Illustration with Foundation

ADA3001
Materials, Methods and Media

Explore creative techniques using a range of hands-on materials and playful experimentation. You’ll dive into visual storytelling, image-making and design thinking to spark new ideas. Shape your own creative voice, tackle visual challenges, and learn to think deeply about your work.

ADA3002
Image, Type and Narrative

Dive into creative projects using analogue & digital tools to explore how images and words work together. You’ll build your own ideas, experiment with different styles and techniques, and develop a portfolio of creative outputs. As the module progresses, you’ll take the lead in driving your work through hands-on discovery and independent thinking.

ADA3003
Risk and Resolution

Build your creative confidence by planning and presenting a final project and exhibition linked to your chosen degree. You’ll explore your strengths, work independently, and develop ideas through research and design, readying you for your next steps in art and design.

ADA3004
Critical Themes in Art and Design

Discover how art and design theories and practices have changed over time. You’ll explore key ideas, movements and media, and learn how to research, write and present your thoughts. This module helps build your confidence in thinking critically and prepares you for future creative study.

ILLUS407
Drawing and Printmaking: Exploring Visual Language

Build confidence in drawing and printmaking through hands-on exploration of traditional and contemporary processes. Experiment with observation, mark-making, monoprint, relief and screen printing. Discover how materials, surfaces and techniques shape crea

ILLUS408
Storytelling Through Illustration

This module introduces you to the principles, practices and possibilities of visual storytelling within illustration. It encourages exploration of how narratives can be constructed, communicated and experienced across a range of media, from traditional print and sequential art to digital, moving image and interactive formats. You will develop a foundational understanding of narrative structure, setting and pacing, and learn how visual choices shape meaning and audience engagement.

ILLUS409
Character

You visually explore character creation via a broad range of traditional and digital media and formats whilst being introduced to some of the design processes utilised within illustration practice. Practical character development, narrative, creative writing and debate on the ethics of representation are featured. Critical reflection underpins practical work and help you to identify strengths and weaknesses.

ILLUS512
Theme and Context

Explore a shared theme through a range of illustration processes, from concept development to visual research. Investigate how audience and context shape communication, then define your own approach by writing an individual proposal. Create a visual research journal and a critical report that demonstrate breadth of practice and personal objectives.

ILLUS513
Drawing: from Observation to Interpretation

Explore how drawing from direct observation can be analysed, interpreted and transformed into illustrative outcomes across a range of contexts. Emphasis is placed on visual enquiry, experimentation and the translation of observed material into purposeful illustration, rather than representational accuracy alone.

ILLUS514
Illustration and Impact: Making a Difference

Explore and learn how illustration can interpret complex information into compelling visual narratives through live briefs set by external partners and/or resources engaging directly with real world issues. The module begins with a collaborative group project and progresses into a negotiated personal brief that reflects your individual interests and ambitions, supporting your creative growth and professional development.

ILLUS515
Collaborartive Practice

Strengthen your critical thinking, creative exploration and research skills while working alongside different disciplines to explore a theme in both creative and analytical ways, helping you see things from different perspectives. By the end of the module, you’ll have improved your visual and written communication skills and gained a better understanding of how illustration connects to broader cultural and social themes.

ADA601
Research Project

Examine how research underpins creativity and innovation in art and design. Explore key methodologies for creative inquiry, while developing critical thinking, analytical skills, and original exploration. Build confidence in forming research questions, investigating ideas, and articulating findings with clarity and depth.

ILLUS643
Minor Negotiated Project

Join your future ambitions with your current studies to create an individual project brief connected to at least one of your aims and goals. Small live or competition briefs may be included. You may, subject to conditions, align this module with the Major Negotiated Project module. At the end of the module, and through discussion, you may choose to focus your studies towards one of the specific exit award titles.

ILLUS644
Professional Practice 1: Understanding the Market

Start building connections with the professional world you aspire to join. Practical projects help you see your work in new contexts, while a showreel or portfolio publication showcases your creative practice so far. An accompanying summary report reflecting on your practice and ambitions helps you define your goals and learning objectives for future growth.

ILLUS645
Major Negotiated Project

This module is your launchpad, bringing together everything you’ve learned and helping you shape your future career. You develop a written project proposal that reflects your creative practice and professional ambitions. This module can be, subject to conditions, linked to the Minor Negotiated Project module and so make bold, ambitious projects viable. Live or competition briefs may be included. Your outcomes are professionally presented through written, visual, and verbal formats.

ILLUS646
Professional Practice 2: Setting out your stall

Expand your portfolio and gain a deeper understanding of the professional dimensions of illustration, positioning your practice within a broad or specialist chosen area. Showcase your work via a website, social media and promotional items. Articulate your understanding through the production of a business report and thereby equip yourself for entry into professional practice or post-graduate study.