BA (Hons) Illustration

Undergraduate Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications: International students applying for undergraduate programs are required to have completed their secondary education with a minimum academic achievement of 60-65% or above.

English Language Proficiency: 

• IELTS: Overall score of 6.0, with no individual component below 5.5.
• TOEFL (iBT): Overall TOEFL score of 80.
• PTE Academic: Overall PTE score of 64.

Students must provide:

• academic marksheets & transcripts
• letters of recommendation
• a personal statement - SOP
• passport
• other supporting documents as required by the university.

It is important to note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as availability of places and competition for the program. Additionally, some courses may have higher entry requirements or additional selection criteria, such as interviews or portfolio submissions.

These scholarships provide opportunities for talented students to pursue their studies at Birmingham City University

Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarship:This scholarship is available to international students applying for full-time undergraduate or postgraduate programs at Birmingham City University.The scholarship covers a portion of the tuition fees, providing a financial boost to successful applicants.Eligibility criteria, application deadlines, and the scholarship amount may vary, so it is important to check the university's official website for the most up-to-date information.

Academic Merit Scholarship:Birmingham City University offers the Academic Merit Scholarship to high-achieving international students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance.The scholarship is available for both undergraduate and postgraduate programs.Eligibility criteria, application procedures, and the scholarship amount may differ based on the level of study and program, so it is advisable to visit the university's official website for specific details.

Country-Specific Scholarships:Birmingham City University provides scholarships specifically tailored to students from certain countries or regions.These scholarships aim to promote diversity and cultural exchange, and the eligibility criteria, application requirements, and scholarship amounts can vary depending on the country or region.International students should check the university's website or contact the admissions office to find out if there are any country-specific scholarships available for their nationality.

External Scholarships and Funding:Birmingham City University also encourages international students to explore external scholarship opportunities offered by governmental and non-governmental organizations, as well as corporate sponsors.The university's dedicated scholarship and funding team can provide guidance and support in identifying and applying for external scholarships.

It is important to note that scholarship availability, eligibility criteria, and application deadlines may vary from year to year.

Birmingham City University's BA (Hons) Illustration program prepares graduates for diverse and rewarding career opportunities in the dynamic field of illustration. With a blend of practical skills, theoretical knowledge, and industry insights, students develop the expertise and versatility required to thrive in today's creative industries.  

1. Freelance Illustrator: Many graduates choose to pursue freelance careers, working independently to create illustrations for clients across various industries. As freelancers, they have the flexibility to choose their projects, set their schedules, and work from anywhere in the world. Freelance illustrators often collaborate with publishers, advertising agencies, design studios, and corporate clients to produce illustrations for books, magazines, advertisements, branding campaigns, and digital media.

2. Children's Book Illustrator: Illustrators with a passion for storytelling and character design may specialize in children's book illustration. They work closely with authors, editors, and publishers to bring stories to life through captivating visuals. Children's book illustrators create engaging characters, vibrant settings, and expressive scenes that resonate with young readers and enhance the overall reading experience.

3. Editorial Illustrator: Editorial illustrators collaborate with newspapers, magazines, online publications, and editorial agencies to create illustrations that accompany articles, features, and opinion pieces. They use visual storytelling techniques to communicate complex ideas, convey mood and tone, and enhance the visual appeal of editorial content. Editorial illustrators must stay informed about current events, social issues, and cultural trends to create relevant and thought-provoking illustrations that engage readers.

4. Concept Artist: Concept artists play a vital role in the entertainment and gaming industries, helping to visualize and develop concepts for films, television shows, video games, and virtual reality experiences. They work closely with directors, producers, and design teams to create concept art, character designs, environments, and storyboards that guide the visual development of projects from concept to completion. Concept artists must have strong drawing and digital painting skills, as well as a keen understanding of narrative and visual storytelling principles.

5. Advertising Illustrator: Advertising illustrators collaborate with advertising agencies, marketing firms, and corporate clients to create illustrations for advertising campaigns, branding initiatives, product launches, and promotional materials. They use their creative talents to communicate brand messages, convey product features and benefits, and capture the attention of target audiences. Advertising illustrators may work on a wide range of projects, including print ads, digital banners, social media content, packaging design, and outdoor signage.

6. Graphic Novelist or Comic Book Artist: Illustrators with a passion for sequential art and graphic storytelling may pursue careers as graphic novelists or comic book artists. They create original narratives, develop characters, and craft visual sequences that unfold across multiple panels and pages. Graphic novelists and comic book artists may self-publish their work or collaborate with publishers to produce graphic novels, comic books, webcomics, and graphic memoirs.

7. Animation Illustrator: With the growing demand for animated content in film, television, advertising, and online media, illustrators with animation skills are highly sought after. Animation illustrators create character designs, background artwork, storyboards, and visual effects for animated films, television shows, commercials, and interactive media. They may work in animation studios, production companies, game development studios, or freelance on a project basis.

8. Art Director or Creative Director: Experienced illustrators with strong leadership and managerial skills may transition into roles as art directors or creative directors. In these positions, they oversee the visual direction of creative projects, lead design teams, and ensure that artistic standards and brand guidelines are met. Art directors and creative directors work closely with clients, producers, and other stakeholders to develop concepts, execute projects, and deliver compelling visual solutions that meet client objectives and resonate with target audiences.