Overview

The Illustration (Hons) at Cardiff Metropolitan University provides a creative environment where students learn to translate complex ideas into active, purposeful images. This programme encourages you to build a unique professional practice by mastering traditional drawing skills alongside modern digital techniques. You will develop a deep understanding of how illustration communicates within literature, science, and politics.

Why Illustration (Hons) at Cardiff Metropolitan University?

Students benefit from a dedicated Vertical Studio environment that fosters dynamic debates and collaborative learning. The Cardiff School of Art & Design offers sector-leading facilities, including specialist printmaking, animation, and mixed media workshops. As an Adobe Creative Campus, the university provides full access to the Creative Cloud suite, ensuring you work with industry-standard digital tools. You will also have opportunities for live briefs, work placements, and international exchange programmes to broaden your professional perspective.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: GBP 16000 per year
National fee: GBP 9535 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is designed to build foundational skills before moving into specialised, self-directed projects. Modules may include:

Visual Languages
In Contexts
Research
Interdisciplinary Understanding
21st Century Challenges
Real-World Contexts
Research Proposal
Positioning in Practice
Contribution

Careers with Illustration (Hons)

Graduates are well-equipped for diverse roles within the creative industries, working as freelance illustrators or designers within large organisations. The programme prepares you for careers in editorial illustration, book design, animation, and poster design. Many alumni also pursue entrepreneurial ventures by launching their own studios or businesses. Additionally, the course provides a strong foundation for further academic study, such as a PGCE for teaching or Master’s level qualifications in design and visual arts.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Drawing experimental and observational

Painting

Printmaking

Understanding colour

Characterisation

Composition

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 36 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-21 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-14 00:00:00

More details

For Undergraduate applicants we also accept applications from (UCAS), up until the end of June, and through Clearing via UCAS after June.

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

72

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

59

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6

Prepare for Your English Test

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Credits

360 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Cardiff, United Kingdom

Disciplines

Visual Arts Graphic Design View 213 other Bachelors in Graphic Design in United Kingdom

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

72

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

59

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Tariff points: 96-120

Contextual offer: See our contextual offers page.
GCSE: Preferably five GCSEs at Grade C / 4 or above to include English Language / Welsh First Language, Mathematics / Mathematics – Numeracy.
English Language Requirement: Academic IELTS 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in all elements, or equivalent.
A level: Minimum three A levels. No specific subjects required. Welsh Baccalaureate – Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate considered as a third subject.
BTEC National / Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma: MMM-DDM
T Level: No specific subjects required.
Access to Higher Education Diploma: No specific subjects required.
International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma: 24 points. No specific subjects required.
Other requirements: Successful interview and portfolio review. Applicants will be required to submit a digital portfolio.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

16000 GBP / year

≈ 16000 GBP / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

9535 GBP / year

≈ 9535 GBP / year

Living costs

Cardiff

United Kingdom

628 - 1066 GBP / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Illustration (Hons).

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic Applies to you

Living costs

Cardiff

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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