BA (Hons) Illustration for Communication

Working in a collaborative studio environment, students will have the opportunity to apply their skills across a range of illustrative applications including:

• Editorial
• Publishing
• Packaging
• Product
• Print
• Advertising
• Character
• Film.

If you are studying the BA (Hons) Illustration for Communication with Integrated Foundation Year version of this course, key topics of your integrated foundation year will include:

• Fundamental design principles: typography, colour, hierarchy, layout, and imagery
• Developing clear visual narratives, identities, and design systems
• Crafting effective visual storytelling through sequencing, pace, and tone
• Conducting research with cultural, social, and ethical awareness
• Mastery of industry-standard software (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Animate, After Effects, Acrobat, Premiere Pro)
• Managing production workflows from pre-production to post-production
• Critically evaluating design work using relevant criteria
• Creating professional portfolios, slide decks, and pitch presentations.

This studio-led introduction to illustration expands mindsets and skillsets through workshops and projects. 

You will have the opportunity to explore idea generation, documentation and process experimentation, and the creation of image-making through computing, animation, photography and digital print.

A programme of industry practitioners and speakers supplements and enhances the core delivery.

Modules:

• Introduction to Visual Culture
• Introduction to Illustration Practice
• Visual Culture Futures
• Narrative Concepts and Communication
• Professional Life Practice: "Developing your Practice"
• Professional Life Practice: "Exploring your Practice".

Year two explores a more individual approach to image-making and encourages the development of creative thinking and ideas generation, combined with a deeper understanding of the subject.

The ability to have a personal vision, a point-of-view and philosophical stance is explored and a range of electives help facilitate collaborative projects with other disciplines.

Modules:

• Self-authorship and Publishing
• Collaborate
• The Extended Practice
• Professional Life Practice: "Applying your Practice"
• Work-based learning.

The culmination of three years of study in illustration is channelled into practical projects, which are increasingly professional in scope.

A range of self-directed project solutions form the basis of the final portfolio of work appropriate to applied contexts across a range of disciplines, along with a major project.

Modules:

• Competitions and Live Briefs
• Self-directed Major Projects
• Professional Life Practice: "Situating your Practice"
• Self-promotion and Professional Practice.

You will be assessed through the completion of practical and written work, including essays and a range of individual or group artefacts, presentations, projects and reports that focus on practical and business skills.

At Ravensbourne we accept a wide range of qualifications for entry onto our courses, whilst also considering the context in which they were achieved. For this course, we would usually require a GCSE Grade 4 or above in English in addition to any of the below;

• Two A Levels at grade CC or above
• BTEC Extended Diploma at grade MPP
• UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma
• T Level (pass or above)
• Access to Higher Education Diploma
• International Baccalaureate at grade 24 or above
• Other/Mixed qualifications equivalent to 64 UCAS Tariff points

At Ravensbourne we take a flexible approach to admissions, as we want you to know exactly what you need to achieve in your exams to guarantee a place on the course. We still think exams are important and look forward to hearing about your successes, but we place just as much importance on the work you will share with us as part of our interview and/or portfolio process.

Selection criteria:

Students should ideally have a background in art, creative media or design. Applicants are expected to submit a portfolio of work which shows a range of their skills and demonstrates why they would be a good fit for the course.

We may also consider a combination of portfolio and academic qualifications and take into consideration progress made during studies and/or relevant work experience.

UK students

Simply select your chosen start date using the 'Apply now' dropdown at the top of this page, and you will be directed to the appropriate course page on the UCAS website.  The UCAS code for this course is located in the course overview bar at the top of this page. 

The UCAS website will guide you through the simple application process. You can also apply through your school or college using the UCAS system.

Learn more: how to apply for an undergraduate degree course

The entry requirements for this course can be found in the relevant section above.

International students

Simply select your chosen start date using the 'Apply now' dropdown at the top of this page, and you will be directed to the appropriate application form.

For information on study routes, visa requirements, studying in England,  language and entry requirements, application requirements and access to international agents, please visit our international section.

Quick links:

• How to apply
• International Education Agents
• Visas and immigration
• Student visa CAS deposit refund
• International student FAQs

Admission onto this course is also subject to successful completion of an interview and portfolio (or showreel). 

We are looking for aspiring illustrators who are passionate about image-making, and want to take part in shaping the future of visual communication.

We are not seeking industry-ready professionals, or people with established styles - we are simply looking for students who are excited and intrigued by illustration, and have the curiosity and motivation to approach it with the energy and focus it needs.

This means that we have no specific requirements for what should be in your portfolio, but we would like to see evidence of how you like to make images (it doesn’t matter if that’s drawing, painting, digital work, collage, photography, animation - that part is up to you), as well as roughs, sketchbooks and development, so that we can get an idea of how you create your work.

Technical and digital skills are useful, but not mandatory - digital workshops run throughout the course, and will get you up to speed on everything you need to learn to create industry-ready work.

This page offers great tips for completing your portfolio/showreel and preparing for your interview. 

You can’t learn in a vacuum. At Ravensbourne University London, industry connection is ingrained into everything we do. We will equip you for success in the creative and digital industries, ensuring you are truly industry ready upon graduation. Our tutors are respected academics and practitioners with substantial experience and industry links.

You will be part of a diverse community of creatives, working collaboratively to explore new professional practices. Ravensbourne have strong industry links with a range of high-profile companies, including: Apple, Barclays, the BBC, European Space Agency, Marks & Spencer, Museum of London, the Royal Shakespeare Company, Samsung and many more.

As the BA (Hons) Illustration for Communication degree course crosses so many creative boundaries, there are unparalleled opportunities for contemporary illustrators to work with time-based, sequential and narrative forms. These include:

• Graphic design
• Advertising
• Publishing
• Fashion
• Product Design
• Animation
• Games Design.

Find out more about our tuition fees and whether you qualify for financial support during your studies. 

Key links:

• Undergraduate fees and funding
• Paying your fees
• Scholarships, bursaries and other discounts

If you have any questions, we'd love to hear from you. 

Get in touch with a member of our admissions team:

T: +44 (0) 20 3040 3998

E: [email protected]

If you have specific queries about being an international student, contact [email protected]

For general information, call +44 (0) 20 3040 3500

You can also chat to our students