Course units
Year 1
Unit 1 - Introduction to Illustration
This unit is an introduction to your course, the College and the University.
Unit 2 - Exploratory practice ‘in discipline’
During this unit you’ll develop an understanding of the key methods and knowledge that define the subject of illustration. You’ll look at composition, colour, character development, tone and pace. Drawing will be used as an ethnographic tool as well to observe, analyse and describe. You’ll also carry out object and conceptual making.
Unit 3 - Core practice ‘in discipline’
Through continued experimentation and production, you will continue to develop an understanding of the foundational methods, knowledge and practice of illustration. Lectures, seminars and discussions will explore the relationship between historical and contemporary critical debates within illustration.
Unit 4 - Expanded practice ‘in discipline’
This unit places emphasis on experimentation and creative risk-taking in your practice. It will focus on your continued development and understanding of the key principles of the subject. It will examine illustration materials and conceptual possibilities. You’ll look at illustration in relation to text analysis and the articulation of narrative, tone and pace in sequential image making. You’ll also explore ideas around authorship and the reproduced image.
Year 2
Unit 5 - Exploratory practice ‘as discipline’
Throughout this unit you will continue to consolidate the practical methods and principles of illustration explored through the previous stage of the course. You’ll consider methods of distribution and reproduction. Written work will articulate your position as an illustrator.
Unit 6 - Collaborative and collective practices
You will be introduced to different ways in which collaborative working can help you to focus and enhance your own creative strengths. You’ll have the chance to work with fellow students and creative communities.
Unit 7 - Core practice ‘as discipline’
This unit encourages you to continue to develop your skills, position and identity as an illustrator. The unit will help you identify an audience and consider how to make your work visible in a real-world context. You’ll be asked to consider the impact and ethics of your work and to think about social, cultural and political engagement.
Unit 8 - Expanded practice and points of departure culture ‘as discipline’
Through a series of practical illustration projects, you will apply methods of evaluation, participation, social, cultural and political engagement. You will take part in a series of workshops, seminars, lectures and discussions that will help you to identify a broad context for your practice. This unit will help you work out your individual programme of study for your third year.
Year 3
Unit 9 - Exploratory core practice ‘of discipline’
This unit is a coming together of your practical, professional and critical position as an illustrator. It will be highly self-directed. It will look at professional development and potential fields you might work within after graduation.
Unit 10 - Expanded core practice ‘of discipline’
In this unit you’ll work on a self-directed final project that brings together your conceptual and practical activity. You’ll produce work which you’ll present in the College degree show and form part of your portfolio. You’ll take part in workshops, seminars, group discussions, reviews and tutorials. There’ll also be a series of visiting practitioner talks.
Optional Diploma between Years 2 and 3
Between Years 2 and 3 of the course, you’ll also have the opportunity to undertake one of the following additional UAL qualifications:
Diploma in Professional Studies (DPS)
This optional diploma can be taken between years 2 and 3. With support from your tutors, you’ll undertake an industry placement for a minimum of 100 days/20 weeks. As well as developing industry skills, you’ll gain an additional qualification upon successful completion.
Diploma in Creative Computing
Between years 2 and 3, you can undertake the year-long Diploma in Creative Computing. This will develop your skills in creative computing alongside your degree. After successfully completing the diploma and your undergraduate course, you’ll graduate with an enhanced degree: BA (Hons) Illustration (with Creative Computing).