BA (Hons) Graphics & Illustration

This course offers a dynamic and exciting approach to the practice of Graphics & Illustration . By fostering the development of great ideas and challenging existing thinking in the subject, you will be equipped with the tools to help define your future and find an individual voice within the field of visual communication.

Course Details

• Length 3 years (6 terms)
• Course Start September
• Progression Graphic designer, Illustrator, Art Director, Freelance Illustrator, Advertising Agency, branding, digital moving image, typography, interactive design, packaging and 3D design, information design
• Tutor Support Specialist tutor support available 5 days a week.
• Studio Access Students have access to our studios 7 days a week, from 8am to 8.30pm, Monday to Friday and 9am to 5pm at weekends.
• How Your Work Is Assessed Visual and written assignments and projects.
• Guest Lecturers Our course is enriched by programmed of lectures and workshops from a range of creative professionals.

What to Expect

Year One

Through practical workshops and themed project assignments, you will explore the fundamentals of visual communication and your own unique visual language through personal idea development.

Year Two

In your second year you will focus on developing skills within a chosen specialism alongside building upon existing themes, taught in year one. By exploring themes, concepts and a wide range of media, the focus remains on refining your individual direction with the aid of self-evaluation.

Year Three

Your final year is the beginning of your career in the creative arts environment. The year begins with a variety of projects that support a critical and imaginative approach to visual communication through a self-initiated programme of study. Aided by tutors and industry specialists you will explore a specific area of interest and complete a body of work from which to select your own professional portfolio

Entry Requirements

Age

18 years +

Educational Level

A pass at UAL Level 3 Foundation Diploma or Extended Diploma or equivalent or successful completion of High School (year 11 or year 12 depending on native country) is needed or 2 x A levels equivalent to 64 UCAS points and 1 GCSE or equivalent at grade 4 or C, preferably in a relevant creative subject

English Level for International Students

IELTS 5.5+ (with no element below 5.5)

Portfolio

A portfolio is required.

Your Space

Each of our students has their own workspace and are provided with free colour printing. Students will also have access to an instudio library and our photography studio. We also provide you with materials for mono printing, silk screen printing, lino printing, letterpress, drypoint and collagraph in our dedicated print room.

How We Teach

Throughout this course students will be taught through specialist workshops, guest lecturers, regular one-to-ones and group tutorials.

Subjects Taught

Illustration, Graphics, Photography, Printmaking, typography, Moving Image; (can also include) Children’s Illustration, info graphics, editorial design, animation, character design, film, branding, advertising, editorial illustration, 3D illustration

Careers

90% of our students were in work 6 months after graduating in 2019. 43% of our students graduating in 2019 achieved a first class degree. This is substantially higher than the national level of 28%.*

*based on national average in 2017/18

About us

Cambridge school of visual & performing arts (csvpa) is a dedicated arts and performance school in the centre of cambridge. We offer diploma, foundation, undergraduate and postgraduate courses across art & design, fashion, music and performing arts.

Our class sizes are small, our school is diverse and our staff have excellent experience in industry. With an average class size of 15 students to one lecturer, we give one-on-one support as well as personalised tuition, so you can become the artist you want to be. All of our students are part of the CSVPA family, a vibrant, multicultural community of highly creative people who share common dreams and ambitions. At CSVPA, you will make friends across courses and years, sharing ideas and experiences that elevate your work and inspires you to explore your own creativity

Your career

The creative arts industry in the UK is booming, contributing £286 billion to the wider UK economy.

With employment in the arts industries growing four times faster than other sectors, studying a creative arts course is a gateway for some of the most exciting, innovative and well-paid careers

Your creative space

As a student at csvpa you will have your own space to design, create, rehearse or practice . All of our studios are designed to look, feel and operate like those you would work in during your professional career. We make sure you are adept at using all the latest equipment, processes and programmes that the creative industries use.

Students have access to our studio spaces 7 days a week and our lecturers provide personalised tuition. What’s more, as artists you will need access to lots of essential materials and equipment to create successful portfolios. Unlike other universities and colleges, at CSVPA we provide all your printing, your calico and pattern paper free of charge – so you can experiment, make mistakes and learn without worrying about having to constantly buy more materials.

We Provide

• 5 days a week contact time
• small class sizes, on average no more than 15 students to 1 teacher
• one-on-one support in class
• personalised portfolio assistance and advice
• weekly one-to-one music and drama lessons
• highly personalised audition preparation
• your own dedicated workspace
• your own iMac for BA Graphics & Illustration
• your own mannequin if you are a fashion student
• lecturers based in your studio Monday to Friday, giving you high quality one-on-one time
• studio access 7 days a week
• guaranteed participation in an end-of-year show
• dedicated university officer, to help with your university applications and careers advice
• opportunities to broaden your experiences by visiting exhibitions and shows
• outstanding teachers who are working artists and performers, bringing industry links and real insight to the world of work
• a dynamic and global community bringing opportunities, international contacts and friendships

Living in Cambridge

Cambridge is possibly the best place in the UK to be a student, and csvpa is perfectly located right in the heart of the city. A beautiful, multicultural city , Cambridge is rich with English history and lots to do. There is a popular music scene with multiple venues to choose from across different genres. Arts and culture can also be enjoyed with world famous museums that show some of the rarest collections, sculptures, art and ancient antiques dating back to even the pre-historic era. There are many art galleries that are filled with contemporary and renaissance artworks and plenty of theatres which host performances, from Broadway shows to amateur theatre groups.

Cambridge is one of the safest places to live in Britain . 4 There is an abundance of shopping centres, restaurants, cafes and cinemas, and when you want to explore the rest of the UK or travel back home, you can easily jump on a train and be London in just under an hour.