BA (Hons) Visual Arts (Top-up) (Full Time)

The BA (Hons) Visual Arts (one year top-up) at Southampton Solent University is a broad course which allows you to explore the art of illustration and visual communication within the areas of children’s and adult narrative, together with editorial and reportage illustration.
Working on location, in the studio and workshops, you will experiment with a wide variety of media, including intaglio and silkscreen print-making, photography, digital imaging, drawing and painting.

Within our supportive atmosphere, you will discover your own style whilst underpinning your creativity with a strong awareness of industry techniques. Your developing skills in practice and critical evaluation will also support you as a practising illustrator, or within the workplace.

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Complemented by units in professional and career development, your projects and case studies will ensure that you are experienced in working to briefs.

Our supportive staff will be on hand to offer you tutorial guidance in compiling your unique body of studio work. You will emerge not only with well-developed practical talents, but also with a firm grasp on the professional skills needed to succeed in the visual arts industry.

Industrial focus

Students are involved in a variety of live briefs, competitions, commissions, community participation and involvement with outside agencies. The course has strong contacts in industry and academia, such as the Association of Illustrators, Heart Illustration Agency, Contemporary Illustration Agency, Walker Books for Children, as well as links with a host of high-profile practitioners. You will have opportunities to exhibit your work externally, as well as at the end-of-year Degree Show Exhibition.

Course content

This year of study focuses on the production of an individual body of studio work and its presentation, as well as the submission of a visual research project.

• Visual Communication Research Project
• Negotiated Study
• Major Project (Creative) or Major Project (Research Report).

Why choose Solent?

The Visual Arts top-up course will encourage you to develop independent thought whilst also allowing you to place your skills in their industrial context.

Our supportive, award-winning staff will be on hand to offer you tutorial guidance in compiling your unique body of studio work.

• Study trips provide a great opportunity to broaden your knowledge of the international design industry
• You will be encouraged to enter major competitions such as the D&AD Awards and the Association of Illustrators Awards.

Assessment

Portfolio, book works, blogs, films and presentations.

Projects/work experience

Recent projects have included a high-profile TV advert commission for the US market.

Key career skills

Presentation, communication, project management and problem solving.

Graduate quote

Jon Clarke

Jon graduated in 2010 and is currently completing an internship at Walker Books in London.

“The best thing about the BA (Hons) Illustration course is the diversity of the creative projects, ranging from one-day jobs to the longer in-depth assignments – they help you to discover your area and practice, and then to reach out and develop further. The theory side gives you a brilliant exposure to a broad range of the visual arts, not only through art history but contemporary exhibits, animation and film screenings.”