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Illustration at Sheffield Hallam University - UCAS

Course options

2024 - 20252025 - 2026
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There are other course options available which may have a different vacancy status or entry requirements – view the full list of options

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

What does this TEF outcome mean?

Open days

6Jul
Sheffield Hallam University - Undergraduate open day
Undergraduate

Course summary

Please check Sheffield Hallam University website for the latest information. Course summary

  • Develop the knowledge, skills, and attributes you need to become a professional illustrator
  • Experiment with the latest digital tools and technologies in our purpose-designed workshops and illustration studios
  • Transform your illustrative practice through live, client-led creative projects for diverse audiences
  • Build a unique portfolio and showreel to prepare for a career in the wider creative industries and further study
The BA (Hons) Illustration course is a progressive, innovative, technologically enhanced course that prepares students for professional practice. Employability is integrated into the curriculum through applied creative projects. These real-world challenges and work experiences are designed to build confidence, creativity and resilience. Creative UK membership We are members of Creative UK, which means our art and design students are also members until they graduate. With 10,000 members in its network, Creative UK represents, champions and supports the UK’s creative industries, advocating on the issues that matter the most to creative communities. How you learn All our courses are designed around a set of key principles based on engaging you with the world, collaborating with others, challenging you to think in new ways, and providing you with a supportive environment in which you can thrive. Based in our bespoke studios, workshops, and digital spaces, you’ll become part of a dynamic and collaborative learning community. Together, you’ll undertake creative adventures, explore possibilities, and challenge conventions. Through our teaching, we help you unlock your potential to contribute as a creative thinker and doer – applying your knowledge to art practice, culture, society, and life systems. You learn through:
  • Studio practice
  • Workshops
  • Technical demonstrations
  • Group work and collaboration
  • Crit activities
  • Lectures
  • Guest talks
  • External visits and field trips
Live projects We take a holistic and person-centred approach to assessment to support your creative growth while respecting the diverse ways people learn. Key themes Year one lays the foundational principles of illustration practice. Drawing is at the heart of developing your conceptual, theoretical, and practical skills. You’ll learn the core methods used in illustration practice – research, process, and presentation. As the course progresses, we’ll also explore the future role of illustrators and learn what it will mean to thrive as an illustrator of the future. You’ll gain confidence with both analogue and digital tools, learning how to adopt new and emerging technologies as you define your own, unique visual language. You’ll also get to test your concepts on live industry projects with commissioners, agents, and future employers – not only developing professional skills, but also helping you build your profile and network. In your final year, you’ll curate a portfolio of work that articulates your practice and moves you further towards your creative path. Course support
  • Access to our Skills Centre with one-to-ones and online resources to help with planning and structuring your assignments
  • Access to office and studio space, expert workshops, freelancing opportunities and a vast business network to tap into
  • Industry-specific employability activities and careers support for up to five years after you graduate
The course develops strategies of attention, empathy, imagination, courage and resilience in the face of an uncertain future. Our course prioritises care as a critical activity – care for global human contexts and for the more-than-human world. Applied learning Your course has been designed to embrace real-world challenges and provide you with the practical skills and knowledge to be successful.

Modules

Module and assessment information for future years is displayed as currently validated and may be liable to change. When selecting electives, your choices will be subject to the core requirements of the course. As a result, selections may be limited to a choice between one of two or more specified electives in some instances. You will be able to complete a placement year as part of this course. See the modules table below for further information. Year 1 Compulsory modules

  • New Adventures In Illustration: Methods, Tools, Technologies
  • Pencils & Pixels: Drawing Foundations For Illustration
Year 2 Compulsory modules
  • Future Now: Collaboration In Action
  • Illustration In Action: Character, Narrative & Sequence
  • In Here, Out There: Illustration Agency
Year 3 Optional modules
  • Placement Year
Final year Compulsory modules
  • Future Paths: Illustration Portfolio
- Future Proof: Illustration Practice

Assessment method

Coursework

How to apply

31Jan

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

Please select a course option – you will then see the application code you need to use to apply for the course.

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

We may be flexible in our normal offer if you can show a commitment to succeed and have the relevant skills and experience. This must show that you will benefit from and finish the course successfully.

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

https://www.shu.ac.uk/Courses/Art-and-design/BA-Honours-Illustration/Full-time/

Additional entry requirements

Portfolio

Portfolio review: If your application is successful, you will be invited to attend a portfolio review, this is where you can showcase your relevant work and highlight any pieces you are particularly proud of. In light of the updated advice from the Government about the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, we are not currently offering face-to-face portfolio reviews but are instead accepting portfolios through digital submission. Find out about what happens at a portfolio review and how you can prepare to produce a strong portfolio.

Other

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills or equivalent.

If your English language skill is currently below IELTS 6.0 we recommend you consider a Sheffield Hallam University Pre-sessional English course which will enable you to achieve an equivalent English score.

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

https://www.shu.ac.uk/Courses/Art-and-design/BA-Honours-Illustration/Full-time/

Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students
83%
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
93%
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 £9250 Year 1
Northern Ireland £9250 Year 1
Scotland £9250 Year 1
Wales £9250 Year 1
Channel Islands £9250 Year 1
Republic of Ireland £9250 Year 1
EU £16655 Year 1
International £16655 Year 1

Additional fee information

Our tuition fee for UK students starting full-time undergraduate study in 2024/25 is £9,250 per year. These fees are regulated by the UK government and are therefore subject to changes in government policy. During your placement year you will pay a reduced fee of £1,200. Our tuition fee for International/EU students starting full-time study in 2024/25 is £16,655 per year. During your placement year you will pay a reduced fee of £1,200. Please refer to our website for up-to-date information on costs and fees: https://www.shu.ac.uk/study-here/undergraduate/fees

Sponsorship information

Scholarships, discounts and bursaries may be available to students who study this course.

Illustration at Sheffield Hallam University - UCAS