The course covers a wide range of image-making closely related to graphic design practice including drawing, printmaking, visual problem solving and digitally-produced imagery.
Our students consistently achieve well above the national average number of first class honours degrees
Different because it leads to a wide range of careers covering everything from animation to illustration to graphic design, working for household names such as Orange, O2, Warner Music, George and Next
Work on live client briefs and national and international competitions/Build your own professional portfolio
The first year of the course identifies your personal image-making preferences and strengths, while at the same time enhancing and developing your creativity.
The second and third years concentrate increasingly on project work, further developing your ability to provide creative solutions to illustration briefs, through self-initiated work andinternational competitions. This includes competitions run by YCN/Young Creatives Network, and McMillan Children’s Books along with other industry and real client-set projects. You will work on a live project brief, set by real clients in the third year, plus industry competition briefs in the second year (Young Creatives Network).
You are encouraged to seek work placements during the summer and there is an option to undertake a longer work placement lasting up to a year.
UCAS course code: W221
Duration: Three years full-time, six years part-time
Institution code: D26
A good portfolio and normally:
Five GCSEs grades A* - C including English Language or Literature at grade C or above.
We also accept the BTEC First Diploma plus two GCSEs including English at grade C or above
UK applicants with relevant qualifications will be invited to bring their portfolio of work to an open day and interview.
Overseas applicants will be invited to send samples of their work. For further details check our international students portfolio page|.
If English is not your first language an IELTS score of 6.0 or equivalent when you start the course is essential. English Language tuition, delivered by our British Council-accredited Centre for English Language Learning, is available both before and throughout the course if you need it.
The course has a vibrant studio culture. Teaching is through workshops, seminars, team and individual tutorials and interactive lectures from leading practitioners and experts. You can choose from a wide range of specialist topics and develop personal critical skills through a series of critiques and presentations of work to tutors, peers and industry experts. Projects are supported by tutors, either on a one-to-one or small group basis.
Assessment is continuous, with specialist staff providing formative feedback as your work develops.
Year one
Year two
Year three
Our teaching staff are practising designers covering textiles, children’s book illustration, creative writing, editorial illustration, photography, animation, mural painting and printmaking.
Illustrators are much in demand because of their individuality in many fields of communication and entertainment. Our graduates have careers including freelance illustration, animation, illustration for advertising, editorial and publishing. They are producing work for a range media, including digital media and the internet. Recently our graduates have worked for Orange, O2, Warner Music, George and Next, and one is manager of a children’s games company.
2013 entry
UK/EU Fees: £9000 International Fees: TBC
Learn more about fees and funding information 2013|
Excellent specialist facilities include Mac-equipped computer suites, openaccess multi-purpose studios with excellent natural light, dedicated drawing and visualisation studios and large photography and printmaking workshops.
For more information please contact:
T: +44 (0) 116 257 7555 E: adh@dmu.ac.uk|
You will undertake commercial design briefs and are encouraged to participate in award schemes including D&AD, ISTD, MacMillan and the RSA Student Design Awards.
“We are given live competition briefs, so it feels more ‘real’ and this allows us to make invaluable contact in industry and get our names known.”
Sammy Brennan, BA (Hons) Graphic Design and Illustration, selected for ‘We Love Your Books’ {e}motive Exhibition 2010 and an industry placement with George at ASDA’s design team.
Graphic Design / Illustration portfolio advice| |
International applicants should refer to our School of Media and Communication portfolio advice|.
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