Arts University Bournemouth
Illustration with Foundation Year
Poole, England, United Kingdom · UCAS 220F
Level
Bachelor
Duration
4 years
Campus
Main Site - Arts University Bournemouth
Intl. Tuition
£19,950 (Fee 2026-27 · 2027-28 not yet published)
Intake
September 2027
UCAS code
220F
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Course Overview
Illustration with Foundation Year at Arts University Bournemouth in Poole, England, United Kingdom is a bachelor programme designed to give you both rigorous academic grounding and exposure to current practice in the field.
- Study with academics who are active researchers and industry practitioners, with regular contact through seminars, tutorials, and project work.
- Develop core knowledge in your first year before specialising through optional modules in later years tailored to your interests and career goals.
- Build practical, transferable skills — analysis, communication, teamwork, and project delivery — that employers across sectors actively look for.
- Access dedicated employability support including internships, placements, alumni mentoring, and a careers service that connects students to graduate roles.
- Join a global student community with extracurricular societies, sports, volunteering, and study-abroad opportunities to round out your university experience.
Career snapshot (indicative)
Illustration and animation graduates work in advertising, children's publishing, film and TV production, video games and digital media. Freelance and studio careers are common, with a strong portfolio the key entry credential.
Student life (indicative)
Bournemouth combines solid student nightlife with easy coastal and countryside access. The city has a good range of independent cafés, pubs and cultural venues, with beaches or scenic coastline within easy reach.
The University at a Glance
Student Population
3,740
Staff Ratio
14.0:1
International
14.0%
Career Prospects
Employment Rate
63.0%
of graduates employed
Avg Starting Salary
£22,910
First-year earnings
Costs & Living
City & Location
Small city (50k-199k inhabitants)
Course Curriculum
Year 1
- Foundations of Illustration with Foundation Year
- Academic and Research Skills
- Quantitative Methods
- Introduction to Theory and Practice
- Optional language or breadth module.
Year 2
- Intermediate Illustration with Foundation Year topics
- Applied Methods and Tools
- Group Project
- Two optional pathway modules
- Career and Industry Insights.
Year 3
- Advanced Illustration with Foundation Year
- Independent Dissertation or Capstone Project
- Two specialist optional modules aligned with your interests
- Employability and Professional Development.
Entry Requirements
Subjects
- Digital imaging
- Printing
- Decorative art
- Arts
- Creative arts
- Art
- Printmaking
- Animation
- Illustration
- Concept art
- Art theory
- Drawing
- Life drawing
- Visual arts
Assessment Methods
Assessment is varied across the programme and may include: Written examinations across foundational modules; Coursework essays and analytical reports; Group and individual projects with presentations; Practical lab, studio, or fieldwork assessments where relevant; A final-year dissertation or capstone project that lets you specialise in a topic of your choice.
Campus & City Life
Student Population
3,740
Total students
Staff Ratio
14:1
Students per staff
International Students
14%
Of student body
Campus at a Glance
City Size
Small city (50k-199k inhabitants)
Climate (indicative)
Mild coastal
Safety Index (indicative)
8.0/10
Transport
Moderate (coach or indirect connections)
Social Scene
Friendly community | Coastal lifestyle | Creative arts scene
Student Life & City (indicative)
Bournemouth combines solid student nightlife with easy coastal and countryside access. The city has a good range of independent cafés, pubs and cultural venues, with beaches or scenic coastline within easy reach.
- Bournemouth combines solid student nightlife with easy coastal and countryside access.
- The city has a good range of independent cafés, pubs and cultural venues, with beaches or scenic coastline within easy reach.
What Students Love
- Beach lifestyle
- Vibrant nightlife & bars
- Outdoor & nature activities
- Great café culture
University Stats
Career & Outcomes
Graduate Employment
63%
Employed after graduation
Avg Starting Salary
£22,910
Average first-year salary
Placement Year
✗ Not offered
Industry work experience
Career Outcomes Overview (indicative)
Illustration and animation graduates work in advertising, children's publishing, film and TV production, video games and digital media. Freelance and studio careers are common, with a strong portfolio the key entry credential.
- Illustration and animation graduates work in advertising, children's publishing, film and TV production, video games and digital media.
- Freelance and studio careers are common, with a strong portfolio the key entry credential.
Top Industries for Graduates
- Creative industries
- Design
- Media
Study Abroad Opportunities
N
- N
Costs & Living Expenses
Overall Cost of Living (indicative)
MEDIUM
This location has moderate living costs. Standard student budget recommended.
Estimated Annual Costs
Monthly Student Budget (indicative)
Cost Overview (indicative)
One of the UK's more affordable student cities — a $1,455/month budget (housing $850, food $310, transport $90) covers everything comfortably. A comfortable student lifestyle at costs well below London and the South East.
- One of the UK's more affordable student cities — a $1,455/month budget (housing $850, food $310, transport $90) covers everything comfortably.
- A comfortable student lifestyle at costs well below London and the South East.
Contains HESA data (Discover Uni), licensed under CC BY 4.0.