Illustration BA (Hons)

Level: Undergraduate

Subject: Design

Year of entry: 2026

Key facts

UCAS Code

W220

Award

BA (Hons)

Duration of study

3 years, 4 years

Delivery

Full-time

Study location

Lauriston campus

Start date

September 2026

School

Edinburgh College of Art

College

College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

Study abroad

Available

Placement

Available

Second year entry

Available

Open days and events

About the degree programme

Illustration is a wonderfully rich and diverse creative practice and career. You will learn through carefully structured practical projects and courses taught by supportive, experienced staff who are specialists in their fields.

In this illustration programme we:

  • encourage experimentation, passion and play in image-making and ideas
  • nurture curiosity, criticality and empathy in the subject matter of our projects
  • explore the diverse and impactful professional contexts of illustration
  • build confidence and skills in planning, organisation and communication

Discover what it's like to study BA Illustration from our staff and students.

How long it takes to complete this degree programme

This programme is usually studied over 4 years, however, some students may be eligible to enter in the second year and complete the programme in 3 years.

Programme benefits

You will benefit from:

  • dedicated studio space
  • a dynamic and creative illustration community across the years
  • excellent printmaking and digital facilities
  • an extensive specialist art and design library
  • programme-specific lectures delivered by highly-regarded national and international illustrators
  • excellent connections with museums, libraries and industry that are built into projects at every stage
  • unique courses from across the University to enhance your interdisciplinary education

Find your entry requirements

Use the dropdowns to find out your entry requirements.

  1. Select the country where you are studying or where you studied your qualification.
  2. Select the qualification you are studying or studied.
United Kingdom,

Tuition fees for BA (Hons) Illustration

View the tuition fees for one academic year of BA (Hons) Illustration.

Tuition fees for this programme

Additional costs

Materials and printing 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 estimated budget for annual studio expenses is £200.

There are also printing costs for digital reproduction and the visualisation of projects, estimated at £100 over two semesters.

Study trips

Some programmes offer study trips and individual field-based projects. You will usually be required to pay the cost of:

  • accommodation
  • food, drink and other everyday costs
  • travel

How much you actually pay will depend on the programme, the courses you select and the nature of each trip.

Accommodation and living costs

You need to cover your accommodation and living costs for the duration of your programme.

We estimate that a single student can potentially spend a maximum of £920 to £2,257 on living costs each month, depending on your accommodation.

This estimate covers the costs of:

  • accommodation
  • food
  • utility bills
  • travel within Edinburgh
  • health and wellbeing costs

See a breakdown of living costs

Scholarships and funding

Funding information

You can find detailed information on financial support available, based on where you are living, in our funding section.

Funding

What you will study

Throughout your studies, you will undertake a variety of studio-based and context-focused courses and will work closely with specialist staff.

We provide:

  • purpose-built studios to work in
  • first-class technical facilities and workshops
  • a wide range of dynamic learning activities that will offer personal and professional development

Design and Screen Cultures

The courses you will take in Design and Screen Cultures are integrated with practical studio work and provide a contextual and theoretical understanding of contemporary design.

Option courses

In Years 1 and 2, you will be able to take option courses from within ECA or from the wider University. This will depend on availability.

Second year entry

Entry to the second year is available.

In Year 1 you will be introduced to the theoretical and practical concepts of design.

This will initially be through a series of shared projects, leading to more focused, subject-specific outcomes.

In Design and Screen Cultures you will address the key histories and theories of design.

Option courses

You will be able to take at least two option courses, either within ECA or across the wider University. This depends on availability and discussion with relevant course organisers.

You should aim to select a group of courses that reflect your interests and enhance your main study.

Find Year 1 courses (2024-2025 academic year)

Through set projects and practical exercise, you will cover basic:

  • principles
  • theories
  • working practices
  • technical instruction

A range of themes will be covered in varying scales, formats and complexities.

This work demands:

  • imaginative solutions
  • research skills
  • technical facility

You will begin to create a portfolio of work made for set briefs and self-initiated work in various media.

Alongside Design and Screen Cultures courses, you will be able to choose courses from across the wider University, depending on availability.

Find Year 2 courses (2024-2025 academic year)

This is a professional practice year with an external focus.

In this year, you will have opportunities to take part in:

  • exchanges
  • competitions
  • live projects
Projects

Projects will cover:

  • pictorial narrative
  • documentary work
  • observational drawing
  • web design
  • artists' books
The importance of drawing

We strongly support a creative approach by emphasising the importance of drawing as a method of:

  • expression
  • analysis
  • explanation
Year 3 opportunities

You will also have the opportunity to:

  • work on commercially focused projects
  • produce print work
  • take part in industry visits
  • take a range of Design and Screen Culture courses that explore theories of design and help you contextualise your work in cultural, social and political issues and ideas
  • study abroad, which will help broaden your understanding of the discipline

In this year you will work in illustration collectives developing business plans for self-initiated projects.

Find Year 3 courses (2024-2025 academic year)

Year 4 gives you the opportunity for self-initiated projects as well as set briefs. You will feel confident about your ability to express:

  • ideas
  • opinions
  • concerns in your work

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 and design.

You will also complete a written dissertation.

Typically, at the end of Year 4 you will have the opportunity to take part in our Graduate Show. This is a chance to exhibit your work. You can see work submitted by previous graduates on our 2024 Graduate Show page.

BA Illustration Graduate Show 2024

Find Year 4 courses (2024-2025 academic year)

Study abroad

You will have the opportunity to study abroad in Year 3 of this degree at one of our partner universities.

If international travel restrictions allow, you may be able to choose where you study from our selection of international partners.

A study abroad experience will allow you to immerse yourself in a different culture, enrich your learning and enhance your future job opportunities.

Your study abroad options

Placements

We encourage and support you to explore internships during your summer holidays.

Field trips

Study trips

Some programmes offer study trips and individual field-based projects. You will usually be required to pay the cost of:

  • accommodation
  • food, drink and other everyday costs
  • travel

How much you actually pay will depend on the programme, the courses you select and the nature of each trip.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching

Most 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
  • critiques

Your development is influenced by research and critical thinking, as well as the following contexts that shape creative design practice:

  • visual
  • intellectual
  • social
  • professional

These elements are taught through Design and Screen Cultures courses and involve participation in:

  • exhibitions
  • competitions
  • collaborations
  • live industry projects

Assessment

We use formative assessment throughout your study. This helps us give meaningful feedback and encourages experimentation in the studio and beyond.

Formative assessment for compulsory courses can include:

  • portfolio
  • presentations
  • essays against course learning outcomes

There is a mid-session review, usually at the mid-point of any course you study.

Summative assessment at the end of all courses is informed by your:

  • academic progress
  • creative progress
  • performance throughout

Your course grades are calculated through this summative assessment and a moderation process.

Support for your studies

ECA’s Student and Academic Support Service (SASS) supports students throughout their studies in all degree programmes at ECA.

You will have a dedicated Student Adviser, based within SASS, who is specially trained to support you during your studies. Your Student Adviser will be your first point of contact for any support, including questions about your studies or your well-being. Your Student Adviser can support you with:

  • personal or wellbeing issues that you are facing, including how to access specialist support
  • queries related to your programme, such as course enrolments, programme transfers and academic progression
  • applying for extensions and special circumstances
  • advice about how to take a break from your studies
  • registering with the Disability and Learning Support Service

If you’re unsure who to ask, you can contact your Student Adviser as a first point of contact.

Support for your studies

Our academic staff

At ECA, you'll join a community of practising professionals working across visual and material culture, including:

  • designers
  • artists
  • illustrators
  • writers
  • critics
  • curators

The majority of our faculty members in the subject area teach on the programme.

You will meet, and work with most of them during your studies. You can explore the ECA People Directory to discover more of the staff you will learn from.

ECA People Directory

Where you will study

Study location

The majority of your teaching, including lectures and seminars, will take place at ECA's Lauriston Campus in the Central Area. Each year, you will be assigned a workspace in our studios.

You will also get to experience lectures and classes across the wider University of Edinburgh campus.

Academic facilities

You will have access to a wide range of spaces, facilities and equipment throughout your studies.

Studio space

The majority of our teaching takes place in our studio at ECA's Lauriston Campus. You will be allocated a workspace in our studio each year.

Specialist workshops

In addition to the studios, you will be taught across a range of specialist workshop environments, which are predominantly located in the ECA Main Building, Hunter Building and our Evolution House building.

Workshops and studios are used for courses in:

  • life drawing
  • book-binding
  • book arts
  • printmaking

Workshops are staffed by specialist technicians and practitioners, who will support and guide your technical development during your studies.

In addition to these facilities, we also have the ECA Store on campus where you can purchase materials for your artistic projects, along with our Free-Use Hub where you can access free recycled materials.

You will also have access to Bookit, where you can access and loan a wide range of digital and technical equipment for free as part of being a student.

Bookit - Equipment loans and studio booking

You can find out more on the ECA website.

Facilities and resources at ECA

Investing in our learning environment

Edinburgh College of Art is excited to be undertaking a capital redevelopment of ECA’s Lauriston Campus over the next three years, from April 2024 to April 2027. ​

The project aims to maximise the use of existing space, improve accessibility, and create a vibrant campus that fosters collaboration and innovation.​

The project involves refurbishing and repurposing various spaces across the Lauriston campus, including technical facilities, student and teaching spaces, and the relocation of the Reid School of Music from Alison House to the Lauriston Campus. New social spaces, seminar rooms, and studios are being created to accommodate our growing community.

You can find more about the project at the below link:

Building work starts at ECA’s Lauriston Campus - Edinburgh College of Art

Virtual tour

You can take a closer look at the Edinburgh College of Art and explore our facilities and campus with our virtual tour.

Take a virtual tour of Edinburgh College of Art

Career paths

Our programmes have strong industrial pathways to ensure the most successful and meaningful careers for graduates.

We have a vibrant alumni network and strong connections with the cultural and creative sector across Scotland and beyond.

An excellent reputation

ECA Illustration graduates have a deep understanding of their artistic practice. They are found across the creative industries, applying their illustration skills in:

  • publishing and editorial
  • children's books
  • comics
  • games
  • education
  • craft
  • exhibitions

Careers Service

Our Careers Service can help you to fully develop your potential and achieve your future goals.

The Careers Service supports you not only while you are studying at the University, but also for up to two years after you finish your studies.

With the Careers Service, you can:

  • access digital resources to help you understand your skills and strengths
  • try different types of experiences and reflect on how and what you develop
  • get help finding work, including part-time jobs, vacation work, internships and graduate jobs
  • attend careers events and practice interviews
  • get information and advice to help you make informed decisions

Visit the Careers Service website

Further study

After you complete your programme, you may want to go onto further study at Edinburgh or a different university. You could progress to:

  • a masters degree
  • a postgraduate diploma or certificate
  • a PhD
  • a second undergraduate degree

Find out about options for further study 

Postgraduate degrees you might be interested in could include:

Graduate profiles

James Albon

Degree: BA (Hons) Illustration

Year of graduation: 2012

Current work: Freelance Illustrator

Alumni profile: James Albon | Edinburgh College of Art

Sammi Duong

Degree: BA (Hons) Illustration

Year of graduation: 2021

Current work: Illustrator at Heehaw

Alumni Profile: Sammi Duong | Edinburgh College of Art

How to apply

You must submit a full application through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) before the relevant deadline.

Guidance on applying through UCAS

What you need to apply

As part of your application, you will need:

  • your academic qualifications
  • a personal statement
  • evidence of your English language skills (with relevant qualifications)
  • a reference

Portfolio

You need to submit a digital portfolio to show your artistic skill and potential. 

The portfolio guidance for 2026 entry will be released in August 2025.

How we select

If you have met, or are predicted to meet, all our entry requirements by the relevant deadline, then your application will go into our selection process.

As part of this selection process, we will review all the information you submit in your UCAS application when we decide who to select for this degree programme.

How we select applicants

When to apply

  • 2026 entry UCAS deadline: 14 January 2026 (6:00pm GMT)

This is the deadline for all UK, EU and international applicants to non-medicine and veterinary medicine programmes.

To find out if any degree programmes have spaces after 14 January 2026, search the University of Edinburgh on the UCAS website.

Search degrees that are open on the UCAS website

Key application dates and deadlines

After you apply

After you have applied for your degree programme, we suggest you have a look at the following information to help you prepare for university:

Applying as an international student

As an international student, you apply for this degree programme through UCAS.  

Find out more about applying through UCAS  

Visas and immigration 

If you do not have the right to live in the UK, you will need to apply for and secure a Student visa before the start date of your degree programme.  

Our Student Immigration Service can help you with the Student visa application process. 

Applying for a visa  

Agents  

An education agent is someone who can help you with the application process as an international student. 

We work with education agents around the world and have a list of local offices you can contact.  

Find contact details for an education agent

What our students say

What is it really like to study here? Our students share their experiences on our social media.

You can find out what a day in the life is like for an Edinburgh College of Art Student, from late nights in the library to their favourite walks around the city!

Instagram: Edinburgh College of Art

Accommodation

We guarantee an offer of University accommodation for all new, single undergraduate students from outside Edinburgh. To be eligible, you need to meet all criteria and apply for accommodation by 16 August in the year of your entry to the University.

University accommodation website

Accommodation guarantee criteria

If you prefer to live elsewhere, we can offer you advice on finding accommodation in Edinburgh.

Accommodation information from the Edinburgh University Students' Association Advice Place

Societies and clubs

Our societies and sports clubs will help you develop your interests, meet like-minded people, find a new hobby or simply socialise.

Societies

Sports clubs

The city of Edinburgh

Our vibrant capital is a blend of culture, history, nature and modern city life. A fantastic place to live, it is also the perfect location to study illustration.

Edinburgh’s dynamic cultural scene boasts the largest collection of historic buildings, museums, art galleries and theatres of any city in Scotland.

The University of Edinburgh’s museums and galleries include:

  • the Talbot Rice Gallery
  • Centre for Research Collections
  • St. Cecilia’s Hall: Concert Room and Music Museum

Edinburgh is home to several major annual festivals, each bringing talent from around the world to our streets and stages, making the celebration of diversity an intrinsic part of the city’s culture. These include the:

  • Festival Fringe
  • Film Festival
  • Art Festival
  • Book Festival
  • Jazz & Blues Festival

Some of our students even participate in our annual festivals.

Health and wellbeing support

You will have access to free health and wellbeing services throughout your time at university if you need them.

The support services we offer include:

  • a student counselling service
  • a health centre (doctor's surgery)
  • support if you're living in University accommodation
  • dedicated help and support if you have a disability or need adjustment

Health and wellbeing support services

Contact us

Contact us through our enquiry team if you have any questions about this programme.

Open days, events and visits

Find out when our next open days will be taking place

Open days, events and visits

Chat to our students on Unibuddy

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Discover Uni data

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.

Some programmes do not have Discover Uni data available.