Illustration University of Southampton

Overview

Drawing is a core part of the studying illustration at university. You'll use it as a tool for investigation, communication and culturally aware practice while developing your own approach to visual storytelling.

Working in our specialist studios, you'll use both traditional materials and digital tools to explore image-based storytelling. Through hands-on practice you'll combine tactile, physical methods with contemporary digital processes as you develop your skills as an illustrator.

As you learn how to become a socially responsible creator across a wide range of cultures and communities, you'll explore how you can responsibly use emerging technologies including artificial intelligence (AI) as tools for research and generative image making, alongside more traditional forms of mark making.

Study illustration and graduate industry-ready

As technology continues to reshape the illustration industry, there is growing demand for practitioners who can adapt, think critically and work responsibly across cultures and platforms.

Our illustration degree course prepares you for that changing landscape. You'll have opportunities to:

• use drawing as a tool for investigation, idea generation and community-based research
• explore illustration across print, digital, animation, audio, product and hybrid media
• work on live briefs and partnership projects focused on ethical and culturally aware outcomes
• build a portfolio that reflects research, community engagement and professional practice
• engage critically with emerging technologies such as generative AI
• network with industry professionals and your peers
• progress to postgraduate study or research

Your illustration projects and portfolio

Assessment on BA Illustration is portfolio-based and includes research, development work, practical outcomes and reflective writing. You'll develop your portfolio through studio projects, live briefs and collaborative work that reflect professional illustration practice.

Projects focus on ethical communication and community engagement, exploring how illustration can create impact in different contexts. You may work with live archive material, respond to real-world contexts and collaborate across disciplines at Winchester School of Art, building experience in teamwork and creative collaboration.

You'll explore how audiences engage with illustration beyond the page, including sequential work, digital outputs and audio-led approaches.

In your final year, you'll refine your work through external and competition briefs in preparation for professional and academic context.