BA (Hons) Illustration

Working in industry-standard studios, you are supported to develop your own creative voice, with guidance from your peers, experienced illustrators and academics, many of who have worked for major brands including The Scottish Government and NHS. You develop your portfolio through live briefs and international competitions, helping you become adaptable by responding to editorial, fashion, children's books, social media, advertising, packaging, exhibition and corporate commissions. You receive feedback from clients, ensuring you know how to amend and flex in professional environments.

Top reasons to study illustration at Teesside University:
Nationally recognised:Teesside University was ranked 9th for Student Satisfaction for Art & Design in the Complete University Guide 2024. (84 institutions were ranked. tees.ac.uk/source)
Unique facilities: spend time in our very own international contemporary museum and gallery, MIMA (Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art). You gain a full artistic experience, learning in a social space that inspires dynamic ideas, fuels collaboration and allows you to build local, national and international networks with industry professionals.
Work-ready: the course includes short, career-focused modules helping you understand working in the arts and creative industries. You look at how the illustration industry works, how to access it, who shapes it and how to grow within it. From industry leaders professional wisdom and insight, to accessing professional opportunities and creative coaching, you become an industry insider and leave with a working understanding of the professional community.
Digital toolkit: our courses and campus are powered by Adobe and Apple. Were Europe's first Adobe Creative Campus and the only Apple-accredited university, equipping you with the digital tools and resources to transform the creative world. Our courses have a built in Creative Week - a workshop based, festival style, off-timetable week each semester where you can experiment with new materials, make visits and upgrade your tech skills.
Professional connections: were a member of the Association of Illustrators giving you access to interactive talks, guidance on contracts and licensing, and your own discounted membership. This gives you the tools you need for a successful career in industry or as a freelancer. You also have access to our network of alumni, as well as practicing creatives at MIMA.

Lenght - 3 Years (or 4 years with work placement)

Year 1 entry
96-112 points, including a creative subject, from any combination of recognised Level 3 qualifications. Consideration is also given to students without formal qualifications but with evidence of practical illustration experience at an appropriate level. Applicants are invited to share a portfolio where applicable to show creative skills in illustration.

Applicants are invited join us on campus for an applicant day, enabling you to see our illustration facilities, meet staff and students and learn more about studying at Teesside University.

Non-EU international students who need a student visa to study in the UK should check our web pages on UKVI-compliant English language requirements. The University also provides pre-sessional English language courses to help you meet the English language requirements.

Helping you meet the entry requirements
We may be able to help you meet the requirements for admission by offering you the opportunity to study one or more Summer University modules, some of which can be studied by distance learning.

Alternative degree with integrated foundation year
If you are unable to achieve the minimum admission requirements for Year 1 entry you could, subject to eligibility, join one of our degree courses with an integrated foundation year.

Direct entry to later years
If you have previously studied at higher education level (for example, a foundation degree, HNC, HND or one or more years at degree level at another institution) you may request direct entry to Year 2 or year 3 of this degree.

Mature applicants
We welcome applications from mature students (aged over 21) who can demonstrate, through portfolio/written work and relevant experience, that they have developed cognitive and technical skills through their life experiences.

IELTS - 5.5
PTE (Academic) - 59
Cambridge English scale - 162
Trinity Integrated Skills in English - ISE II Pass