Nottingham Trent University

What you'll study

This practical, project-led course combines observational drawing, narrative development and commercial application across print and digital media. In the first year you explore core skills such as life and observational drawing, visual communication, image-making processes and introductory digital tools. Later years build these skills through specialist modules in editorial and publishing illustration, picturebooks, character and concept design, sequential and narrative illustration, and motion or interactive projects.

Studio projects are supported by workshops in traditional media (drawing, painting, printmaking) and digital suites for image-making, editing and simple animation. You will also complete contextual studies covering the history of illustration, contemporary practice and professional issues such as copyright, pitching and client briefs. The course culminates in a final-year major project and a professional portfolio or degree show project, which are designed to prepare you for industry or self-employment.

Teaching methods include tutor-led demos, studio time, group critiques, self-directed projects and live briefs with external partners. There are opportunities for collaborative work with other creative courses and for seeking placements, exhibitions and freelance commissions to develop an external-facing portfolio.

Entry requirements

• Applicants are expected to have a relevant level of prior achievement, typically from general or vocational qualifications such as A-levels, BTECs or an Access to Higher Education Diploma; equivalent international qualifications are also considered.
• A strong portfolio of work is a key requirement — this should demonstrate observational drawing, idea development, and a range of media or digital experiments. Guidance on portfolio content is provided by the course admissions team.
• Applicants without formal qualifications but with substantial relevant experience or a strong portfolio will be considered; mature applicants are welcome.
• If English is not your first language, you will need to meet the university's English language entry requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates go on to a broad range of creative careers. Common routes include editorial and magazine illustration, book and picturebook illustration, advertising and branding, concept art and character design for animation and games, packaging and surface pattern design, and sequential art for comics and graphic novels. Many graduates work freelance, set up their own studios or move into related roles such as art direction, creative agency work or visual development.

The course emphasises professional practice so students leave with a marketable portfolio, business and pitching skills, and experience of real-world briefs — all of which support entry into publishing, media, cultural organisations and design agencies. Some graduates choose to continue to postgraduate study in illustration, visual communication or related disciplines.

Why study at Nottingham Trent University

Nottingham Trent University offers a practical, supportive environment for creative study, housed within a school known for visual arts and design. Students benefit from dedicated studio spaces, print and book-making workshops, digital suites and staffed technical support. Teaching combines experienced academic staff and visiting practitioners who bring current industry perspectives into the studio.

The university's links with cultural organisations, publishers and creative businesses in the region provide opportunities for live briefs, placements and external engagement. Regular exhibitions and the end-of-course degree show give students a platform to present their work to industry contacts and the public. The emphasis on employability, portfolio development and real-world experience makes this course suitable for anyone aiming to establish a career in illustration or related creative industries.