University of South Wales
Illustration FdA
University of South Wales

Key Course Facts

Student Reviews

Below you can see course specific reviews of 15 graduates of Illustration FdA and other courses in CAH25 at University of South Wales for each of the survey questions in comparison to the average for all UK degree courses in CAH25.

The NSS is commissioned by the Office for Students

Salary

Salary of all UK Graduates of

  15 months after graduation 3 years after graduation 5 years after graduation
Median salary £22025 £20113 £23568
25-75 percentile range £19981 - £25071 £15144 - £24676 £17604 - £29974

Course Description

The Foundation Degree in Illustration will teach you how to creatively develop your own style, reflecting the imaginative way you see and communicate with the ever changing world. You 'll explore different contexts of image making, from traditional illustration and commercial application through to indie books, information graphics, zines, moving image, limited edition prints, surface pattern and illustrative products.

You will learn to work independently, creatively and critically in a variety of contexts, as we support your enthusiasm to design, manufacture, market and sell your own work. We will support you in developing professional skills in every assignment, including creative problem solving, project management, working to a brief and completing work to a deadline. Through continuous self-reflection, you 'll develop and identify personal strengths, helping you to recognise transferable skills and how they will be useful for future employment.

You 'll work on exciting live project briefs and benefit from visiting practitioners who work in the industry; delivering workshops, offering portfolio guidance, and talking about their own practice. Introducing you to explore commercial practice, we also encourage you to professionally promote yourself and also to explore your own ideas through self-directed and professional approaches which will extend the boundaries of your visual language. As you develop your interests you can choose to adapt your study to a range of creative specialisms, including editorial illustration, children 's books, independent publishing, printmaking, modelling, interactive illustration and surface pattern.

You will enjoy a varied programme of cultural and inspirational trips both locally, nationally and internationally giving you the opportunity to visit galleries and other relevant locations that will inform and enhance your work.

You will be part of a diverse creative environment which provides you with access to all kinds of industry standard facilities benefitting from both traditional and high-tech equipment. In both years you will have your own dedicated workspace within our illustration studio and the opportunities to work with a range of other specialist workshops and facilities in the college.

Entry Requirements / Admissions

Requirements for international students / English requirements

IELTS academic test score (similar tests may be accepted as well)

    • 6.0
    • Foundation / Pathway Courses
    • 6.5
    • Graduate Degrees
    • 6.5
    • Undergraduate Degrees
Get advice on which foundation courses are best for you to still study Illustration, FdA, if you do not meet the minimum requirements in terms of UCAS score, A levels, or English language requirements.

Costs

Tuition Fees Illustration FdA

EU £7500 year 1
England UK £7500 year 1
Northern Ireland £7500 year 1
Scotland £7500 year 1
Wales £7500 year 1
International £12300 year 1

Additional fee information

Students have access to a wide range of resources including textbooks, publications, and computers in the University’s library and via online resources. In most cases they are more than sufficient to complete a course of study. Where there are additional costs, either obligatory or optional, these are detailed on the University website (on individual course pages). Of course students may choose to purchase their own additional personal resources/tools over and above those listed to support their studies at their own expense. All stationery and printing costs are at a student’s own expense. Students from Wales and the EU may be eligible for a means-tested Welsh Government Learning Grant. Please visit the University website for full details.

Average student cost of living in the UK

Rent £518
Water, gas electricity, internet (at home) £50
Supermarket shopping £81
Clothing £35
Eating out £33
Alcohol £27
Takeaways / food deliveries £30
Going out / entertainment (excl.alcohol, food) £24
Holidays and weekend trips £78
Transport within city £17
Self-care / sports £20
Stationary / books £13
Mobile phone / internet £13
Cable TV / streaming £7
Insurance £51
Other £95
  
Average student cost of living £1092

London costs approx 34% more than average, mainly due to rent being 67% higher than average of other cities. For students staying in student halls, costs of water, gas, electricity, wifi are generally included in the rental. Students in smaller cities where accommodation is in walking/biking distance transport costs tend to be significantly smaller.

How to apply

Application deadline:

January 1, 2025

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Possible Entry Points:

  • year 1 (Default entry point)

University Rankings

Positions of University of South Wales in top UK and global rankings.

See all 16 university rankings of University of South Wales

About University of South Wales

The University of South Wales is a government funded university in Wales, and its campuses are located in Cardiff, Newport, and Pontypridd. The university is the result of the merging of the University of Glamorgan and the University of Wales, in Newport. Each campus shares an equal importance for the university, each providing its own series of facilities for distinct uses.

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Where is this programme taught

Coleg Gwent (Cross Keys)
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