MA Art & Design
The MA Art & Design program at CSVPA is a one-year, intensive postgraduate course d...
BA (Hons) Graphics & Illustration
Cambridge
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The BA (Hons) Graphics & Illustration program at CSVPA is a three-year undergraduate course designed to equip students with a versatile skillset encompassing both graphic design principles and illustrative techniques. The program encourages experimentation, critical thinking, and the development of a unique visual language that effectively communicates ideas and narratives across a range of media. It culminates in a final major project and a professional portfolio showcasing the student's capabilities in both disciplines.
Curriculum: The BA (Hons) Graphics & Illustration curriculum at CSVPA is project-based, encouraging students to engage with diverse briefs that challenge their creative and strategic thinking in both graphic design and illustration. The program emphasizes the importance of research, conceptual development, visual hierarchy, narrative development, and the effective use of typography, imagery, and color. Students explore areas such as branding, editorial design, information graphics, visual storytelling, character design, and sequential art. The curriculum also incorporates workshops, seminars, and critiques to foster technical proficiency, critical analysis, and peer learning across both disciplines.
Research Focus: The BA (Hons) Graphics & Illustration program at CSVPA introduces students to the importance of research in informing visual communication. Students are encouraged to conduct both visual and contextual research to underpin their design and illustration decisions and develop conceptually strong and relevant solutions. The program emphasizes the critical analysis of existing visual communication and the exploration of innovative methodologies in both fields. Self-initiated projects allow students to delve deeper into areas of personal interest and begin to contribute to the evolving discourse within graphics and illustration.
Industry Engagement: A key feature of the BA (Hons) Graphics & Illustration program at CSVPA is its strong connection to the creative industries. The program benefits from guest lectures by practicing graphic designers and illustrators, industry visits to studios and agencies, and opportunities for collaborative projects and live briefs. This exposure to professional practice provides students with valuable insights into the demands and expectations of the visual communication industry, helping them to develop a professional network and prepare for their future careers.
Global Perspective: While based in the UK, the BA (Hons) Graphics & Illustration program at CSVPA attracts a diverse international student body, fostering a rich multicultural learning environment. The program encourages students to consider the global context of visual communication, exploring international design and illustration trends, cultural influences on visual language and narrative, and the challenges of communicating with diverse audiences. The development of a strong professional portfolio also prepares graduates for opportunities within the international graphics and illustration community.
Location
Cambridge
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
£ 28995
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed their secondary education with a minimum overall score of 60% 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.
- Some programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
Cambridge School of Visual & Performing Arts (CSVPA) is supporting talented international students through a variety of scholarship opportunities. These scholarships are designed to recognize academic excellence, creative potential, and to make quality education more accessible for students from around the world.
Merit-Based Scholarships: CSVPA offers merit-based scholarships that reward students with outstanding academic records or exceptional creative portfolios. These scholarships can significantly reduce tuition fees and are awarded based on the quality of the student’s previous work and achievements.
Creative Talent Scholarships: Recognizing the importance of artistic ability, CSVPA provides scholarships specifically for students who demonstrate exceptional talent in visual arts, performing arts, design, or related fields. Applicants are usually required to submit a portfolio or audition as part of the selection process.
Financial Need Scholarships: Some scholarships are allocated to students who demonstrate genuine financial need. These aim to support talented individuals who might otherwise face challenges funding their education abroad.
A BA (Hons) Graphics & Illustration degree from CSVPA equips graduates with a versatile and highly sought-after skillset, blending strategic design thinking with expressive visual storytelling. This unique combination opens doors to a diverse range of creative careers within the visual communication landscape.
Graphic Designer & Illustrator (Hybrid Role): Working in studios or agencies that value both design strategy and illustrative skills for branding, editorial, and advertising projects.
Editorial Illustrator/Designer: Creating compelling visuals and layouts for magazines, newspapers, and online publications, combining illustrative elements with strong design principles.
Brand Illustrator: Developing unique illustrative styles to enhance brand identity and create memorable visual assets for companies.
Information Designer & Illustrator: Visualizing complex data and information through engaging illustrations and clear design, such as infographics and data visualizations.
Children's Book Illustrator & Designer: Crafting both the illustrations and the overall design of children's books, combining visual storytelling with layout expertise.
Surface Pattern Designer & Illustrator: Creating original patterns and illustrations for textiles, packaging, and other surfaces, often with a strong graphic sensibility.
Character Designer & Illustrator (for Animation/Games): Developing visually appealing characters and their associated illustrations for animation projects, video games, and other media.
Freelance Graphic Designer & Illustrator: Building their own creative practice, offering a dual skillset to a wider range of clients and projects.
Visual Communication Designer: Utilizing both graphic design and illustration to create effective visual solutions for diverse communication needs, from branding to user interfaces.
Junior Art Director (with strong visual skills): Assisting art directors, bringing a strong understanding of both design principles and illustrative aesthetics to creative projects.
