COURSE OVERVIEW
Turn your passion for illustration into a thriving career. This exciting degree empowers you to discover your unique creative voice while gaining the technical, professional, and business skills needed to excel in industries such as publishing, advertising, fashion, comics, games, and film.
From your first day, you’ll be part of the illustration industry as a member of the Association of Illustrators. Guided by expert practitioners and inspired by guest lectures from high-profile illustrators, you’ll build a professional portfolio that showcases your individuality and aligns with real-world industry demands.
Our dynamic studio culture ensures no two days are the same. You’ll work on diverse, hands-on projects, access industry-standard facilities, and participate in exhibitions and networking opportunities. Whether you aspire to create picture books, editorial illustrations, or concept art, this programme equips you with the tools and confidence to succeed.
With our focus on individuality and commercial awareness, you’ll graduate ready to make your mark in the creative industries. Join a community where your talent is nurtured, your ideas are valued, and your future as an illustrator begins.
If you’re excited by digital world-building, characters or 3D tools, you might also be interested in our BA (Hons) Games Art course. Games Art suits those who enjoy more technical, software-driven workflows. If your interests cross both, it’s worth exploring the Games Art option too. Click here for more information
This creative-industry-focused programme typically provides 16 hours of contact time per week across the academic year. Students can typically expect to receive 10 hours of taught sessions and 6 hours of supervised open studio time, supported by specialist technicians, and have open access to studios and workshops (subject to School opening times and availability). In the final year, students typically engage in a higher proportion of supervised, independent study, reflecting the increased focus on self‑directed practice and specialist project work at this level.
In addition, students are expected to undertake independent study appropriate to a full-time undergraduate degree programme.
Our BA (Hons) degree in Illustration for Commercial Application here at The Northern School of Art offers opportunities to build a credible contemporary and commercially aware illustration portfolio, with training from working practitioners in the industry. Our degree is unique in that we offer a distinctive studio culture; no two days on this course are ever the same. We back this up with a wealth of industry links, exhibitions and opportunities.
• From the moment you start, you are an illustration industry professional as a member of the Association of Illustrators.
• Students have access to a wealth of industry standard resources.
• We provide you with access to high profile illustrators from different areas within the industry through our extensive visiting lecturer scheme.
• We support and guide you to have your own unique illustrative voice, evident from the diversity and breadth of our students work
Awards
Artwork by Lauren Hubbert Shortlisted for the Macmillan Book Prize 2024
• From the moment you start, you are an illustration industry professional as a member of the Association of Illustrators.
• Students have access to a wealth of industry standard resources.
• We provide you with access to high profile illustrators from different areas within the industry through our extensive visiting lecturer scheme.
• We support and guide you to have your own unique illustrative voice, evident from the diversity and breadth of our students work
Awards
Artwork by Lauren Hubbert Shortlisted for the Macmillan Book Prize 2024





































