Illustration [with Foundation Year]

Follow in the footsteps of established illustrators, designers and creators by developing your individual visual style.

In our vibrant studios and workshops, you’ll receive dedicated attention from our expert tutors – all of whom are professional illustrators – to help you find your visual style and kick-start your career.

At the same time, you’ll have plenty of space to experiment, discover, discuss and create, with full access to our facilities and expertise in printmaking, 3D, photography, storytelling, editorials, animation, text and image, and moving illustrations, and opportunities to go on local and international trips.

100% believe staff value students’ views and opinions about the course, 96% that the course has developed the knowledge and skills I think I will need for my future and 91% that teaching staff have supported my learning well. NSS 2025.


• Study on a course that scored highly across the board in the National Student Survey 2024



• Join a course whose students are regularly recognised in national and international prizes and awards



• Prepare for a variety of freelance and commercial roles, taking inspiration from our successful alumni



• Display your work at our final-year Graduate Showcase, and local and national exhibitions



• Visit galleries, find inspiration, and hone your observational drawing skills locally and internationally



Careers

The creative industries are booming in the UK, employing more than two million people.

As a creative hotspot that’s home to thousands of established businesses and start-ups, Cambridge is the perfect place to gain crucial experience.

There are plenty of opportunities to get your work seen, too. At the end of your final year, you’ll take part in our degree show and the New Designers graduate exhibition in London – the perfect launchpad for your career.

As an illustrator, a world of possibilities awaits you. You could illustrate books or editorial, design stage sets or product labels, work on animated films, and much more besides.If you’re interested in a career in character design such as comic books, graphic novels, or animation, our BA (Hons) Animation and Illustration may be the course for you.

Graduation doesn’t have to be the end of your time with us. You might decide to stay at ARU and study for a Masters, such as our world-leading MA Children’s Book Illustration. Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship and get 20% off your fees.

Teaching

Your first year will be a foundation year of art & design to get you up to degree level.

In your second year, you’ll focus on drawing, observation, and experimentation.

You’ll explore different styles, media, and ways of reproducing artwork, helping you find your signature illustration style.

You’ll continue to learn about different techniques and develop your illustration skills in Year 3, while working to industry-style briefs that will help you prepare for professional life.

Your final year is a real opportunity to get ‘a foot in the door’ by building your portfolio and displaying your work at your Degree Show, and the New Designers graduate exhibition in London.

At ARU, you’ll be supported from day one with wellbeing services, money advice and careers guidance to help you through university and beyond.

Their courses are built around the skills and experience employers value. ARU are proud to be in the top 20% of UK universities for teaching quality (TEF 2023), and ranked #1 in the East of England, and #8 in the UK, for UG graduates in senior roles 15 months after graduation (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2025). You'll have access to fantastic facilities thanks to £95m of investment - think SuperLabs, TV studios, law courts, mock hospital wards, gaming studios and more.

Wherever you're heading, ARU will help you get there.