Bachelor of Illustration

The Bachelor of Illustration at Melbourne Polytechnic is a three-year degree for people who want to make pictures for a living. You will draw constantly — life drawing, observational studies, character and narrative work, editorial and book illustration. The course also covers the practical side of the industry: digital tools, print production, portfolio development and the business of working as a freelance illustrator. Studios and workshops are run by practising illustrators, so the feedback you get comes from people who work in the field.

How the degree is structured

Australian bachelor degrees are usually three years of full-time study, and this one follows that pattern. Each year is split into semesters, and you enrol in units of study that carry credit points. You need to pass a set number of credit points to graduate. The early units build your drawing and visual thinking; later units let you specialise and take on bigger projects. Most illustration degrees finish with a major project or portfolio subject in the final year, where you produce a body of work and present it. Assessment is mostly practical — projects, folios and presentations rather than exams.

Skills you build

You will learn to draw confidently from life and from imagination. You will get comfortable with digital illustration software, scanning and preparing artwork for print and screen. You will study colour, composition, visual storytelling and typography as it relates to illustration. You will also learn how to price work, deal with clients, meet deadlines and put together a portfolio that gets you interviews. By the end, you should have a folio of finished work and a sense of which part of the industry suits you — books, editorial, advertising, games, or something else.

Who it suits

This degree suits school leavers with a folio and a habit of drawing, and also mature-age students who want to turn a long-time interest into a career. You do not need to be a finished artist before you start, but you do need to show some work and be willing to put in the hours. International students should check the English requirements — IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall is the usual standard for undergraduate courses, and the Student visa has its own English threshold set by the Department of Home Affairs. While studying, a student visa lets you work up to 48 hours per fortnight. After you finish, you may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream. Tuition is published on the CRICOS register. Always confirm current entry requirements, unit details and fees on the official Melbourne Polytechnic page or the CRICOS listing for course 061836F.

• Illustrator for books, magazines and editorial clients
• Children's book illustrator
• Concept artist for games, animation or film
• Graphic designer or visual communicator in studios and agencies
• Freelance illustrator running your own practice
• In-house illustrator for publishers, retailers or not-for-profits
• Storyboard artist for advertising or screen production
• Surface and pattern designer for textiles and products

Australian employers in publishing, advertising, design studios, animation and games hire illustration graduates. Many illustrators work freelance or combine part-time studio work with their own projects.