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Clearing offers from 48 UCAS tariff points. Subject-specific requirements still apply. See the entry requirements section for details.
BA (Hons)
Illustration
BA (Hons)
Illustration
Key Information
Campus
Brayford Pool
Typical Offer
Duration
3 years (4 years with Foundation Year)
Validation Status
UCAS Code
W220
Turn your ideas into a creative career
Illustration is about communicating ideas visually - from editorial images and book covers to animation, branding, and digital content. On this course, you'll learn how to develop your own visual style while building the practical skills needed to work in the creative industries.
At the 51±¬ÁÏÍø, this degree is designed to help you move from experimentation to employability. You will create artwork and learn how to apply it in real-world contexts, build a professional portfolio, and understand how to turn your creativity into a career.
Illustration is about communicating ideas visually - from editorial images and book covers to animation, branding, and digital content. On this course, you'll learn how to develop your own visual style while building the practical skills needed to work in the creative industries.
At the 51±¬ÁÏÍø, this degree is designed to help you move from experimentation to employability. You will create artwork and learn how to apply it in real-world contexts, build a professional portfolio, and understand how to turn your creativity into a career.
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Don't meet the full entry requirements?
Arts Foundation Year
The Arts Foundation Year at Lincoln is the first year of a four-year degree programme, offering students the chance to explore a range of creative subjects including Animation, Architecture, Fine Art, Graphic Design, Illustration, Photography, and Product Design before progressing onto a specialist degree.
Why study Illustration at Lincoln?
- ✔ Career-focused from day one Build a portfolio that reflects real industry briefs, not just classroom projects.
- ✔ Develop your own style Explore different media, techniques, and ideas to find what makes your work stand out.
- ✔ Industry-relevant skills Learn digital and traditional illustration, visual storytelling, and creative problem-solving.
- ✔ Creative freedom with guidance Balance experimentation with structured support from experienced tutors.
- ✔ Preparation for freelance and employment Understand how to promote your work, find clients, and navigate the creative industries.
What you'll learn
This course goes beyond learning how to draw. You’ll develop the ability to communicate ideas clearly and creatively — a skill that’s in demand across multiple industries.
You will:
- Explore visual storytelling, narrative, and concept development
- Work across traditional and digital media, including illustration software and printmaking
- Respond to live-style briefs that reflect real creative challenges
- Build a professional portfolio that showcases your strengths and versatility
- Learn how to present, pitch, and explain your ideas — essential for creative careers
By the end of the course, you’ll have a strong body of work and a clear sense of where your skills fit in the industry.
Modules
Module Overview
This theory-based module introduces you to key concepts, debates, and case studies surrounding creativity and the creative process, forming a foundation for a reflective and informed creative practice. By engaging with these ideas, you can gain insights that enhance and support your hands-on studio work across your program. This module aims to deepen understanding, encouraging you to think critically about creativity while connecting theory to practice in meaningful, impactful ways.
Module Overview
This module offers an insight into the world of visual storytelling, guiding you through the diverse techniques illustrators use to create compelling sequences of images. Through practical project briefs and experimenting with an array of media, you can uncover how sequential imagery can capture ideas, craft narratives, and bring stories to life. Through exploring both historical and contemporary examples, this module reveals how visual sequences, from comics books and storyboarding to animation, can evoke emotion and engage audiences across genres.
Module Overview
This module centers on building the foundational drawing skills that are essential to an illustrator and exploring other processes such as printmaking and 3D model making skills to widen the scope of your creative voice.
At the heart of this module is learning how to engage with observational drawing—an invaluable skill that anchors image-making, even when illustrators work from references or imagined scenes.
Through practice and workshops, you can explore the visual language of representation, learning to capture and convey what you see in powerful ways. This module guides you through key techniques and processes, fostering a rich understanding of the fundamentals. You’ll also explore how representation can be both an art and a message, allowing you to experiment with and expand your approach to illustrating ideas.
Module Overview
This module invites you to explore the creative process of illustration, from sparking initial ideas to bringing a project to life. You can experiment with various media and techniques to craft illustrations that effectively communicate content, convey messages, and tell stories tailored for specific audiences and contexts.
Guided by project briefs, you’ll be able to develop an intuitive grasp of the principles of image-making, visual language, semiotics, aesthetics, and narrative techniques. Structured tasks showcase the wide-ranging impact and potential of illustration, encouraging you to think critically and creatively about how illustrations can resonate with diverse settings and audiences. This journey is all about expanding your skillset while building a solid foundation in the art and craft of visual storytelling.
Module Overview
This module builds on and pushes the boundaries of the technical and creative skills developed in Level 1. You’ll be encouraged to apply practical, conceptual, and creative solutions to create innovative and impactful illustrations.
The module focuses on cultivating an understanding of audience demographics to enable effective and creative visual communication, alongside honing practical skills. This blend of knowledge and technique is key to helping you craft a unique visual style that stands out in today’s competitive marketplace.
Module Overview
Through a rich exploration of materials, media, techniques, and technologies, you can refine your approach to practical work and expand your toolkit for visual storytelling. At its core, the module aims to help you build a solid understanding of narrative structure and storytelling principles within illustrated books. You can expand on previous skills through critical analysis and hands-on experimentation across various genres, delving into sequential illustration, character roles in storytelling, and the flow of narrative continuity.
Module Overview
This module is designed to deepen your mastery of the intellectual, creative, and practical aspects of crafting imagery with a strong focus on creative content—a skill increasingly relevant in today’s evolving illustration industry. Through a variety of projects, you can explore the dynamic relationship between words and images, developing techniques that playfully and effectively link text with visuals. You can also gain a richer appreciation of both historical and contemporary illustration practices, reinforced through engaging lectures, seminars, group critiques, and tutorials.
Module Overview
The Industry Placement Year is an exciting opportunity for students to take a year out of formal study to gain real-world experience in the creative industries. Whether you’re looking to build industry connections, develop professional skills, or explore career options, this year will give you a full-time, hands-on experience within a creative organisation.
This year is a collaborative experience between you, your employer, and the University—ensuring that you get the most out of your time in a professional setting.
Module Overview
This module provides an opportunity for students in the 51±¬ÁÏÍø School of Design & Architecture to spend a semester in Year 2 studying at one of the University’s partner institutions. This opportunity has both academic and personal development dimensions.
In academic terms, during the semester abroad students undertake models that are equivalent to 60 credit module and content at one of the UoL partner institution in semester B.
Participation in study-abroad also offers unique opportunities for personal student development in the wider sense. Although students will be supported through the application process by the Module Co-ordinator and colleagues at the partner institution, much of the responsibility for organising the time abroad rests with the student. 51±¬ÁÏÍø abroad offers the opportunity for students to develop graduate attributes, a global mindset and transferrable skills as exercise resilience, flexibity and open mindedness when adapting to and working effectively within a different academic culture and environment.
Students must submit an application to the School discuss why they wish to participate in a study period abroad.
Module Overview
This module is optional for undergraduate students within the College of Social Sciences and Humanities. 51±¬ÁÏÍø Abroad enables you to study at one of the University’s approved partner institutions.
During the time spent abroad, you can share classes with local students and study modules at the partner institution which have been approved in advance by the University. As many partner institutions support internships, you may choose to combine study with work and/or a period of volunteering.
Module Overview
This module builds on prior learning, exploring the diverse range of strategies used in contemporary illustration practice. Through a variety of managed self-defined projects that reflect the scope of modern illustration, you will have the opportunity to apply both analytical and practical skills to visually interpret and communicate complex themes, texts, and ideas in your work. You also get the opportunity to explore copyright, intellectual property, and your own ethical approach to illustration, enabling you to confidently negotiate the professional world of the creative industries.
Independent learning is a key focus, helping you to develop the confidence needed to create unique, compelling solutions to set briefs. This approach encourages you to explore your own creative voice while mastering the skills required to tackle diverse challenges in the world of illustration.
Module Overview
Contextual Studies 3 is an independent research study module which takes the form either of a dissertation and/or a number of other options. The module offers students an opportunity to explore in depth a topic of their own choice, chosen generally, but not exclusively in relation to the practice and/or context of their programme-specific studies and studio practice.
Module Overview
This module empowers you to tailor your learning experience to align with your career goals, academic aspirations, and personal interests.
You can design a personalised programme of study, setting your own criteria and outcomes through practical briefs. The focus is on fostering self-managed, independent learning, allowing you to develop the confidence needed to produce a high-quality illustration portfolio that reflects your unique vision and skills.
Module Overview
This module aims to deepen your understanding of the professional landscape of illustration, empowering you to focus on your personal, creative, and professional growth. The module outlines the roles of key stakeholders in the industry, including clients, agents, publishers, and audiences. In addition, you can explore important business concepts such as contracts, pricing, branding, marketing, self-promotion and entrepreneurship, equipping you with the essential skills for professional success and self-development in the illustration industry.
You may also have the opportunity to engage with live-briefs or competitions as part of the curriculum.
† Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.
Modules
Module Overview
This theory-based module introduces you to key concepts, debates, and case studies surrounding creativity and the creative process, forming a foundation for a reflective and informed creative practice. By engaging with these ideas, you can gain insights that enhance and support your hands-on studio work across your program. This module aims to deepen understanding, encouraging you to think critically about creativity while connecting theory to practice in meaningful, impactful ways.
Module Overview
This module offers an insight into the world of visual storytelling, guiding you through the diverse techniques illustrators use to create compelling sequences of images. Through practical project briefs and experimenting with an array of media, you can uncover how sequential imagery can capture ideas, craft narratives, and bring stories to life. Through exploring both historical and contemporary examples, this module reveals how visual sequences, from comics books and storyboarding to animation, can evoke emotion and engage audiences across genres.
Module Overview
This module centers on building the foundational drawing skills that are essential to an illustrator and exploring other processes such as printmaking and 3D model making skills to widen the scope of your creative voice.
At the heart of this module is learning how to engage with observational drawing—an invaluable skill that anchors image-making, even when illustrators work from references or imagined scenes.
Through practice and workshops, you can explore the visual language of representation, learning to capture and convey what you see in powerful ways. This module guides you through key techniques and processes, fostering a rich understanding of the fundamentals. You’ll also explore how representation can be both an art and a message, allowing you to experiment with and expand your approach to illustrating ideas.
Module Overview
This module invites you to explore the creative process of illustration, from sparking initial ideas to bringing a project to life. You can experiment with various media and techniques to craft illustrations that effectively communicate content, convey messages, and tell stories tailored for specific audiences and contexts.
Guided by project briefs, you’ll be able to develop an intuitive grasp of the principles of image-making, visual language, semiotics, aesthetics, and narrative techniques. Structured tasks showcase the wide-ranging impact and potential of illustration, encouraging you to think critically and creatively about how illustrations can resonate with diverse settings and audiences. This journey is all about expanding your skillset while building a solid foundation in the art and craft of visual storytelling.
Module Overview
This module builds on and pushes the boundaries of the technical and creative skills developed in Level 1. You’ll be encouraged to apply practical, conceptual, and creative solutions to create innovative and impactful illustrations.
The module focuses on cultivating an understanding of audience demographics to enable effective and creative visual communication, alongside honing practical skills. This blend of knowledge and technique is key to helping you craft a unique visual style that stands out in today’s competitive marketplace.
Module Overview
Through a rich exploration of materials, media, techniques, and technologies, you can refine your approach to practical work and expand your toolkit for visual storytelling. At its core, the module aims to help you build a solid understanding of narrative structure and storytelling principles within illustrated books. You can expand on previous skills through critical analysis and hands-on experimentation across various genres, delving into sequential illustration, character roles in storytelling, and the flow of narrative continuity.
Module Overview
This module is designed to deepen your mastery of the intellectual, creative, and practical aspects of crafting imagery with a strong focus on creative content—a skill increasingly relevant in today’s evolving illustration industry. Through a variety of projects, you can explore the dynamic relationship between words and images, developing techniques that playfully and effectively link text with visuals. You can also gain a richer appreciation of both historical and contemporary illustration practices, reinforced through engaging lectures, seminars, group critiques, and tutorials.
Module Overview
The Industry Placement Year is an exciting opportunity for students to take a year out of formal study to gain real-world experience in the creative industries. Whether you’re looking to build industry connections, develop professional skills, or explore career options, this year will give you a full-time, hands-on experience within a creative organisation.
This year is a collaborative experience between you, your employer, and the University—ensuring that you get the most out of your time in a professional setting.
Module Overview
This module provides an opportunity for students in the 51±¬ÁÏÍø School of Design & Architecture to spend a semester in Year 2 studying at one of the University’s partner institutions. This opportunity has both academic and personal development dimensions.
In academic terms, during the semester abroad students undertake models that are equivalent to 60 credit module and content at one of the UoL partner institution in semester B.
Participation in study-abroad also offers unique opportunities for personal student development in the wider sense. Although students will be supported through the application process by the Module Co-ordinator and colleagues at the partner institution, much of the responsibility for organising the time abroad rests with the student. 51±¬ÁÏÍø abroad offers the opportunity for students to develop graduate attributes, a global mindset and transferrable skills as exercise resilience, flexibity and open mindedness when adapting to and working effectively within a different academic culture and environment.
Students must submit an application to the School discuss why they wish to participate in a study period abroad.
Module Overview
This module is optional for undergraduate students within the College of Social Sciences and Humanities. 51±¬ÁÏÍø Abroad enables you to study at one of the University’s approved partner institutions.
During the time spent abroad, you can share classes with local students and study modules at the partner institution which have been approved in advance by the University. As many partner institutions support internships, you may choose to combine study with work and/or a period of volunteering.
Module Overview
This module builds on prior learning, exploring the diverse range of strategies used in contemporary illustration practice. Through a variety of managed self-defined projects that reflect the scope of modern illustration, you will have the opportunity to apply both analytical and practical skills to visually interpret and communicate complex themes, texts, and ideas in your work. You also get the opportunity to explore copyright, intellectual property, and your own ethical approach to illustration, enabling you to confidently negotiate the professional world of the creative industries.
Independent learning is a key focus, helping you to develop the confidence needed to create unique, compelling solutions to set briefs. This approach encourages you to explore your own creative voice while mastering the skills required to tackle diverse challenges in the world of illustration.
Module Overview
Contextual Studies 3 is an independent research study module which takes the form either of a dissertation and/or a number of other options. The module offers students an opportunity to explore in depth a topic of their own choice, chosen generally, but not exclusively in relation to the practice and/or context of their programme-specific studies and studio practice.
Module Overview
This module empowers you to tailor your learning experience to align with your career goals, academic aspirations, and personal interests.
You can design a personalised programme of study, setting your own criteria and outcomes through practical briefs. The focus is on fostering self-managed, independent learning, allowing you to develop the confidence needed to produce a high-quality illustration portfolio that reflects your unique vision and skills.
Module Overview
This module aims to deepen your understanding of the professional landscape of illustration, empowering you to focus on your personal, creative, and professional growth. The module outlines the roles of key stakeholders in the industry, including clients, agents, publishers, and audiences. In addition, you can explore important business concepts such as contracts, pricing, branding, marketing, self-promotion and entrepreneurship, equipping you with the essential skills for professional success and self-development in the illustration industry.
You may also have the opportunity to engage with live-briefs or competitions as part of the curriculum.
† Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.
Support and student experience
Starting university can feel like a big step — especially if you’re still figuring things out. This course is built to support you throughout.
You’ll have access to:
- Regular tutor feedback to help you improve and refine your work
- Academic support for research, writing, and project development
- Pastoral support services if you need help adjusting or managing workload
- A collaborative studio culture where you learn from others as well as independently
You won’t be left to figure things out alone — support is built into the course.
Careers and future opportunities
An Illustration degree opens doors to a wide range of creative careers. Graduates typically move into roles such as:
- Illustrator (freelance or studio-based)
- Editorial illustrator (magazines, newspapers, online media)
- Children’s book illustrator
- Animator or visual storyteller
- Graphic designer
- Concept artist (film, TV, games)
- Content creator or digital artist
You’ll also be prepared for:
- Freelance careers and self-employment
- Working in creative agencies or publishing
- Further study in specialist areas like animation, design, or fine art
Reassurance for you (and your parents):
This course is designed to help you graduate with more than a degree — you’ll leave with a portfolio, practical experience, and a clearer path into employment.
Entry Requirements 2026-27
United Kingdom
104 to 112 UCAS Tariff points.
This must be achieved from a minimum of 2 A Levels or equivalent Level 3 qualifications. For example:
A Level: BCC to BBC
BTEC Extended Diploma: Distinction Merit Merit
T Level: Merit Overall
Access to Higher Education Diploma: 104 to 112 UCAS points to be achieved from 45 Level 3 credits.
International Baccalaureate: 29 points overall.
GCSE's: Minimum of three at grade 4 or above, which must include English . Equivalent Level 2 qualifications may be considered.
The University accepts a wide range of qualifications as the basis for entry and do accept a combination of qualifications which may include A Levels, BTECs, Extended Project Qualification (EPQ).
We may also consider applicants with extensive and relevant work experience and will give special individual consideration to those who do not meet the standard entry qualifications.
International
Non UK Qualifications:
If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages
/studywithus/internationalstudents/entryrequirementsandyourcountry/ for information on equivalent qualifications.
EU and Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page
If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-sessional English and Academic 51±¬ÁÏÍø Skills courses.
If you would like further information about entry requirements, or would like to discuss whether the qualifications you are currently studying are acceptable, please contact the Admissions team on 01522 886097, or email admissions@lincoln.ac.uk
Contextual Offers
At 51±¬ÁÏÍø, we recognise that not everybody has had the same advice and support to help them get to higher education. Contextual offers are one of the ways we remove the barriers to higher education, ensuring that we have fair access for all students regardless of background and personal experiences. For more information, including eligibility criteria, visit our Offer Guide pages. If you are applying to a course that has any subject specific requirements, these will still need to be achieved as part of the standard entry criteria.Entry Requirements 2027-28
United Kingdom
104 to 112 UCAS Tariff points from a minimum of 2 A Levels or equivalent Level 3 qualifications.
If you are eligible for a contextual offer, a one grade or 8 UCAS Tariff point reduction to the standard entry requirements will be applied.
A Level: BBC
BTEC Extended Diploma: DMM
T Level: Merit
Access to Higher Education Diploma: 45 Level 3 credits with a minimum of 112 UCAS Tariff points.
International Baccalaureate: 29 points overall
GCSE's: Minimum of three at grade 4 or above, which must include English . Equivalent Level 2 qualifications may be considered.
The University accepts a wide range of qualifications as the basis for entry and do accept a combination of qualifications which may include A Levels, BTECs, Extended Project Qualification (EPQ).
We may also consider applicants with extensive and relevant work experience and will give special individual consideration to those who do not meet the standard entry qualifications.
Additional requirements:
- Applicants will be asked to produce a digital portfolio of work.
International
Non UK Qualifications:
If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages
/studywithus/internationalstudents/entryrequirementsandyourcountry/ for information on equivalent qualifications.
EU and Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page
If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-sessional English and Academic 51±¬ÁÏÍø Skills courses.
If you would like further information about entry requirements, or would like to discuss whether the qualifications you are currently studying are acceptable, please contact the Admissions team on 01522 886097, or email admissions@lincoln.ac.uk
Contextual Offers
At 51±¬ÁÏÍø, we recognise that not everybody has had the same advice and support to help them get to higher education. Contextual offers are one of the ways we remove the barriers to higher education, ensuring that we have fair access for all students regardless of background and personal experiences. For more information, including eligibility criteria, visit our Offer Guide pages. If you are applying to a course that has any subject specific requirements, these will still need to be achieved as part of the standard entry criteria.Is this course right for you?
This course could be a good fit if you:
- Enjoy drawing, visual storytelling, or creative thinking
- Want to turn creativity into a career, but aren’t sure exactly how yet
- Like experimenting with ideas and exploring different styles
- Are open to feedback and developing your work over time
- Want a degree that leads to real creative opportunities
Fees and Funding
University 51±¬ÁÏÍø is a major investment, so it’s important to understand the costs and support available. A full breakdown of the fees associated with this programme can be found below. Eligible students may be able to access scholarships and bursaries to help with study costs.
Course-Specific Additional Costs
Materials
Students on the illustration programme are likely to incur some additional costs for specialist art materials throughout the duration of their three years of study.
Equipment and some specialist materials are supplied by the School, especially in respect to printmaking, 3D modelling, and Adobe Creative software suite, which enables the production of digital material. However, students will have to provide their own drawing materials, paper, pencils, sketchbooks etc. A materials list is provided at the beginning of the academic year. Students are not expected to buy everything immediately but build up an individual resource of materials suited to their interests and their project work.
Students can purchase art materials from the art shop located nearby in the Nicola de la Haye building. The course has recently increased its digital resources for students within the studio. However, blended learning approaches (a mixture of online and studio learning) allow students (where applicable) greater freedom to learn where and when they wish. In this way, students may wish to purchase a laptop, tablet and stylus, prior to or during their study depending on their personal approach to illustration production.
51±¬ÁÏÍø Visits
Students on this course may have the option to take part in international study visits. The University covers the costs of mandatory field trips , but students who choose to participate in optional study visits are expected to cover their own travel, accommodation, and general living costs.
Fees and Funding
University 51±¬ÁÏÍø is a major investment, so it’s important to understand the costs and support available. A full breakdown of the fees associated with this programme can be found below. Eligible students may be able to access scholarships and bursaries to help with study costs.
Course-Specific Additional Costs
Materials
Students on the illustration programme are likely to incur some additional costs for specialist art materials throughout the duration of their three years of study.
Equipment and some specialist materials are supplied by the School, especially in respect to printmaking, 3D modelling, and Adobe Creative software suite, which enables the production of digital material. However, students will have to provide their own drawing materials, paper, pencils, sketchbooks etc. A materials list is provided at the beginning of the academic year. Students are not expected to buy everything immediately but build up an individual resource of materials suited to their interests and their project work.
Students can purchase art materials from the art shop located nearby in the Nicola de la Haye building. The course has recently increased its digital resources for students within the studio. However, blended learning approaches (a mixture of online and studio learning) allow students (where applicable) greater freedom to learn where and when they wish. In this way, students may wish to purchase a laptop, tablet and stylus, prior to or during their study depending on their personal approach to illustration production.
51±¬ÁÏÍø Visits
Students on this course may have the option to take part in international study visits. The University covers the costs of mandatory field trips , but students who choose to participate in optional study visits are expected to cover their own travel, accommodation, and general living costs.