Illustration: Authorial Practice

Programme Title: Illustration: Authorial Practice

Duration: 3 years (full-time)

Mode of Study: Full-time

Overview: The Illustration: Authorial Practice program at Falmouth University is designed to support students in developing a distinctive creative voice within the field of illustration. Throughout this course, students explore a diverse range of illustrative styles, techniques, and media, enabling them to produce innovative and thought-provoking works. Emphasizing both individual expression and professional skills, the program encourages students to engage critically with contemporary issues, art theory, and visual culture, fostering a comprehensive understanding of the role of illustration in society.

Curriculum: The curriculum combines practical studio-based projects with contextual studies, offering a balanced education that nurtures technical proficiency and intellectual depth. Students undertake modules in drawing, narrative development, digital imaging, and experimental media, alongside topics such as illustration as a discipline, narrative practice, and image-making for different audiences. The program encourages experimentation and innovation, providing opportunities for students to develop personal projects, collaborate with external clients, and participate in exhibitions and industry events.

Learning Environment: Falmouth University’s creative environment offers state-of-the-art facilities, including dedicated studios, digital labs, and printmaking workshops. The program is delivered by experienced tutors who are active practitioners in the illustration industry, providing mentorship and industry insights. The close-knit community fosters a collaborative atmosphere, inspiring students to develop unique artistic voices while gaining valuable professional skills.

Career Opportunities: Graduates of Illustration: Authorial Practice are well-equipped to pursue careers as freelance illustrators, picture book creators, concept artists, or visual storytellers. The program also prepares students for roles within advertising, publishing, animation, and digital media sectors. Additionally, students are encouraged to continue their practice through postgraduate study or by establishing their own independent practices.

Global Perspective: Falmouth University’s emphasis on international perspectives and industry relevance ensures that students are prepared for a global marketplace. Through workshops, collaborations, and networking opportunities, students gain exposure to diverse cultural contexts and professional environments, enhancing their adaptability and employability worldwide.

Admissions: Applicants should demonstrate a strong interest in illustration and visual storytelling, with a portfolio showcasing originality and technical ability. The program values creativity, critical thinking, and an experimental approach to image making. An interview or portfolio review is typically part of the admissions process.

Join the Illustration: Authorial Practice program at Falmouth University to develop your creative voice, refine your technical skills, and prepare for a dynamic career in illustration and visual arts.

How the course is taught

Teaching takes place in the form of lectures, seminars, group critiques and workshops, supported by high-profile guest speakers. The Illustration Discourses lecture series considers authorial positions, related theories and their contexts. Both lectures and seminars will help inform your negotiated practical projects, whilst recording your studio practice in a research journal will aid self-reflection.

Typical workshops

• Research Journals
• Creative Writing
• Screen Printing
• Life Drawing
• Listening to Images
• Book Art
• Printmaking & Collography
• Etching
• Composition
• Professional Practice
• Table Top Book Binding
• Visual Thinking
• InDesign I
• What are Archives?
• Professional Practice, Networking & Entrepreneurship
• Visual Narrative
• Perspective
• Book Design, Layout & InDesign
• Bookbinding
• Graphic Design

Course outline

This is a one-year course delivered over 45 weeks and divided into three 15-week study blocks. Alternatively, you can study part-time over two years, totalling 90 weeks.

Over the course of the year you'll be required to produce a sequence of three negotiated practical projects based on personal authorial illustration work.

The lecture and seminar series Illustration Discourses supports the practical work, running concurrently with a research journal, which builds connections and the opportunity to reflect on practice. You'll be expected to demonstrate progression; indicating the research, analysis, reflection and investigation necessary for the development of a successful and distinctive authorial illustration practice.

You'll also produce two analytical essays and deliver a presentation exploring areas of personal interest within the authorial context relating to your practice. These will show a consideration of audience awareness and the processes and development of your practice. In order to develop self-reliance the course allows you a good deal of freedom to develop your projects.

Requirements

• We welcome applications from those with relevant equivalent Level 6 qualifications, or relevant equivalent experience, and a demonstrable interest in their subject.
• We also welcome applications from prospective students who do not necessarily hold conventional higher education entry qualifications. This process is called Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL). Prior learning includes both formal or 'certified' learning (such as training courses not run by universities or colleges) and informal or 'experiential' learning (gained as a result of work experience or self-study). This experience should be current (gained within the last five years) and should be equivalent to the learning outcomes of our minimum entry qualifications. Please see our APL Policy and Procedure under Admissions on our Student Regulations page
• APEL applicants using experience to apply should note there is a £200 application fee for entry with advanced standing or with exemption from specific modules or credit.
• If English is not your first language, you'll need to demonstrate English language skills that are sufficiently developed for successful completion of your studies. We accept a range of recognised English language qualifications that are equivalent to the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic minimum score of 6.5 overall, with a minimum of 6.0 in Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening. International applicants who require a Tier 4 student visa to study in the UK, must take an approved Secure English Language Test (SELT) to fulfil government visa requirements, or have a recognised language test approved and vouched for by the University. Our Admissions team can help with any questions you may have about study visas or suitable language tests.

Scholarships 

Scholarships for International Students

Through the award of scholarships we aim to support academic enrichment by encouraging diversity and excellence at Falmouth. In 2016 Falmouth University awarded £70,000 worth of international scholarships.

International Scholarships for 2017 will be announced on this page in November 

The Illustration: Authorial Practice program at Falmouth University is designed to cultivate the creative skills and conceptual understanding necessary for contemporary illustration practice. This course emphasizes personal artistic development, encouraging students to explore diverse visual languages and storytelling methods. Throughout the program, students engage with both traditional and digital media, fostering versatility in their work. The curriculum integrates theoretical studies with practical projects, providing a comprehensive understanding of the role of illustration in various contexts such as publishing, advertising, animation, and fine art. Students are supported to develop a distinctive voice and style, preparing them for the dynamic and competitive illustration industry. Throughout their studies, students benefit from the expertise of practicing professionals and access to state-of-the-art facilities. The course also promotes collaboration, critical thinking, and innovation, ensuring graduates are equipped to adapt to evolving market demands. The program culminates in a final project that showcases individual talent and conceptual depth, often through exhibitions and online portfolios. Graduates from Illustration: Authorial Practice have gone on to work as independent practitioners, illustrators for major publishers and brands, as well as educators and researchers. The course’s focus on personal voice and professional practice makes it distinctive within the creative arts landscape at Falmouth University.