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Graphic Design and Illustration Degree in Southend-on-Sea

Cost£29,370.00
Duration3 years
DeliveryClassroom based
Start14 Sep 2027
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
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About this course

Graphic Design and Illustration Degree in Southend-on-Sea. Classes run at South Essex College Southend Campus, full-time over three years.

This graphic design and illustration degree course is validated by the University of the Arts London. You'll explore typography, creative image making, and digital design. Research activities underpin the practical work, covering the social and political contexts of design. In Year Two, you choose to specialise in either Graphic Design or Illustration.

You'll finish with a BA (Hons) in Graphic Design and Illustration.

Who this course is for

Practical disciplines such as typography, creative image making and digital design will be explored, and these are underpinned with research activities that will help expand knowledge and experience of various disciplines and their social and political contexts.

The pathway choice in Year two will allow students to further specialise their practice by choosing to follow the Graphic Design or the Illustration pathways. These pathways have Units specifically designed to focus the student while expanding upon the skills and knowledge gained in Year 1 which will in turn inform the student’s ongoing practice.

Year three with its focus on the student cohort’s individual practice and theory, will allow students to build upon and expand the skills learnt in Years one and two allowing students to understand their identity and place within the world of Graphic Design and/or Illustration. Year three students choose industry competitions, a self-authored Subject-Realisation brief and a Dissertation linked to their own interpretations and interests based on their journey over the preceding years and their ambitions going forward.

The programme has a commitment to work-related learning in the form of work experience, live projects, competitions, vocational projects and placements within the specialist area of Graphic Design & Illustration. There also exists the opportunity to collaborate with other programmes within the University Centre, which will allow for learners to develop a range of generic skills ready for employment.

Entry requirements

A minimum of 64 UCAS points from one or more of the following: A Levels T Levels BTEC/UAL Extended Diploma Foundation Diploma in Art and Design (Level 3 or 4) Or equivalent EU/International qualifications English GCSE minimum grade 4/C Other qualifications may be considered Entry to this course will also be determined by the quality of your application, looking primarily at your portfolio/show reel of work, personal statement and reference

What you will learn

  • You'll develop skills in typography and layout design.
  • You'll practise creative image making across print and digital formats.
  • You'll use digital design tools and software.
  • You'll conduct research into design history, theory, and social contexts.
  • You'll build a professional portfolio of work.
  • You'll specialise in either Graphic Design or Illustration in Year Two.
  • You'll gain industry insight through guest speakers, visiting lecturers, and workshops.

How you will learn

You'll learn through studio-based classes, practical projects, and research activities. Guest speakers and visiting lecturers bring industry perspectives into the classroom. You'll take part in exhibitions and competitions. Assessment is through portfolio work, projects, and a personal statement of practice. The course runs in small groups of around twenty students per year, giving you regular access to tutors.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. South Essex College Southend Campus will confirm anything else you need before you start. The course fee includes an annual £40 printing credit, event and exhibition costs, competition entry costs, and membership of the Association of Illustrators.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Graphic designer, creates visual content for brands, print, and digital media.
  • Illustrator, produces artwork for publishing, advertising, and editorial clients.
  • Art director, leads visual direction on creative projects.
  • Brand designer, develops visual identity for businesses.
  • Digital designer, creates graphics and assets for websites and apps.
  • Packaging designer, designs product packaging for retail and commercial clients.
  • Freelance illustrator, takes on commissioned artwork across a range of sectors.

What you could study next

  • MA Graphic Design or MA Illustration, a postgraduate route for those wanting to deepen specialist practice or move into research and teaching.
  • MA Communication Design, broadens into branding, motion, and interactive design.
  • Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) in Art and Design, for those who want to teach the subject at secondary level.
Apply on southessex.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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