MSc Public Health and Social Care in Practice
The University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD), United Kingdom, offers an MSc Publ...
BA (Hons) Illustration
Swansea
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD), through its esteemed Swansea College of Art, offers a dynamic BA (Hons) Illustration program designed to cultivate both the creative and professional skills essential for success in the contemporary illustration industry. This broad and immersive degree encourages students to explore and master a diverse array of traditional and digital techniques, materials, and styles, enabling them to develop a distinctive personal visual language. The program embraces the multidisciplinary nature of modern illustration, often blurring the lines with areas such as Fine Art, Graphic Design, and Animation. It places a strong emphasis on preparing students for the commercial realities of the profession, including the prevalent self-employed and freelance career paths, fostering an entrepreneurial mindset from the outset within a lively and supportive studio environment.
Curriculum: The three-year BA (Hons) Illustration curriculum at UWTSD is structured to progressively build skills and professional acumen. The first year establishes a strong foundation with modules like "Image-making & Communicating," "Editorial Illustration," "Visual Studies," and "Learning in the Digital Era," introducing core concepts and technical skills. The second year deepens this understanding through industry-informed projects, focusing on areas such as "Illustration for Advertising" and incorporating "Changemakers" modules that encourage creativity and the development of a personal brand for sustainable employment. Students engage with projects addressing social, environmental, and political issues, reflecting professional practice. The final year is largely student-led, culminating in significant independent projects and a "Graduate Portfolio," allowing for specialized inquiry and the refinement of a professional body of work ready for exhibition and entry into the industry. Assessments are typically project-based, including coursework, practical work, and presentations, with no formal written examinations, mirroring real-world creative workflows.
Research Focus: The research focus within UWTSD's BA (Hons) Illustration program is inherently practice-based and driven by creative inquiry. Students are encouraged to develop their unique visual language through a process of experimentation and critical reflection. The curriculum promotes both divergent and convergent thinking, fostering independent and collaborative exploration of ideas. Modules like "Advanced Creative Enquiry" in the final year specifically guide students in undertaking in-depth research into their chosen areas of illustration, enabling them to investigate contemporary challenges, emerging trends, or specific illustrative techniques. The integration of industry-informed projects that tackle real-world social and political themes also encourages a form of applied research, where students use their creative skills to analyze, interpret, and communicate complex ideas.
Industry Engagement: UWTSD places a significant emphasis on robust industry engagement for its BA (Hons) Illustration program, ensuring graduates are highly employable. Strong links with various businesses and creative industries are maintained through "live" projects, work placements, and regular contributions from visiting professionals. The curriculum is continuously updated with industry input, and an entrepreneurial element is woven into lectures and coursework, preparing students for the realities of freelancing and self-employment. Graduates have secured work with notable clients and agencies including Usborne Children's Books, Moonpig, Lego, NHS Trust, Marks & Spencer, and The British Museum. The university provides dedicated support through initiatives like "The Bridge," offering networking opportunities, internships, collaborative research with companies, and practical guidance for developing freelance careers and startups, including mock interviews with industry professionals.
Global Perspective: The BA (Hons) Illustration program at UWTSD cultivates a strong global perspective, acknowledging the international nature of the creative industries and the expansive opportunities available to illustrators worldwide. The curriculum prepares students to work with diverse clients and collaborate on projects that transcend geographical boundaries. By focusing on contemporary illustration trends, digital media, and entrepreneurial skills, the program equips graduates to navigate the global marketplace. Many alumni have successfully forged freelance careers with international clients or gained representation by top London illustration agencies that operate globally. Furthermore, the "Changemakers" modules encourage students to apply their creative skills to addressing global challenges and opportunities, fostering a broader awareness and adaptability crucial for a career in an interconnected world.
Location
Swansea
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
£ 13500
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed their secondary education with a minimum overall score of 70% or equivalent in their respective country's grading system.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.0 or 6.5 with no individual component below 5.5.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 72.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 59.
- Some programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
The University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) is supporting international students by providing a range of scholarships and financial aid options to help reduce the cost of tuition fees and make studying in the UK more accessible. UWTSD offers various scholarships based on academic merit, country of origin, and specific program requirements.
Undergraduate Merit Scholarships: International students applying for undergraduate programs at UWTSD are eligible for Merit Scholarships. These scholarships are designed to recognize academic achievements and help reduce the financial burden of tuition fees. Scholarships are available for international students who meet the academic criteria, making it an excellent opportunity for students from diverse backgrounds.
Country-Specific Scholarships: UWTSD offers Country-Specific Scholarships for students from particular regions or countries. These scholarships are tailored to students from countries with strong links to the university or who are studying specific courses. The scholarships can range from partial fee waivers to more substantial financial support and are typically awarded based on academic merit and the applicant’s background.
Early Payment Discounts: Students who pay their tuition fees early can benefit from an early payment discount. This discount is available to international students who pay their tuition fees in full before the specified deadline. The early payment discount typically depending on the program and level of study.
A BA (Hons) in Illustration from the University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) provides graduates with a highly versatile and commercially relevant skillset for the creative industries. This program, offered by Swansea College of Art, focuses on developing a unique visual language through a blend of traditional and digital techniques, preparing students for the realities of a predominantly freelance and self-employed profession. Graduates are adept at creating compelling visuals that communicate narratives, ideas, and messages across various platforms, making them adaptable professionals in a dynamic global market.
Freelance Illustrator: Working independently on a project-by-project basis for a diverse range of clients, including publishers (books, magazines, comics), advertising agencies, marketing firms, and product designers. This is a very common path for illustration graduates.
Children's Book Illustrator: Specializing in creating engaging and imaginative illustrations for children's literature, working closely with authors and publishers to bring stories to life.
Editorial Illustrator: Producing illustrations for newspapers, magazines, and online publications to accompany articles, news stories, or opinion pieces, often providing visual commentary on current events.
Concept Artist: Developing visual ideas for characters, environments, props, and moods for industries such as video games, animation, film, and television, laying the groundwork for larger productions.
Animator: Creating sequences of images that, when played in succession, give the illusion of movement, working in 2D, 3D, or stop-motion animation for film, television, advertising, or games.
Graphic Designer: Applying principles of visual communication to create designs for branding, websites, advertisements, packaging, and various other marketing materials, often incorporating illustrative elements.
Storyboard Artist: Translating scripts into visual sequences of panels, providing a blueprint for film, animation, advertising, or game productions, ensuring a clear flow of narrative and action.
Surface Pattern Designer: Creating patterns and designs for textiles, wallpaper, stationery, ceramics, and other products, often selling designs to manufacturers or licensing their work.
Visual Development Artist: Focusing on the overall look and feel of a visual project in animation or games, developing character designs, backgrounds, and color palettes to establish the aesthetic direction.
Art Educator/Tutor: Sharing their knowledge and passion for illustration by teaching art and design at schools, colleges, or through workshops and online courses.
