunities to work on collaborative and individual projects, aimed to build your social skills and identify your role as a developing practitioner. Throughout the year you will be challenged with projects that question your current creative experiences and explore a breadth of experimentation to broaden your technical and critical understanding. You will be encouraged to analyse methods and materials appropriate for creative development and to question your position in relation to historical, contemporary, and future world scenarios. Both practical and written research tasks will be supported by one-to-one tutorials and small discussion groups to help you constructively build academic and social confidence. The two first semester modules will form the building blocks for future work and will explore core principles of creative practice focussing on the development of technical confidence, study skills and productivity. The two final semester modules will encourage a positive integration between research and practice, challenging decision making and technical competency. This semester is designed to empower you with independent learning skills appropriate for your future BA studies. On successful completion of the Foundation Year, you will have the flexibility to change direction and switch courses onto a related undergraduate degree programme within the College of Art and Design or the College of Digital Arts at BCU. To progress onto your BA(Hons) Illustration, you must successfully pass all four core modules (totalling 120 credits). On the BA (Hons) Illustration course you will learn how to convey authentic, innovative, ideas and messages that are impactful, thought-provoking, and publishable. Staying ahead in the field requires embracing technological advances. You will learn the essential knowledge and skills needed for industry, and will explore, experiment, and be encouraged to push the boundaries of traditional and digital illustration. We celebrate the diverse backgrounds and perspectives of our students through the exploration of different cultures and the effective use of interdisciplinary collaborations. This enriches creativity and will help you to become a well-rounded illustrator. We will also teach you to consider the ethical implications of your work and how to use your skills to raise awareness, advocate for positive change, and contribute to the betterment of our global community. Located in the culturally diverse city of Birmingham in the West Midlands, the curriculum design and live industry briefs will reflect the needs and opportunities for our graduates to gain employment after university. By encouraging active learning and innovation, we prepare you for an exciting future, equipping you with essential creative skills and knowledge. Rooted in a student-centred approach, the course prioritises personalised support and transformative learning experiences as part of a vibrant creative community. Within a dynamic studio teaching environment, you will focus on commercial application and transferrable skills, ensuring adept and employable graduates.