Question about the best illustration degrees at uni

I am a year 12 currently studying art and really want to do an illustration degree. I am apprehensive however as I know that illustration is a tough market to get into and I would like to find a uni that is both highly regarded and also has a track record of getting people into the workplace/does good work placements. After doing some very light research into unis, and having just went to a UCAS fair these are my favourite uni options so far:

Falmouth University
Manchester Metropolitan University (MET)
Arts University Bournemouth (AUB)
University of the Arts London (UAL)
Kingston University
Brighton University
Loughborough University
University for the Creative Arts (UCA)

Does anyone know if any of these options are good for getting into the illustration field/does consistent work placements? If anyone has also done an illustration degree what would be your recommendation on portfolio application?

Reply 1

McGinger

Go to Open Days, look around, listen to course presentations and think about where you will feel comfortable.
There is no 'best' Uni - everyone's interests, needs and comforts are different, and its a very personal choice. And anyone doing an Illustration degree now will only be able to tell you about one Uni - so not actually that helpful.

Reply 2

Kingston Grace

Official Rep

Original post

by Giziii

I am a year 12 currently studying art and really want to do an illustration degree. I am apprehensive however as I know that illustration is a tough market to get into and I would like to find a uni that is both highly regarded and also has a track record of getting people into the workplace/does good work placements. After doing some very light research into unis, and having just went to a UCAS fair these are my favourite uni options so far:
Falmouth University
Manchester Metropolitan University (MET)
Arts University Bournemouth (AUB)
University of the Arts London (UAL)
Kingston University
Brighton University
Loughborough University
University for the Creative Arts (UCA)
Does anyone know if any of these options are good for getting into the illustration field/does consistent work placements? If anyone has also done an illustration degree what would be your recommendation on portfolio application?

Hi @Giziii

It's great that you went to a UCAS fair and nice to hear you are thinking of Kingston!

Like the previous post said I would really recommend going top open days, they really helped me make my decision as you get a feel for what it is like to live and study at a university as well as being able to speak to the lecturers and current students. More info about Kingston's upcoming open days is on the website Open Days - Undergraduate - Kingston University London

I don't personally study the illustration animation course here at Kingston, but I am part of Kingston School of Art (KSA) studying fashion promotion, so I can give you an insight into the KSA campus Knights Park. Knights Park has tons of great facilities which include things like workshops from printmaking, to woodwork, ceramics, films studios and more that are available to all students no matter what they study so you can really mix mediums. I have also seen the animation studios and post production facilities which look great, and there is always a technician on hand to help you with projects. There is also a library filled with books and recourses dedicated to art courses. Plus there are nice social spaces like the student bar and the outside space that runs along the river.

This year my course had opportunities for collaboration with the illustration animation course as we both got set briefs around the same topic and therefore presented our outcomes to each other to see whether there would be an opportunity to collaborate and bring our ideas together. The illustration course had some great ideas and their lecturer seemed really nice.

I know the course often runs fun events and fundraisers, I have seen first years doing zine fairs and have been to the third years pub quiz, so it seems like they have a nice course community.

In terms of your question about placement and industry opportunities, the course has a optional placement year and being close to central London is useful for getting placements over summer. I am hoping to do placement year next year and the placement team and careers centre as well as my lectures have been super helpful in sending over lots of opportunities. The careers centre will also help with CV's, cover letters and applications.

I will lave a few links I have done here to previous posts that you may find useful:
My Deciding Factors For Choosing Kingston University - The Student Room
Student Organised Events Happening at Kingston University - The Student Room
How Kingston Prepares you for Industry - The Student Room

I hope this is helpful and if you have any questions feel free to ask :smile:

-Grace (Kingston Rep)

Reply 3

Universities Forum Helper, Clearing and Applications Advisor

Original post

by Giziii

Have a look at their grad shows from previous years. Some illustration courses will have a “house style” that all students have to conform to, others will support a variety of styles.
Have a look and think about which course will best support your current style and the media and styles you’re interested in expanding into during your degree.

Reply 4

insidedesigner

They're all good options. If you produce great work, you could do well at any of them.

I would suggest the factors that should influence your decision might be about location (a big city like Manchester vs a pleasant small town in Surrey, Farnham), class sizes, access to facilities, direct teaching time etc.

As others have said, going to Open Days is vital.

Reply 5

Nat at Falmouth

Official Rep

Original post

by Giziii

I am a year 12 currently studying art and really want to do an illustration degree. I am apprehensive however as I know that illustration is a tough market to get into and I would like to find a uni that is both highly regarded and also has a track record of getting people into the workplace/does good work placements. After doing some very light research into unis, and having just went to a UCAS fair these are my favourite uni options so far:
Falmouth University
Manchester Metropolitan University (MET)
Arts University Bournemouth (AUB)
University of the Arts London (UAL)
Kingston University
Brighton University
Loughborough University
University for the Creative Arts (UCA)
Does anyone know if any of these options are good for getting into the illustration field/does consistent work placements? If anyone has also done an illustration degree what would be your recommendation on portfolio application?

Hi Giziii!

I study BA Illustration at Falmouth University, so I hope i can help give you some insight from my own personal experiences 🙂

As others have mentioned, attending Open days, if possible, is a good way to scout out the campus and facilities, as well as attending talks regarding the course you're interested in. It also gives you a chance to interact with the lecturers while in the studio, and ask any questions you may have.

At Falmouth, we offer BA Illustration as a traditional 3 year course, or 4 years with a placement or foundation. You can read up on more of this here: https://www.falmouth.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/illustration

Regarding the course itself, it is structured to have you experiment the most in your first year, including different fields of illustration and, ss you go through the years, you are given more freedom and guidance to allow you to cement your identity as an artist. There are many opportunities made available to students throughout the years, allowing them to take part in and specialise in specific areas of illustration. These optional briefs can take place between courses (such as a writing student looking for an artist to illustrate their book), local businesses (St Austell printing company likes to work with students to design their calendars: https://sapc.co.uk/sapc-calendar-2025/ ), or otherwise outsourced (I did not take part in it myself, but we did recently have a London theatre company work with students to create art for their rendition of The Tempest).

Some other examples include the talks we have received from art directors, such as the art director from Penguin Books, and other illustrators who have been very lovely and helpful to talk to for advice with portfolios/ freelancing/ website design/ portfolio expectations etc. Us 3rd year students will also be attending the Bologna Children's Book fair this year and/or visiting London printing houses to present our portfolios.

If you're curious about what else happens on the course, and what students are up to, you can visit the course's Instagram page that i'll pop here: falmouth.illustration

When it comes to portfolios, in my experience, demonstrating good technical skills and an understanding of the fundamentals is key. At the same time, line confidence alongside willingness to experiment are also important as it shows you are not afraid to try new things and push boundaries within your art. Of course, every university is different! Falmouth have also laid out their own portfolio advice here: https://www.falmouth.ac.uk/apply/application-toolkit/portfolio-advice

This has been my own experience with the course, and every year they make appropriate adjustments based on student feedback! But if you do have any more questions feel more than free to get in touch, or you can chat to other students or lecturers on the course through our unibuddy system at: https://www.falmouth.ac.uk/ask-a-student

I hope this has been of help,

Nat 🙂

Reply 6

Norwich Uni Arts

Official Rep

Original post

by Giziii

I am a year 12 currently studying art and really want to do an illustration degree. I am apprehensive however as I know that illustration is a tough market to get into and I would like to find a uni that is both highly regarded and also has a track record of getting people into the workplace/does good work placements. After doing some very light research into unis, and having just went to a UCAS fair these are my favourite uni options so far:
Falmouth University
Manchester Metropolitan University (MET)
Arts University Bournemouth (AUB)
University of the Arts London (UAL)
Kingston University
Brighton University
Loughborough University
University for the Creative Arts (UCA)
Does anyone know if any of these options are good for getting into the illustration field/does consistent work placements? If anyone has also done an illustration degree what would be your recommendation on portfolio application?

Hi there!
That's so exciting to hear that you're looking to study illustration at uni! I'm Charlotte, a year 2 Graphic Design student at Norwich University of the Arts, and I have a few friends on illustration who love it!

I was just wondering whether you had considered us? You can find plenty of information regarding our illustration course here, including course content and also career paths for after you finish as well as some information on how you would be assessed and some previous student's work.

I hope this helps. And best of luck in choosing a uni, I know it isn't easy. If there's anything I can do to help, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Charlotte, Student Ambassador at Norwich Uni Arts 🙂

Reply 7

PG Rep Anwesha

Official Rep

Original post

by Giziii

I am a year 12 currently studying art and really want to do an illustration degree. I am apprehensive however as I know that illustration is a tough market to get into and I would like to find a uni that is both highly regarded and also has a track record of getting people into the workplace/does good work placements. After doing some very light research into unis, and having just went to a UCAS fair these are my favourite uni options so far:
Falmouth University
Manchester Metropolitan University (MET)
Arts University Bournemouth (AUB)
University of the Arts London (UAL)
Kingston University
Brighton University
Loughborough University
University for the Creative Arts (UCA)
Does anyone know if any of these options are good for getting into the illustration field/does consistent work placements? If anyone has also done an illustration degree what would be your recommendation on portfolio application?

Hi @Giziii, It’s great that you’re thinking seriously about your future in illustration, especially this early on. You’ve picked a really solid list of universities. Many of them are known for strong creative courses. From the responses you've already received, I completely agree with what others have said about how important it is to attend open days. Seeing the campus, speaking to tutors and students, and getting a feel for the environment will tell you so much more than a website can. Another great point someone mentioned is to look at past degree show work from each uni. This gives you a sense of the kind of illustration styles they nurture, the creative direction of the course, and whether it aligns with your vision.

As someone who recently finished an MA in Fine Art at Central Saint Martins (UAL), I can say that the university you choose does make a difference, not just in what you learn, but in the kind of exposure, network, and confidence you gain. For me, studying at UAL opened doors to multiple exhibitions, opportunities to collaborate across disciplines, and access to industry events and residencies that were invaluable to developing my practice. The tutors are well connected, and the peer group is incredibly diverse and inspiring.

What sets UAL apart, in my opinion, is a combination of factors. First, it consistently ranks among the top art and design universities globally. Secondly, its location in London is a major advantage. You’re at the heart of the UK’s creative and cultural scene. This means more opportunities for internships, freelance work, exhibitions, networking, and just being part of the industry while you study. The UAL name also carries a certain weight on your CV, both in the UK and internationally, which can really help when you're starting out in a competitive field like illustration.

As for portfolio advice, keep it personal and authentic. Universities want to see your thought process, not just polished final work. Include sketchbooks, concept development, observational drawing, and any narrative or sequential work. Try to show a range of skills but keep it cohesive in terms of your creative voice. If you have time, attending portfolio review sessions or workshops at open days can also give you tailored feedback.

Ultimately, all the unis you've listed have strengths, and the best one for you will be the one that supports your growth, challenges you creatively, and offers you the kind of community and opportunities you're looking for. Best of luck. You’re asking all the right questions, and that’s a great sign for the future!

Reply 8

uncledaisy

Original post

by Giziii

I am a year 12 currently studying art and really want to do an illustration degree. I am apprehensive however as I know that illustration is a tough market to get into and I would like to find a uni that is both highly regarded and also has a track record of getting people into the workplace/does good work placements. After doing some very light research into unis, and having just went to a UCAS fair these are my favourite uni options so far:
Falmouth University
Manchester Metropolitan University (MET)
Arts University Bournemouth (AUB)
University of the Arts London (UAL)
Kingston University
Brighton University
Loughborough University
University for the Creative Arts (UCA)
Does anyone know if any of these options are good for getting into the illustration field/does consistent work placements? If anyone has also done an illustration degree what would be your recommendation on portfolio application?

First year on brighton illustration - go anywhere else!! good luck :biggrin:

Reply 9

StaffsRep Tee

Official Rep

Original post

by Giziii

I am a year 12 currently studying art and really want to do an illustration degree. I am apprehensive however as I know that illustration is a tough market to get into and I would like to find a uni that is both highly regarded and also has a track record of getting people into the workplace/does good work placements. After doing some very light research into unis, and having just went to a UCAS fair these are my favourite uni options so far:
Falmouth University
Manchester Metropolitan University (MET)
Arts University Bournemouth (AUB)
University of the Arts London (UAL)
Kingston University
Brighton University
Loughborough University
University for the Creative Arts (UCA)
Does anyone know if any of these options are good for getting into the illustration field/does consistent work placements? If anyone has also done an illustration degree what would be your recommendation on portfolio application?

Hi there,

I'm Tee, an MSc Student and Student Content Creator here at the University of Staffordshire!

I came to UoS through Clearing back in 2022 and recently graduated from my undergrad course in Illustration.

I previously made some more detailed posts about my journey and experiences whilst being here, hopefully this'll give you a better view of how I've found being a student in Stoke-on-Trent and also what the Illustration course has to offer!

What is it like applying to Staffs Uni through Clearing?
Career Opportunities for Illustration Students
University of Staffordshire: What is GradEx and the Degree Show about?

Although I didn't do a foundation year myself, I know many people who did before joining the Illustration BA course, and expressed how helpful they had found it in learning more about themselves, their creativity, and how it helped them develop their skills more beforehand!

Here's a few course links if you wish to look more at what we offer here

UoS Art & Design BA with Foundation Year
UoS Illustration BA

Also, in regards to portfolios, I would recommend showcasing 5-10 pieces of your best work - having a consistent theme is beneficial too!

For example; if you'd like to work in commercial illustration, you'll want to have examples/mocks of commercial art you've made...or if you'd like to work in children's book illustration, you'll want to show a consistent style across various subjects (people, animals, scenes - this is to show your versatility), as well as showing page setups for books (double-page spreads, formatting text etc..).

I'd also look into other artists working within that area and their portfolios! Everyone is different, of course, but you'll want something that showcases your work and complements what you do.

Behance is a great place to look at artist portfolio examples!

I hope this is useful to you!
Feel free to respond if you have any questions✨

Best wishes,
-Tee, UoS MSc Digital Marketing Management Student & Student Content Creator

Reply 10

StaffsRep Meg

Official Rep

Hi @Giziii! Similar to Tee I studied Illustration at University of Staffordshire (now doing a creative negotiated MA) and actually just made a post about portfolio's if you want to check it out!

Portfolio and Interview advice for art courses

It's so wonderful you're thinking about your course options this early on and it gives you plenty of time to make a really good portfolio! Like others have said attending open days is vital! It's how I chose UoS and is a perfect opportunity to ask questions and talk to current students /staff about your goals and what they University likes to see specifically in portfolios. Let me know if you have any questions!🥰

-Meg, UoS Rep

Reply 11

Godisgood1234

Original post

by uncledaisy

First year on brighton illustration - go anywhere else!! good luck :biggrin:

Hi 👋. I'm actually thinking about going to Brighton - would you mind elaborating on what you felt was wrong with it

Reply 12

Arts University Bournemouth – Uni Rep

Official Rep

Original post

by Giziii

I am a year 12 currently studying art and really want to do an illustration degree. I am apprehensive however as I know that illustration is a tough market to get into and I would like to find a uni that is both highly regarded and also has a track record of getting people into the workplace/does good work placements. After doing some very light research into unis, and having just went to a UCAS fair these are my favourite uni options so far:
Falmouth University
Manchester Metropolitan University (MET)
Arts University Bournemouth (AUB)
University of the Arts London (UAL)
Kingston University
Brighton University
Loughborough University
University for the Creative Arts (UCA)
Does anyone know if any of these options are good for getting into the illustration field/does consistent work placements? If anyone has also done an illustration degree what would be your recommendation on portfolio application?

Hi, glad to hear you’re thinking of studying with us! Here are a selection of stories from Illustration about placements or work after graduation:

One of our recent grads Oyku Erdenlig has just contributed 14 illustrations to the Minecraft Official Blocks Guide! She’s currently working as a Junior Animator with Panda Cat Games, and working with another company on a project to be announced later this year.

Ben Page now works as a Creative Director with a passion for creating his own TTRPG and DnD games, with the intention of publishing them. Ben graduated the same year as I did (2023) and I interviewed him for this story, so it was so great catching up and finding out what he’s up to!

A number of our current students and alumni have helped design mermaid tails for Bournemouth’s Great Tail Trail, set up by Julia’s House – there are plenty of local opportunities for finding freelance and collaborative work too.

Here’s a personal favourite of mine, Little Oak Prints, who started her own printmaking business after graduating last year.

You can find more Student Stories for Illustration on our website and course page, but hopefully these provide you with some real-world examples of placements and finding work post-graduation 🤗

(edited 2 months ago)

Reply 13

uncledaisy

Original post

by Godisgood1234

Hi 👋. I'm actually thinking about going to Brighton - would you mind elaborating on what you felt was wrong with it

100% down to personal preference! But most of my course mates found the briefs to be very boring and the tutors incredibly patronizing and infantilising which creates a very negative environment over all. but this might just be a first year issue. good luck!

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