Illustration always has a purpose, making sense of complex ideas. After completing the BA Illustration (Hons) at Cardiff Metropolitan University, as illustrators, you will work to enable understanding of the everyday; enriching literature and poetry and responding to social issues from science, medicine, politics and economics.

You will be asked to explore and experiment with materials, technical skills and challenging subject matter, developing visual languages, which communicate in a visceral way. You will define your purpose from your interests and strengths, and by being exposed to ideas and subject matters you are not ordinarily drawn to.Ê

You will test how images ÔworkÕ, in a variety of environments and scenarios Ð alongside and integrated with animation, film, printed and digital media. Illustration is constantly extending its reach, and whether itÕs working with clients and collaborators or authoring and directing your own projects, you will graduate with a multitude of transferable skills.

In an industry thatÕs constantly growing, you will be asked to consider the power of images in a visually saturated world and to shape your own practice enabling your work to speak to audiences in a way thatÕs helpful, humble and inclusive.Ê

Employability & Careers?:

As such, the emphasis that will have been placed upon your work ethic, both creatively and academically, is matched with significant focus on real world experience. This will include building contacts and undertaking placements as well as live briefs. You will be offered support in forming your own business should you choose to do so.

You can elect to take a route through your second and final years of studies where you can engage with businesses or prepare to launch your own business upon graduating. In your final year, rather than submit a dissertation, you have the option of devising a detailed business plan.

Graduates from the programme are well placed to join design companies, work as illustrators and designers in large organisations, or set up their own businesses. Some take further training, for example a PGCE. Some elect to take their studies further by studying at CSAD for a Masters level qualification and there are opportunities to take this further still, through a Professional Doctorate in Design.