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University of Portsmouth

Interior Architecture and Design with Foundation Year

Award Attendance Study Duration Start Domestic fees International fees
BA (Hons) On-Campus Full-time, Sandwich 4 - 5 years September find out find out

About Interior Architecture and Design with Foundation Year, BA (Hons) - at University of Portsmouth

Overview

Redefine the world with a pencil or stylus on this BA (Hons) Illustration degree course.

You’ll challenge convention in all spheres: from inspecting illustration from new perspectives, to delving into its social, political and historical significance. You'll discover traditional and contemporary illustration techniques and the business essentials of the art form – and you can gain extra professional experience through a one-year placement, client projects, and entering design competitions. Come explore your individual vision through experimentation and engage with a range of professional applications.

At the end of this course, you'll become an all-encompassing illustrator that stands out among competitors in the creative industries. 

Course highlights

  • Explore a rich array of traditional and digital media—including print, paint, sculpture, 3D printing, laser cutting, spray paint, Cintiqs, and Risograph printing.
  • Raise your professional profile by taking on live projects with local and international clients such as Anglepoise
  • Catch potential employers' eyes by exhibiting your work at national exhibitions and our annual Graduate Show
  • Have the chance to win eminent awards by entering international competitions like Design & Art Direction (D&AD), The Macmillan Prize, and the V&A Illustration Awards
  • Enrich your practical and industry experience by taking an optional one-year placement – either with a company or by setting up your own
  • Showcase your Adobe expertise to industry peers by gaining Adobe Certified Professional (ACP) qualifications
  • Opt to do a foundation year with ICP to get uni-ready ahead of this course, then take up a guaranteed place on this full Bachelor's degree when you successfully finish your foundation year

Careers and opportunities

The creative and technical abilities you develop on this course – in sequential storytelling, character animation, and visual storytelling – could lead to a variety of creative roles in design and media.

You can also continue your studies at postgraduate level.

Graduate areas

Areas previous graduates have included:

  • animation
  • artist book making
  • children’s book illustration
  • editorial illustration
  • graphic novels, comics, and zines
  • narrative illustration
  • print making
  • art direction
  • teaching

Placement year (optional)

After your second or third year, you can take an optional year-long placement to gain on-the-job experience in industries needing illustrators and designers. You can work for a company or organisation, or start up and run your own business. Together with your peers – or by yourself – you'll build and launch a successful venture.

In either case, our Creative Careers team is on hand to assist.

Supporting your creative career

Our dedicated Careers and Employability team have extensive recruitment experience across a multitude of areas including the creative sector.

They can provide you with supporting and advice, including:

  • Searching for the ideal job through their database of vacancies
  • Giving tips on how to write an interesting CV that will catch employers' attention, no matter the role
  • Organising mock interviews, so you can hone your technique and familiarise yourself with the recruitment environment
  • Writing your startup business proposal – if you're going down the self-employment route
  • Researching placement opportunities and applying for creative opportunities 

The team will continue to support you throughout your placement year and beyond, providing you with help for up to 5 years after your graduate.

Placement roles

Our students have been successful in a variety of placement roles, including:

  • Creative Media Technician
  • Art Facilitator
  • Graphic Designer
  • Illustration and Production Intern

Placement destinations

Our students have completed their placements at companies such as:

  • MCI UK Ltd
  • Zpos
  • Arty Farty Retreat
  • Wildern School

Entry requirements for this course

Contact University of Portsmouth to find course entry requirements.


View all courses at University of Portsmouth

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