Bachelor in Fda Illustration

Tuition is 21,000 GBP per year.

At the core of the FdA Illustration programme is the Collaborative Exhibition module, which challenges students to move beyond the studio and successfully curate, manage, and execute a professional public presentation of their own creative output. This practical, industry-facing focus defines the course, which is delivered at the Petroc campus in Barnstaple Brannams campus. Rather than just learning technical skills in isolation, students are encouraged to adopt an experimental approach to making and thinking from the very first year.

This two-year foundation degree is designed for those seeking a supportive, close-knit environment where small class sizes allow for individualised attention from staff with active industry backgrounds. By bridging the gap between academic research and entrepreneurial application, the programme prepares students to transition into the creative sector or progress further into higher education, including BA (Hons) top-up years. Students benefit from the dual-institution experience, holding membership within both the local college community and the University of Plymouth, granting access to comprehensive resources and professional networks.

University of Plymouth, situated on England’s southwest coast, is a modern, student-centred university with around 18,000 students and a welcoming international community. The campus blends contemporary facilities with strong industry links, particularly in marine science, health, engineering and business. Plymouth emphasises practical learning and employability, offering placements, internships and project-based modules that connect students directly with employers and local partners.

International students find Plymouth attractive for its supportive campus services, range of student societies and manageable city scale that balances urban amenities with coastal lifestyle. The university provides pre‑arrival guidance, English language support and dedicated international student teams to ease transition and help with accommodation, visas and wellbeing. Teaching approaches combine lectures, labs and applied projects, while research-active staff bring real-world problems into the classroom.

Graduates from Plymouth benefit from strong regional and national employer engagement, which can lead to placements, graduate roles and entrepreneurial support through incubators and career services. The city’s quality of life, lower cost compared with larger UK cities and emphasis on hands-on learning make Plymouth a practical choice for students seeking a balanced academic experience and strong prospects for work or further study after graduation.