Illustration degree at Brighton named among top five in the UK

The Illustration BA(Hons) degree was started in 1983 by John Vernon Lord, the UK’s first Professor of Illustration. Lorde's work is currently being celebrated with a retrospective at the Ditchling Museum, including his illustrations for classic works by Lewis Carroll, Edward Lear and James Joyce, as well as his own 1972 picture book The Giant Jam Sandwich, now regarded as a worldwide classic of children's literature.

ApplyToUni highlighted Brighton for its “longstanding reputation among students and industry professionals for academic excellence”, and for offering “a fantastic range of facilities for students... and courses taught by accomplished illustrators to ensure that you learn correct professional practice as well as honing your skills”. Illustration degree students also have access to Design Archives considered among the best in Britain.

Illustration of Brighton by Dan Woodger

Sleeping Arrangements by Pete Duffield

Many teaching staff on the course are leaders in their fields, with past contributors including Raymond Briggs and Quentin Blake, as well as Old Bear children's author Jane Hissey and leading political cartoonist Chris Riddell.

Recent graduates such as Pete Duffield have gone on to enjoy global Instagram success.

A recent survey found 80% of Illustration graduates from the university were in work or further study six months after graduation. You can see work by this year's graduates in Illustration and other art courses at the 2021 Graduate Show website.