Where should I apply for illustration?

Hello everyone!
I am studying A Levels right now and am about to enter year 13. I have just begun looking at unis and would like to take an Illustration course (preferably with a year abroad/in industry but ok if not), however I am not sure which unis or cities are best known for illustration and the arts. It would be great if someone could let me know which unis are seen as some of the top places to study art and design subjects, preferably in England but not in London.
Thank you so much! :smile:

Reply 1

Clearing and Applications Advisor

https://www.peopleofprint.com/best-of/top-10-universities-for-graphic-design-and-illustration-in-uk/ Is a decent place to start

Do you have any thoughts on the sorts of illustration you might want to specialise in?

(edited 8 months ago)

Reply 2

SREB17

Original post by PQ

Thank you so much!! I'm hoping to go into concept art for video games and animation however I know it is a very difficult field to get into :/

Reply 3

ArtsUniPlymouth

Official Rep

Original post by SREB17

Thank you so much!! I'm hoping to go into concept art for video games and animation however I know it is a very difficult field to get into :/

hello!

We have a fantastic Illustration course, but we also have an Animation & Games course, have you thought about studying that specifically if that's the area you want to specialise in? (https://www.aup.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/ba-hons-animation-games)

Good luck with your final year!

Best wishes,

Jenny
Arts University Plymouth Rep

http://aup.ac.uk/clearing ⁠
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Reply 4

insidedesigner

The majority of the well-regarded Illustration courses in this country tend to focus on either editorial-style work, or are closer to a fine-art course (allowing students to express their viewpoints in response to open briefs). A good summary of this kind of work is the Association of Illustrators annual awards, which primarily showcases professional work : https://theaoi.com/wia/

If you love that kind of work, then you'll be fine on a 'traditional' illustration degree. If you tell me where in the country you'd prefer to be, if you'd prefer a big city or something quieter - i can suggest some options.

However, generally speaking you'll find that concept art isn't usually part of an illustration degree. In fact it's often looked down upon. Concept art is a very specialised field, that requires incredible drawing skills. Also note that what many teenagers think concept art is (bad manga) isn't really what professional concept artists do. There are quite a few concept art degrees in the UK now, but from what i've seen the quality of work being produced by most students is pretty poor. However, they might be worth considering if you're really committed, which it sounds like you are.

Most illustration degrees will feature animation as part of their syllabus. However, try out animation now to see if you like it. It's easy to use a mobile phone to do stop frame 2D/3D animation. It might be that a animation degree will suit you best.

A FAD might also be worth considering before you go to Uni. They're amazing and will help ensure you apply for the right type of course. More info here: https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=5017684