BA (Hons)

Illustration: Graphic Design

Learn more about studying Illustration: Graphic Design as an international student.

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Image reflecting the subject area of Creative Arts & Design, relating to the program.
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Key facts

  • Degree type
    Bachelor's
  • Duration
    3 years
  • Delivery method
    On campus
  • Pace
    Full-time
  • Annual tuition fee
    18,100GBP
  • Start date
    Oct
  • QS Ranking
    851-900

Program overview

What De Montfort University says about their program:

This Illustration: Graphic Design course aims to develop your image making, design and illustration skills, allowing you to develop and refine your own visual voice. You will work on a diverse range of projects that allow your creativity and talent to thrive over digital, motion and print platforms. Through the course you will learn how to interpret briefs, identify and solve problems to create innovative illustration and design solutions, you will also be able to work on a diverse range of industry and competition briefs, supporting your professional practice and understanding of the industry. The course is designed to support a career as an illustrator and creative practitioner: In year one, you will focus on understanding the fundamentals of drawing and design principals; in year two, you will begin to locate and develop your individual voice by applying your illustration through creative projects and varied workshops; in year three, you will position your creative practice through professional preparation and real world experiences, supporting your individual aspirations for entering the creative industries.

Illustration featuring a variety of academic and scientific symbols, including a graduation cap on top of a profile of Einstein's head, a book, a ruler, a lightbulb, a microscope, a DNA helix, and molecular structure, against a backdrop of a university building with trees and clouds.

Admission requirements

Academic requirements

  • Completion of high school/ secondary education

English proficiency

  • English proficiency is required; accepted tests include IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent.

English proficiency waivers

  • DMU may accept approved English-language qualifications or country-specific alternatives instead of IELTS.
  • The accepted evidence and score depend on the applicant’s country and chosen course.

Documents required

  • Passport
  • Academic Transcripts
  • Degree certificate or diploma
  • Proof of English proficiency
  • Statement of purpose or personal statement
  • Recommendation letters
  • Finance proof
  • Translations
  • Credential evaluations
Illustration of academic elements representing admission requirements, including a graduation cap, clock, documents, resumes, ID card, a calendar, and a clipboard.

Required grades

to see how attainable this program is.

  • A levels

    BBC

  • International Baccalaureate (IB)

    26

All grade information on Studee is provided for guidance only. Always check the university's official program page for the latest information on required grades.

Other grade requirements

  • IB: 5 x GCSEs at grade 4/C or above including English and Maths
  • GCSEs: 5 x GCSEs at grade 4/C or above including English and Maths

Additional requirements

Documents

  • Academic transcripts and certificates
  • English language proficiency evidence (for example, IELTS)
  • Copy of passport

Essays and statements

  • Personal statement

    explain why you want the course, your relevant skills and achievements, and your future goals.

Recommendations

  • Reference, usually from a teacher, tutor, or employer.

Creative and performance

  • Portfolio

    You must submit a portfolio in line with the course's portfolio guidance.

How to apply

Scholarships at De Montfort University

  • Empowering Excellence Scholarship

    Official page

    GBP 8,500 scholarship for eligible international undergraduate and postgraduate students starting at DMU in September 2026.

  • Global Access Scholarship

    Official page

    Automatic fee-deduction scholarship for eligible prospective international students joining full-time undergraduate and postgraduate taught degrees at DMU.

  • Global Partnerships Scholarship

    Official page

    Scholarship for eligible prospective international students joining a full-time undergraduate degree at De Montfort University for 2026/27 entry.

All scholarship information on Studee is provided for guidance only. Always check the university's official scholarship page for the latest information on eligibility, award amounts, deadlines, and application requirements.

Fees

For 2026/27, DMU lists international undergraduate tuition fees of £16,250 per year for Art, Design and Humanities and Business and Law courses, and £16,750 per year for Computing, Engineering and Media and Health and Life Sciences courses. Students who take a paid placement year pay a placement fee of £1,850.

Eligible international students may receive the Global Access Scholarship automatically if they meet the stated conditions. DMU also offers other scholarships and discounts for eligible students, including the Empowering Excellence Scholarship and EU Access Scholarship. Check the official course and funding information for the fee and scholarship conditions that apply to you.

Illustration of education and financial elements including a graduation cap, trophy, diploma, books, a piggy bank, stacks of cash notes, and coins, representing fees and funding.

What is the cost of living near De Montfort University?

Category Cost  (in British Pound Sterling)
Rent, 1-bed apartment in city centre£779
Rent, 1-bed apartment outside centre£671
Utilities (electricity, heating, water, refuse)£158
Internet (60 Mbps unlimited)£32
Mobile phone plan (data + calls)£12
Monthly public transport pass£78
Monthly grocery basket£371
Books and study supplies (monthly)£134
Coffee shop drink£3
Cinema or cultural event ticket£11
Gym membership£27

Indicative monthly costs per person.

Data sourced from livingcost.org (Crowdsourced), moneysupermarket.com (Editorial estimate), leicesterbuses.co.uk (Official statistics) and dmu.ac.uk (University published).

Visa requirements for De Montfort University

International students who need to study in the UK will usually need a Student visa. After meeting the relevant offer and payment conditions, DMU issues a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) for students who need it to make their visa application

UK student visa requirements