This course fosters an innovative, experimental and critical approach to the broad practice of illustration. The course enables you to define your working methodology, using skills and experiences developed through workshops, technical inductions, tutorials and seminars. You are encouraged to explore the wider territory of illustration, challenging the position of the illustrator within commercial and artistic arenas whilst maintaining the core values that underpin the practice.

The course embeds critical and contextual thinking at the heart of illustrative practice, examining, through a programme of lectures, seminars and talks by industry professionals, the history and development of the discipline.

Students have won D&AD awards, exhibited in the BP Portrait Awards and worked with Sony, Ofcom, Illustrated Ape Magazine, A.O.I. live and the National Maritime Museum.

Students have also worked on projects including Trans Vision at leading national galleries such as the Hayward Gallery and Object React at the Victoria & Albert Museum, both with onedotzero and had work screened at the ODZ Festival at the ICA. Students have had work placements at onedotzero, Resfest, Sorrell Foundation, Airside, Lightsurgeons and Peepshow.

Student initiated projects include Crystal Vision at the ICA, installation and interactive work at the Roskilde festival in Denmark, a project to design a permanent shop interior for Diesel and film festival curation in London and New York.

Learning and teaching

University of the Arts London courses span a broad range of art, design, communication, business, media, science and communication subjects. So the ways in which you learn and how your time is used will vary according to the specific course you are studying; this may be in studios, labs, classes, involve working alone, learning from peers in pairs or groups, or with external partners. Most importantly, no matter which course you enrol on, you will learn not only about your subject but also about how you learn and how to increase your knowledge base.

Our courses will guide you to take increasing responsibility and ownership of your work and your learning. We do this so that you will be ready and able to take full advantage of the full range of opportunities offered by the creative industries in the global economy.

Assessment methods

At the University of the Arts London we see assessment as a very real part of learning, rather than just a means of looking back at past work and measuring achievement; we believe that assessment helps you plan future work and develop new ideas. 

Your work will be assessed through projects or portfolios, with written papers or research journals, and, on some courses, examinations. You will be graded according to a set of marking criteria that relate to such things as research, subject knowledge, methodology, and your capacity to analyse and reflect on your achievements. So don’t be afraid of assessment - it is the way to progress.

Year 1

You will explore the constant evolving creative environments that illustrators work in and examine the way in which illustration communicates ideas. You will develop an experimental, research-based methodology and consider the relationship between ideas and the wider practice of illustration. Year 1 Projects Blog

A series of key ideas lectures will introduce you to several important debates and theories that underpin contemporary art and design. You will be introduced to a range of strategies to help you develop a research methodology and reflective approach to your studies.

Year 2

You will have the opportunity to negotiate a semi-directed programme that allows you to develop your individual concerns, exploring the themes, concepts, processes and materials that best reflect your personal approach to illustration. You will explore how you might develop a visual language through illustration and you will also have the opportunity to test your practice in an appropriate professional context, allowing you to examine the role of the receiver/user in the making of meaning. Year 2 Projects Blog

Year 3

You will be planning, developing and realising your individual, self-initiated programme of study. You will be carrying out sustained practical and contextual research throughout the year. Through a choice of dissertation, work placement or live project you will explore in depth the context within which you choose to locate your practice. You will develop your ideas using an appropriate research-based methodology and work towards a completed body of work, which will prepare you for ongoing study and professional practice.

Students holding a Foundation degree (FdA) in a related subject may be considered for the 3rd year bridging unit, which enables students to apply to the 3rd Year BA(Hons) degree courses in Illustration.

Graduates have gone on to work in journalism, publishing, advertising, photography, film, animation, music video industry, moving image, interior design and public arts. Recent graduates have worked as VJs (video jockeys) for bands such as Muse. Many others go on to postgraduate study.

Alumni:

• David Fulford
• Samara Scott
• Daniel David Freeman
• Bryony Quinn - Assistant On-line Editor at It's Nice That
• Jordan Chatwin - works at Nobrow Press
• Oscar Bolton Green
• Soju Tanaka
• Caspar Williams
• Kyle Platts
• Chris Dent
• Jody Barton
• Neal Fox

Entry to BA (Hons) Illustration is highly competitive.

We select students based on the quality of your application, looking primarily at your portfolio of work and personal statement. Most successful applicants will have completed a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design (FAD). We will exceptionally consider applications from A-Level or equivalent candidates presenting a portfolio which is of equivalent standard to those produced by students on Foundation (FAD) courses.

Applicants are normally expected to have achieved, or be expected to achieve, either:

• Foundation Diploma in Art and Design
• A pass in 1 GCE A-Level
• Passes at GCSE level in 3 subjects (grade C or above)

Or

• BTEC Extended Diploma or NVQ Level 3
• Passes at GCSE level in 3 subjects (grade C or above)

Or

• UAL Level 3 Pre-University Diploma and Extended Diploma in Art and Design
• Passes at GCSE level 3 in 4 subjects (grade C or above)

In exceptional circumstances applicants may be considered if they present a portfolio of equivalent standard to a one-year Foundation course in art and design and have achieved, or expect to achieve:

• Passes in 2 GCE A-Levels
• Passes at GCSE level in 3 subjects (grade C or above)

We also accept applications from students with equivalent international qualifications; eg International Baccalaureate or equivalent national school leaving or university entrance qualifications, where a portfolio of equivalent standard to that produced by students studying on a FAD programme may be evidenced.

• Applicants whose first language is not English must show proof of IELTS level 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each of the four skills. All information regarding acceptable tests, scores and exemptions from testing can be found here: http://www.arts.ac.uk/international/apply/englishlanguagerequirements/

International Applicants

We welcome applications from International students and will be pleased to help with the application process. To receive advice and help with your application you are invited to contact one of the University's local representatives in your own country or one of our International Student Advisors in London: http://www.camberwell.arts.ac.uk/internationalstudents/

Study Abroad Applicants

This course accepts a limited number of Study Abroad students (international students who would like to spend one, two or three terms studying alongside our undergraduates, as part of their course at their home university). To find out further information about Study Abroad fees and the application process please visit the CCW Study Abroad pages. 

Bridging Unit Entry Requirements to join 3rd Year BA Illustration

FdA graduates must be experienced in Illustration and demonstrate competence to an appropriate level to enter the Honours-level year, and demonstrate their willingness and readiness to undertake extended academic writing.

FdA graduates must have achieved or be expected to achieve a Merit or above on completion of the FdA course and must show proof of an IELTS score of 6.0, if English is not their first language.

A candidate's suitability will be explored at interview and through the submission of a portfolio of their work. The following selection criteria will apply for the 3rd year bridging unit.

Candidates / portfolios must show evidence of

• Understanding and application of subject knowledge and underlying principles.
• Management of learning through reflection, planning, self-direction, subject engagement and commitment.
• Clarity of purpose, skills in the selected media, awareness and adoption of appropriate conventions, sensitivity to the needs of the audience.
• Systematic identification and investigation of appropriate sources.

You need to apply through the UCAS online application system. You can complete your UCAS application from anywhere that has internet access.

All Camberwell College of Arts UCAS Course Codes can be found on the course 'At a Glance' tab or on the UCAS website.

Our University code is UAL.

Our College Code is U65.

There is no Campus Code for Camberwell College of Arts.

For further information about UCAS, or their application procedure, please contact them directly.

T: +44 (0)870 1122211
E: enq@ucas.ac.uk

For any other information please contact Camberwell College of Arts.

T: 020 7514 6302
E: info@camberwell.arts.ac.uk

International Applicants

Please visit the ccw international apply page for details.

or contact the CCW International Office.

T: +44 (0) 207 514 1852
E: ccwinternational@arts.ac.uk

Study Abroad Applicants

International undergraduate students can apply to join this BA course for a period of up to three terms as a Study Abroad student. Please visit the CCW Study Abroad pages for details on how to apply or contact the Study Abroad office:

T: +44 (0) 207 514 2249
E: studyabroad@chelsea.arts.ac.uk

How to apply to the Bridging Programme for entry to 3rd Year BA Illustration

Students that meet the selection criteria (detailed on the Entry Requirements tab) can apply for the Bridging Unit which enables entry to the 3rd Year of the BA Illustration course.

To apply download a Camberwell BA Illustration Bridging Unit application 2013 AND a Reference form‌ complete and return both to the address on the application form.

Application deadline: 30 April 2013

Interviews are expected to take place on: 27 May 2013

For the interview you should bring your portfolio of work and any other art and design work that may be appropriate. At interview the tutors will discuss your personal statement, portfolio of work and your motivation and career aspirations with you.