BA Illustration

Year 1

You will be introduced to the theoretical and practical concepts of design, initially through a series of shared projects, leading to more focused, subject-specific outcomes. In Design & Screen Cultures you will address the key histories and theories of design.

You will be able to take up to 60 credits of option courses, either within ECA, or across the wider College. These are subject to availability but offer the flexibility to construct a suite of courses that reflects your interests and enhances your main study.

Year 2

Basic principles, theories, working practices and technical instruction will be covered in set projects and practical exercises.

A range of themes will be covered in varying scales, formats and complexities. This work demands imaginative solutions, research skills and technical facility. You will begin to assemble a portfolio of work made for set briefs and self-initiated work in various media.

Alongside Design & Screen Cultures courses, you will be able to choose option courses from the wider College, subject to availability.

Year 3

An externally facing professional practice year where there are various opportunities for exchange, competitions and live projects.

Projects will encapsulate pictorial narrative, documentary work, observational drawing, web design and artist's books. A creative approach is strongly supported by emphasis of the importance of drawing as a method of expression, analysis and explanation. You will have opportunities to work on commercially focused projects, produce print work and take part in industry visits.

Alongside Design & Screen Cultures courses, option courses are available from within the wider College and opportunities for study abroad will help broaden your understanding of the discipline.

Year 4

This gives opportunity for self-initiated projects as well as set briefs. You will feel confident about your ability to express ideas, opinions and concerns in your work. In addition, you will produce a written dissertation.

Projects allow for greater exploration and you will identify direction and stylistic approaches towards a completed body of final-year work. Competitions and live projects will enhance your awareness of professional practice as well as the illustrator's role in the field of contemporary art & design.

Programme structure

Find out more about the compulsory and optional courses in this degree programme.

To give you an idea of what you will study on this programme, we publish the latest available information. However, please note this may not be for your year of entry, but for a different academic year.

Programme structure (2018/19)

Our facilities

You will be allocated a work-space within open-plan studios. Briefings, small group seminars, critiques and tutorials also take place in the studios.

Life Drawing, Book-binding, Book Arts and Printmaking utilise various other studios and workshops.

Placements

Students are supported and encouraged to explore internships during their holiday period.

Study abroad

Study abroad is optional in Year 3.

Guaranteed study abroad funding for students required to complete a year abroad

How will I learn?

The majority of design teaching and learning is through involvement in a range of experiential courses situated in a studio environment. Conceptual, material and technical issues are explored through seminars, workshops, lectures, tutorials and critiques.

Research, critical thinking and study of the visual, intellectual, social and professional contexts that shape creative design practice are regarded as essential to your development, elements of which are taught through Design & Screen Cultures courses. This also involves participation in exhibitions, competitions, collaborations and live industry projects.

How will I be assessed?

Formative assessment is continuous throughout the year, aiming to give you meaningful feedback and to encourage experimentation in the studio and beyond.

Formative assessment for compulsory courses is through a mix of verbal and written modes such as portfolio, presentations and essays. There is a mid-session review, usually at the mid-point of any given course you study.

Summative assessment at the end of all the courses you take is informed by your academic and creative progress and performance throughout.

There is a mid-session review, usually at the mid-point of any given course you study. Summative assessment at the end of all the courses you take is informed by your academic and creative progress and performance throughout.

Programme details

Find out more about this programme's aims, what you will learn, how you will be assessed and what skills and knowledge you will develop.

To give you an idea of what to expect from this programme, we publish the latest available information. However, please note this may not be for your year of entry, but for a different academic year.

Programme details (2018/19)

Our programmes have strong industrial pathways to ensure the most successful and meaningful careers for graduates. You are encouraged to participate in national and international showcase events appropriate to your programme.

Typical offer

The typical offer is likely to be:

• SQA Highers: ABBB.
• A Levels: ABB.
• IB: 34 points (grades 655 at HL).

Access threshold

The access threshold for a contextual offer is:

• SQA Highers: ABBB.
• A Levels: ABB.
• IB: 34 points (grades 655 at HL).

Find out more about access thresholds and contextual offers

Detailed requirements for all applicants

To be considered for an offer of a place all applicants must meet the following requirements:

• SQA Highers: ABBB by end of S5 or ABBBB/AABB from S4-S6, with a minimum of BBB achieved in one year of S4-S6. National 5: English at Grade C.
• A Levels: ABB. GCSEs: English at Grade C or 4.
• IB: Award of Diploma with 34 points overall and grades 655 in HL subjects. SL: English at 5.

Additional requirements

Mini-portfolio

Applicants will be asked to submit a digital mini-portfolio to provide evidence of artistic aptitude and potential, this will form an important part of the selection process. The deadline for mini-portfolio submission is 12:00 noon GMT on Tuesday 29 January 2019 and late mini-portfolio submissions will not be accepted.

Portfolio guidance (PDF)

Important dates

• 30 November 2018 : Mini-portfolio submissions site opens
• 15 January 2019: UCAS deadline for Home/EU applicants
• 29 January 2019 at 12:00 (midday): Mini-portfolio submission deadline
• 30 June 2019: Final deadline for UCAS applications from applicants from outside the EU.

(Revised 3/8/2018 to provide more accurate information).

BTEC/UAL Diplomas

Applicants studying Pearson BTEC Level 3 Nationals in Art and Design will be considered for entry with the following:

• Pearson BTEC Extended Diploma with DMM.
• Pearson BTEC Diploma with MM plus one A Level at grade A (or DM plus B at A Level).
• Pearson BTEC Extended Certificate / Subsidiary Diploma with D plus two A Levels at grade B (or M plus AB at A Level).

Applicants studying the University of the Arts London Level 3 Extended Diploma in Art and Design will be considered with Merit.

Find out more about entry requirements

International applicants

We welcome applications from students studying a wide range of international qualifications.

Entry requirements by country

International Foundation Programme

If you are an international student and your school qualifications are not accepted for direct entry to the University you may be eligible for admission to this degree programme through our International Foundation Programme.

International Foundation Programme

Mature applicants

We welcome applications from mature students and accept a range of qualifications.

Mature applicant qualifications

Entry to the second year is available. Successful completion of a Foundation Diploma (at Merit Grade), a relevant HND or equivalent is required. Applicants will normally be expected to have undertaken these qualifications in addition to having met the minimum entry requirements (Highers, A Levels, IB etc). In some of our less competitive programmes it may be possible to consider applicants presenting ABC (or equivalent) or above at A-level. These grades must have been achieved in a single first sitting.

You must provide evidence that your written and spoken English is at a level that will enable you to succeed in your studies.

English language tests

If English is not your first language, you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your spoken and written English:

• IELTS Academic module overall 6.5 with 5.5 in each component
• TOEFL-iBT 92 or above with 20 in each section
• Cambridge English: Advanced or Proficiency overall 176 with 162 in each component
• Pearson Test of English (Academic): Total 61 with at least 51 in each "Communicative Skills" section
• Trinity ISE: ISE II with a distinction in all four components

About English language requirements

SQA, GCSE and IB

For SQA, GCSE and IB students, unless a higher level is specified in the stated entry requirements, a pass is required in English at the following grades or higher:

• SQA National 5 Grade C
• SQA Standard Grade 3
• SQA Intermediate 1 Grade A
• SQA Intermediate 2 Grade C
• GCSE Grade C or 4
• Level 2 Certificate Grade C
• IB Standard Level Grade 5 (English ab initio is not accepted for entry)

This information is part of a government initiative to enhance the material that higher education institutions provide about their degree programmes.

It is one of many sources of information which will enable you to make an informed decision on what and where to study.

Please note that some programmes do not have Unistats data available.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees for BA Illustration

Additional costs

There are likely to be additional costs for materials. The Edinburgh College of Art (ECA) shop provides most materials needed for the academic year. An indicative budget for studio expenses is £200 for the year.

Additionally, there are printing costs, for digital reproduction and the visualisation of projects, this is estimated at £100 over two semesters. In addition, some programmes offer study trips and individual field-based projects. You will usually be required to cover accommodation, subsistence and travel costs.

Your actual contribution will depend on the programme and courses you select and on the nature of each trip.

Funding

For more information on how much it will cost to study with us and the financial support available see our fees and funding information.

Fees and funding

• College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences Undergraduate Admissions Office
• Email: CAHSS.UGAdmissions@ed.ac.uk
• Phone: +44 (0)131 650 3565
• Web: Design website
• International enquiries