Illustration (top-up) - BA (Hons)

Illustration has the power to communicate ideas, tell stories and connect people with information, experiences and emotions. From publishing and editorial content to digital media, branding and interactive platforms, illustrators play an increasingly important role across the creative industries. This one-year Illustration Top-Up programme enables you to build on your existing qualifications while developing the creative confidence, conceptual understanding and professional skills needed to establish yourself as a contemporary visual communicator. Designed for students progressing from a Foundation Degree, HND or equivalent qualification, the course helps you refine your practice, explore new possibilities and develop a distinctive creative identity. Joining us with an established idea of where your work sits within the field of illustration, you will be tasked with setting out a series of projects for yourself that sit within three to four contexts; speculative, self-authored, international competition and external collaboration, to support your career direction. These self-directed projects will be supported through the teaching and should allow you to explore illustration through your chosen range of media, approaches and experimentation with visual language. While considering how illustration functions across contemporary culture, you will gain confidence in storytelling, image-making and the contexts of communication. Working through studio practice, specialist workshops and independent projects, you'll develop both technical expertise and creative confidence, while pushing your work towards a more individual and professional level. A key feature of the programme is the opportunity to undertake a substantial self-directed project based on your own interests and ambitions. Supported by research, critical reflection and professional mentoring, you'll create a body of work that showcases your individual strengths and creative perspective, giving you the opportunity to define and articulate what makes your practice distinctive. Alongside your personal practice, you'll engage with live briefs, competitions and professional opportunities that reflect contemporary industry expectations. Regular contact with practising creatives, visiting speakers and industry professionals provides valuable insight into the diverse career opportunities available within the creative sector and helps you understand how your practice can develop within it. By graduation, you'll have developed a professional portfolio, a stronger understanding of contemporary illustration practice and a distinctive visual voice, preparing you for careers across illustration, publishing, design, content creation and the wider creative industries or post-graduate study. Most importantly, you'll leave with a clearer sense of your creative direction, a body of work that represents your individual practice and the confidence to take the next step in your career. Why choose the University of Northampton At the University of Northampton, you’ll benefit from a supportive, career-focused experience designed to help you succeed. Personalised learning Study in small groups led by expert academics, with dedicated one-to-one support. Our close-knit community ensures you receive individual guidance while being challenged to achieve your best. Built for your future Whatever your goals, we’ll help you get there. You’ll develop valuable skills, discover your strengths, and gain real-world experience - so you’re ready to stand out when applying for jobs or further study. A modern campus experience Study at our student-led purpose-built Waterside Campus, designed to provide an inspiring and dynamic environment for learning and student life. Visit us at an Open Day to see it for yourself.