2023/24 entry

BA (Hons) Graphic Design and Illustration

Start date:
September 2023
Study mode:
Full time
Course Duration:
3 years
UCAS code:
W210
Points required:
112
Campus:
Mt Pleasant

Tuition fees (per year)

Home (full-time):
£9,250
International (full-time):
£17,400
Placement (home student):
£1,850
Placement (international student):
£3,650
All figures are subject to yearly increases.
Tuition fees are subject to parliamentary approval.

General enquiries:
0151 231 5090
Faculty of Arts, Professional and Social Studies:
0151 231 5175
APSadmissions@ljmu.ac.uk
International enquiries
international@ljmu.ac.uk

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Why study Graphic Design and Illustration at Liverpool John Moores University?

  • 93% of our students agreed they were satisfied with their degree in the 2020 National Student Survey
  • Check out the latest Graphic Design and Illustration Degree Show
  • Students can access study abroad opportunities and prizes for overseas travel
  • Diverse range of graphic arts covered including graphic design, illustration, printmaking, photography, animation, motion graphics and interactive design
  • You will have opportunities to work with and be taught by renowned graphic designers, illustrators and professionals from the creative industries
  • Opportunities to participate in ‘live’ projects, work collaboratively or in teams, and attend freelance and networking events
  • Studios based in the RIBA award-winning, Stirling Prize-nominated John Lennon Art and Design Building
  • Read more about student projects and graduate successes on the course blog

About your course

The BA (Hons) Graphic Design at Liverpool John Moores University has a well established reputation for developing innovative designers and illustrators, highly sought after by employers in this exciting but competitive sector.

Modules are designed to be flexible so you can specialise in either graphic design or illustration early in the course or take your time deciding while you get a feel for different art forms.

This means that you will be working in a highly creative and stimulating environment where craft-based skills flourish alongside new technology using a variety of traditions including drawing, typography, image making and inventive approaches to new media. Even the John Lennon Art and Design Building, where the School is based, is considered a work of art, having been nominated for the prestigious Stirling Prize.

Our close links with the local and national creative industries have resulted in collaborations, 'live' projects and internship opportunities, all of which are essential preparation for your future career.

This course has a reputation for excellence and we are proud to have produced some of the country’s most innovative and respected designers and illustrators. They include Paul Pensom, who is current Art Editor at Creative Review; Jimmy Turrell, Graphic artist and Video Director represented by Heart Agency and an international client base including Nike, MTV, Conde Nast, Pentagram and Dazed & Confused; Joe Stottard, Lead Designer at Adidas in Germany; James Gilmore, designer at Design Studio, responsible for the recent rebranding of The Premier League and Airbnb; Malik Thomas-Smeda who was commissioned by the National Football Museum in Manchester; Al Murphy, freelance illustrator with an international client base including MTV, Guardian and TimeOut NY; Richard Turley, Global Creative Director at Wieden + Kennedy, New York.

Additional opportunities available outside of the studio include study trips at each Level (typically to Manchester, London and Berlin) and the prestigious Susan Cotton Travel Awards and Sue Dunthorne Travel Bursaries, that give students opportunities to undertake overseas trips for personal and professional development.

The course recently collaborated with The Double Negative, an arts criticism and social commentary online magazine, to launch a series 'In These Times: Pandemic Conversations'. The partnership between LJMU Graphic Design & Illustration and The Double Negative focuses on students, acknowledging the profound difficulties posed to students in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. It also recognises outstanding work produced during this challenging time. 

Conversation with Meg O'Flynn is live now



"After specialising in design and illustration for children throughout my final year, I have been lucky enough to become a designer for Usborne Publishing. Not only do I get to design and illustrate for the children's market, I am learning the production side of the publishing industry. I feel really proud to have gained a design position with Usborne so soon after graduating. It's a really rewarding job."

Emily Bannister, Graphic Design graduate

Fees and funding

There are many ways to fund study for home and international students

Fees

The fees quoted above cover registration, tuition, supervision, assessment and examinations as well as:

  • Library membership with access to printed, multimedia and digital resources
  • Access to programme-appropriate software
  • Library and student IT support
  • Free on-campus wifi via eduroam

Additional costs

Although not all of the following are compulsory/relevant, you should keep in mind the costs of:

  • accommodation and living expenditure
  • books (should you wish to have your own copies)
  • printing, photocopying and stationery
  • PC/laptop (should you prefer to purchase your own for independent study and online learning activities)
  • mobile phone/tablet (to access online services)
  • field trips (travel and activity costs)
  • placements (travel expenses and living costs)

Money

  • student visas (international students only)
  • study abroad opportunities (travel costs, accommodation, visas and immunisations)
  • academic conferences (travel costs)
  • professional-body membership
  • graduation (gown hire etc)

Funding

There are many ways to fund study for home and international students. From loans to International Scholarships and subject-specific funding, you’ll find all of the information you need on our specialist funding pages.

Employability

With the close links we have with local design studios and our lecture series from designers and illustrators of the highest calibre such as Jonathan Barnbrook, the course is consistently developing in response to the demands of industry.

At least one of the course’s external examiners is a current practitioner, ensuring that our graduates meet the standards required by the creative industries.

This highly vocational programme presents many opportunities to make contacts in the world of graphic design, through live projects, competition briefs and graduate freelance and self-employment events. All of these activities are pathways into careers in the creative industries, whether you decide to go freelance, find employment with a large agency or start up your own design studio. You are prepared for the 'world of work' within the curriculum in a number of ways.

Most significantly the course is highly vocational, with clearly defined career options. The course also continues to develop a number of initiatives with highly respected design studios to embed workshops and real world projects led and delivered by industry professionals within our Level 5 and 6 professional development modules. 

The following alumni have either become employed or gone on to further study following graduation:

  • Rosa Kusabbi (2020) Freelance Illustrator, selected by The Association of Illustrators in the Top 10 UK Illustrators Graduates to watch in 2020
  • Chris Martin (2019) Freelance Illustrator, clients have included Levis and Guardian Labs
  • Fleur Ellis (2018) Graphic Designer at wearepi (Amsterdam)
  • Lol Gallimore (2018) Graphic Designer at AGA LAB (Amsterdam)
  • Millie Chesters (2018) Freelance Illustrator, clients have included The International Slavery Museum, Goal Power and is an artist in residence for homotopiafest
  • Rachael Dean (2017) Children’s book Illustrator represented by Pickled Ink Agency (Liverpool)
  • Bryn Walden-Jones (2017) Founder and Art Director of Stiles Magazine (London)
  • Rachel Victoria Hillis (2017) Freelance Illustrator, clients have included Airbnb, Elle Décor Italia, Goop, Slowdown Studio and RHS (Liverpool)
  • Jasmine Floyd (2017) Freelance Illustrator, clients have included Google, The Skinny and Aquila (Shropshire)
  • Rosha Patel (2017) UX/UI Designer at Mindwave Ventures (Manchester)
  • Lowri Evans (2016) Junior Designer at Music (Manchester)
  • Connor Spink (2016) Middleweight Designer at Definitive Creative (Leeds)Matthew Varker (2015) Graphic Designer at Gorilla (Manchester)
  • Sana Iqbald (2015) Creative Consultant at The Storytellers (London)
  • James Gosnold (2015) MA Visual Communication at Royal College of Art (London)
  • Beci Kelly (2015) Graphic Artist at Penguin Random House (London)
  • Malik Thomas-Smeda (2014) Commissioned by National Football Museum (Manchester), Designer at Marketing Liverpool
  • Jess Heaton and Jack Hale (2014) Junior Designers at Boohoo.com (Manchester)
  • Mario Vaz (2014) – Graphic Designer at Contrast Creative, (Manchester)
  • Lottie Brzowzski (2013) Middleweight Graphic Designer at Music (Manchester) currently studying MA Visual Communication at Royal College of Art (London)
  • Rachel Davey (2013) MA Visual Communication at Royal College of Art
  • Sam Howard (2013) Graphic Designer at Ragged Edge (London)
  • Sophie Gordon (2013) Design Assistant at Nosy Crow (London)
  • James Falkingham (2012) Founder and Art Director of Tusk Magazine
  • Laura Tombs (2012) Project Manager at Magnetic North (Manchester)
  • Emily Salinas (2012) Shellsuit Zombie Collective
  • Joe Stothard (2011) Designer at Adidas (Germany)
  • Kathryn Easthope (2011) Art Director at Reiss, London, having worked at Dazed and Confused and Another Magazine
  • Jonny Biggs (2011) Graphic Designer at Nonconform (Liverpool)
  • Svea Carney (2011) Graphic Designer at Shop Direct (Liverpool)
  • Graeme Helliwell (2011) Lead Designer at Trinity Publishing (Liverpool)
  • Neringa Plange (2011) MA Visual Communication at Royal College of Art
  • Lewis Jones (2010) Data Visualisation Graphic Designer at Macmillan Cancer Support (London)
  • Kristina Coates (2010) Senior Picture Book Designer at Bloomsbury Publishing
  • James Gilmore (2008) Art Director at DesignStudio (London)
  • Richard Lackmaker (2008) Lead Visual Designer at ustwo (London)
  • Joe Bramall (2003) Director at Well Made Studios, (Liverpool)
  • Heather Almond (2001) Senior Graphic Designer at Smiling Wolf, (Liverpool)
  • Gavin Sherrat (1999) Founder and MD of Studio Mashbo (Liverpool)
  • Richard Turley (1998) Art Director at Bloomberg Business Week (NYC)
  • Tash Willcocks (1996) Programme Manager at Hyper Island (Manchester)
  • Jonny Hannah (1996) Illustration Senior Lecturer at Southampton Solent University 
  • Simon Vaughan (1995) Creative Director at Amaze (Manchester)
  • Jeremy Coysten (1995) Partner at North Design (London)
  • Paul Pensom (1994) current Art Director at Creative Review

Student Futures - Careers, Employability and Enterprise Service

We are committed to ensuring all our students experience a transformation in their employability skills and mindset and their career trajectory. A wide range of opportunities and support is available to you, within and beyond your course.

Every undergraduate curriculum includes Future Focus during Level 4, an e-learning resource and workshop designed to help you to develop your talents, passion and purpose. It will enable you to become more proactive, adaptable and resilient in your awareness and approach to career possibilities.

Every student has access to Careers Zone 24/7, LJMU’s state-of-the-art suite of online tools, resources and jobs board. There are opportunities for flexible, paid and part-time work through Unitemps, LJMU’s in-house recruitment service, ensuring students can build experience whilst they study.

One-to-one careers and employability advice is available via our campus-based Careers Zones to accelerate your job search and applications, CV and interview technique. Themed careers and employability workshops, a programme of employer events and recruitment fairs run throughout the year and students have the opportunity to hear from a range of alumni who openly share their own onward experience.

Student Futures work with businesses to create opportunities for fully funded internships which help students increase their network within the Liverpool City Region and beyond. Our Start-Up Hub can help you to grow your enterprise skills and to research, plan and start your own business or become a freelancer.

A suite of learning experiences, services and opportunities is available to final year students to help ensure you leave with a great onward plan. You can access LJMU’s Careers, Employability and Enterprise Services after you graduate and return for one-to-one support for life.

Go abroad

LJMU aims to make international opportunities available to every student. You may be able to study abroad as part of your degree at one of our 100+ partner universities across the world. You could also complete a work placement or apply for one of our prestigious worldwide internship programmes. If you wanted to go abroad for a shorter amount of time, you could attend one of our 1-4 week long summer schools.

Our Go Citizen Scheme can help with costs towards volunteering, individual projects or unpaid placements anywhere in the world. With all of these opportunities at your feet, why wouldn’t you take up the chance to go abroad?

Find out more about the opportunities we have available via our Instagram @ljmuglobalopps or email us at: goabroad@ljmu.ac.uk.

A life-changing experience 

There's so much more to university than just studying for a degree.

What you will study on this degree

Please see guidance on core and option modules for further information on what you will study.

Further guidance on modules

Modules are designated core or option in accordance with professional body requirements, as applicable, and LJMU’s Academic Framework Regulations.

Whilst you are required to study core modules, optional modules may also be included to provide you with an element of choice within the programme. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to meeting minimum student numbers.

Where changes to modules are necessary these will be communicated as appropriate.

Level 4

Core modules

What? Studying Graphic Design and Illustration
20 credits

This module will introduce key principles, activities and cultural references which underpin the study of graphic design and illustration at higher education to support your induction and orientation This module will also encourage an inquisitive and proactive approach to learning through a practical induction programme.

How? Making Graphic Design and Illustration
20 credits

The aim of this module is to introduce the key resources and technical areas utilized by the programme and explore a variety of digital and craft based processes. You will foster an enthusiasm for experimentation with materials, processes and media to solve creative problems.

Why? Applying the Creative Process
20 credits

The aim of this module is to introduce a variety of approaches to visual problem solving and to iintroduce the role of visual research methods in the creative process. You will be encourages to experiment with concepts and media when responding to a creative brief.

Images
20 credits

This module will Introduce the role of images in visual problem solving and encourage experimentation with a range of materials, processes and media associated with image making. It will also introduce the role of semiotics within visual communication.

Words
20 credits

The aim of this module is to introduce the role of text in visual communication and encourage experimentation with the relationship between text, typography and image. You will also explore the role of semiotics within visual communication. 

Discourse
20 credits

This module supports making module choices for Level 5 that are relevant to their individual interests and aspirations. It will you to undertake a research based design project around your interests and aspirations and also support with independent enquiry and analysis.

Level 5

Core modules

Investigate, Document, Present
20 credits

This module offers the opportunity to apply a variety of approaches to undertaking research within the theory and practice of graphic art and design. You will explore a range of research methodologies and presentation formats in the development of a research project.

Future Thinking
20 credits

This module gives you the opportunity to reflect, present, explore and propose areas for further study in Level 6, through the development of an online portfolio and research project proposal.

Optional modules

Graphic Design and Typography
20 credits

The aim of this module is to experiment with a variety of approaches towards typography and print publication design. You will be able to examine a range of visual and conceptual approaches to expressing ideas and organising information and explore appropriate design tools and processes for typography, page layout and publication design.

Graphic Design and The Screen
20 credits

The aim of this module is to examine the role of moving image and digital processes and formats within graphic design practice. You will experiment with a range of visual and conceptual approaches to expressing ideas and organising information for digital and screen-based media and explore the potential of digital design tools and processes to enhance graphic design practice.

Graphic Design and Identity
20 credits

The aim of this module is to examine the relationship between typography, representation and the formation of Identity and recognise the historic and contextual relationship between identity and graphic design practice. You will be able to examine a range of visual and conceptual approaches that explore the influence of context and audience on the design process.

Graphic Design and Context
20 credits

The aim of this module is to examine the current social and economic context of graphic design practice and support students to recognise their emerging position within graphic design practice and the broader creative profession. The module will offer the opportunity to propose and develop a practical project relevant to their emerging aspirations and/or interests.

Illustration (Text and Image)
20 credits

This module will allow you to experiment with a variety of approaches towards image making and to examine a range of image-based approaches to expressing ideas and textual. You will be able to explore appropriate image-making tools and processes.

Illustration (Materials and Media)
20 credits

The aim of this module is to examine the relationship between materials, media and audience. You will explore a diverse range of experimental approaches to materials and media to create illustration work. You will explore the potential of both digital and analogue tools and processes to enhance illustration practice.

Illustration (Creative Practice)
20 credits

The aim of this module is to critically assess the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches to creative practice and to apply a range of research methods and study skills appropriate to the development of illustration practice. You will be able to explore a sustained and coherent approach to the development of visual material over a sequence of images.

Illustration (Context)
20 credits

This module will allow you to examine the current working, social and cultural environment of illustration practice and support you to recognise their emerging position within graphic design practice and the broader creative profession. The module will also offer the opportunity to propose and develop a practical project relevant to their emerging aspirations and/or interests.

Level 6

Core modules

Graphic Arts Research Project
40 credits

This module offers an opportunity to undertake self-directed research of a chosen subject resulting in both a written outcome and a practice-based project, based upon a research proposal developed for the Level 5 Future Thinking module. 

Studio Projects
40 credits

This module offers the opportunity to undertake set practical project(s) exploring specific materials, processes and media. You will examine the role of experimentation within the context of graphic design and illustration practice to encourage and support independent self-directed learning.

Future Focus
40 credits

This module gives the opportunity to undertake set projects relevant to their chosen studio specialism. The module encourages directed experimentation with materials, processes and media. The module will support the transition to more independent and self-directed learning characteristic.

Teaching and work-related learning

Excellent facilities and learning resources

We adopt an active blended learning approach, meaning you will experience a combination of face-to-face and online learning during your time at LJMU. This enables you to experience a rich and diverse learning experience and engage fully with your studies. Our approach ensures that you can easily access support from your personal tutor, either by meeting them on-campus or via a video call to suit your needs.

Teaching is focused on practical studio projects which usually last for several weeks and involve briefings, workshops, discussions, reviews and critiques. There will also be design history and theory lectures, and an annual visiting lecture series of high-profile guest speakers. Previous series have featured keynote lectures by Lance Wyman, Kate Moross, Jonathan Barnbrook, Adrian Shaughnessy, Bjorn Rune Lie, Jon McNaught, and Morag Myerscough.

You will have plenty of one-to-one contact with your tutors, either in group briefings, lectures, seminar groups or in tutorials, but as the course progresses, you are expected to spend more time working independently. This becomes particularly important when you start to work on career-focused projects and placements. In general, you are expected to commit to approximately 35-40 hours of study per week and students are timetabled for 12–18 hours per week in groups of 10–20 students per tutor.

Materials and Equipment:

  • We cover the cost of materials needed during induction workshops
  • Each Level 6 student receives a starter pack including a pen drive and sketchbook
  • Printing is heavily subsidised within the Liverpool School of Art 
  • Free access to Risograph printing facilities
  • Students will have some access to dedicated graphics Apple laptops. But students are expected to buy items that are closely linked with their personal approach to making work. For the teaching year 2022/23 it would be advisable to purchase a laptop/computer for home use.

Each year group has its own dedicated studio space. Final year students have access to a dedicated desk space within the final year studio. You will also have open access to digital photography, printmaking, digital fabrication and moving image workshop areas. There are two dedicated Risograph print work shop areas within the graphics studios. John Lennon Art and Design Building is open from 8am - 9pm weekdays and the library is open 24/7. For the academic year 2022/23 access to the building will follow the government guidelines on social distancing measures.

Support and guidance

Dedicated personal tutor, plus study skills support

From the moment you begin your studies at LJMU, you will be encouraged to seek out your tutors to discuss your work and progress.

For the academic year 2020/21 most of the teaching will be delivered online and you will be offered the opportunity to attend studio sessions. This means that you get the benefit of tutorial support and guidance through a blended learning approach.

You will have three or four meetings each year to talk about your personal development planning with your personal tutor, where you will be given formal feedback on your work and guidance on your future direction.

At each Level you are given a personal tutor who oversees your academic development. At Level 4 your personal tutor will be your main point of contact for your induction, teaching sessions and any academic or personal matters. As you progress through the course the allocated personal tutor often changes to reflect your career aspirations. They will play a significant role in your professional development.

The course is social, where study within the graphics studio and the John Lennon Art and Design Building facilities is not only encouraged but expected and engagement with all modes of teaching is expected. You will be taught by most of the course team during your three years at LJMU and all tutors will take an active interest in your progress, whether they are teaching you specific modules or not.

To quote one of our tutors, joining the Graphic Design and Illustration course means you "become part of a larger Liverpool Graphics family."

Assessment

Assessment varies depending on the modules you choose, but will usually include a combination of exams and coursework.

Constructive feedback is vital in helping you to identify your strengths as well as the areas where you may need to put in more work. It is provided verbally during reviews and critiques of practical projects interim reviews.

At the end of each module, you will receive written feedback with an indication of your marks within three weeks of submitting work, although this may take longer if the marks go through an external moderation and approval process.

Work-related learning

Working and engaging with our creative sector

We work closely with many elements of the creative industry, including local and national design studios, on a variety of projects, including design workshops and collaborative projects. You will have opportunities to apply for a limited number of placements and the course encourages participation in relevant industry events and showcases.

You can take part in 'live' projects with external partners, often in teams with fellow coursemates. There will also be opportunities to enter design competitions and attend graduate freelance events.

Recent graduates and current students have worked on live projects, exhibitions and had internships with a variety of studios, cultural organisations and companies, such as:

  • Liverpool Biennial & Sara de Bondt studio
  • Adidas
  • International Slavery Museum
  • Metal Liverpool
  • Levis & Guardian Labs
  • Homotopiafest
  • Penguin Random House
  • Bido Lido
  • Sound City
  • Warrington Contemporary Arts Festival
  • Uniform
  • Bloomsbury
  • Rococo
  • Smiling Wolf
  • National Football Museum
  • World Transformed
  • Tate Collective
  • 2020 Grad.Show.Case, by Craig Oldham
  • Walker Art Gallery
One of our graduates from 2020, Rosa Kusabbi, was selected as one of the Top Ten UK Illustration graduates to watch in 2020. Fleur Ellis completed a six-month internship at Adidas after her graduation in 2018, where she ran a series of creative bookbinding workshops and is currently working as a Junior Designer for an award winning design agency wearepi based in Amsterdam.

Additional to this experience, you will have the chance to produce an online portfolio reflecting your personal development and future career aspirations to show to prospective employers.


Facilities

What you can expect from your School

Rated a Top 10 Art School in the 2021 Guardian University League Tables.

Cross-disciplinary learning in art and design subjects takes place in the Liverpool School of Art and Design’s John Lennon Art and Design Building, based in the Mount Pleasant Campus. Here students studying a variety of disciplines, including Architecture, Art in Science, Exhibition Studies, Fashion, Fine Art, Graphic Design, History of Art and Museum Studies and Interior Architecture, will have the opportunity to develop their work in state-of-the-art workspaces and facilities within a stimulating and critically demanding environment.

Entry requirements

Please choose your qualifications below to view requirements

Minimum points required from qualifications: 112


GCSE and equivalents

Prior to starting the programme applicants must have obtained GCSE Grade 4 or C or above in English Language and Mathematics or an approved alternative qualification below:

  • Key Skills Level 2 in English/Maths
  • NVQ Level 2 Functional skills in Maths and English Writing and or Reading
  • Skills for Life Level 2 in Numeracy/English
  • Higher Diploma in Maths/English
  • Functional Skills Level 2 in Maths/English
  • Northern Ireland Essential Skills Level 2 in Communication or Application of Number
  • Welsh GCSE in Maths
  • Wales Essential Skills Level 2 in Communication or Application of Number

A Levels

  • Minimum number of A Levels required: 2
  • Subject specific requirements: To include an Art/Design subject if no other level 3 Art/Design qualifications taken
  • Is general studies acceptable? Yes
  • Average A Level offer: BBC
  • Are AS level awards acceptable? Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications
  • Maximum AS Level points accepted: 20

T Levels

  • T Level requirements: 112 UCAS Tariff points in an art and design subject

BTEC qualifications

  • National Certificate (RQF): Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications
  • National Extended Certificate: Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications
  • National Diploma (RQF): Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
  • National Diploma subjects / grades required: D*D* in an Art/Design subject if studied on its own or to the total of 112 UCAS points if combined with other qualifications
  • National Extended Diploma (RQF): Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
  • National Extended Diploma subjects / grades required: DMM in an Art/Design subject if studied on its own or to the total of 112 UCAS points if combined with other qualifications

Access to Higher Education Diploma

  • Access to Higher Education Diploma acceptability: Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
  • Further information: At least 15 Distinctions and 30 Merits, or any other combination that equates to 112 UCAS Tariff points in an Art/Design subject

International Baccalaureate

  • International Baccalaureate: Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
  • Additional information: 112 UCAS Tariff points from IB Composite parts, or in combination with other Level 3 qualifications which must include an art/Design subject

Welsh awards

  • Welsh Baccalaureate: Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications

Irish awards

  • Irish Leaving Certificate: Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
  • Grades / subjects required: 112 UCAS Tariff points, to include Art at higher level and a maximum 20 UCAS Tariff points from Ordinary Level

OCR National acceptability

  • National Certificate: Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications
  • National Diploma: Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications
  • National Extended Diploma: Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications

NVQ

  • Are Level 3 NVQs acceptable? Acceptable when combined with other qualifications

Alternative qualifications considered

​UCAS Tariff points accepted from the Diploma in Foundation Studies (Art & Design, and Art, Design and Media).  

Applications are welcomed from mature and non-standard applicants, who will be considered on an individual basis.  These applicants should demonstrate potential and motivation and/or have relevant experience.                                                                                                           

International applications will be considered in line with UK qualifications.  

Assessment of suitability to the course will be include a review of a portfolio of work (portfolio guidance) and interview.


   

Reduced Offer Scheme

As part of LJMU’s commitment to widening access we offer eligible students entry to their chosen course at a reduced threshold of up to 16/8 UCAS points. This applies if you are a student who has been in local authority care or if you have participated in one of LJMU’s sustained outreach initiatives, e.g. Summer University. Please contact the admission office for further details.
Will I be interviewed?

Interview and portfolio required

IELTS

6.0 (minimum of 5.5 in each component) or equivalent English language proficiency test.

International entry requirements

Find your country

Please Note: All international qualifications are subject to a qualification equivalency check.

Can this course be deferred?

Yes

Is a DBS check required?

No

Application and selection

Securing your place at LJMU

What are we looking for?

  • An enthusiasm for Art & Design based subjects
  • Capable of discussing of Art & Design issues and influences
  • Visual awareness and communication
  • The ability to analyse and reflectively criticise

While we take many students who are already certain about their eventual pathway through the programme it is not necessary at this stage for students to have made up their mind. We are more interested in ideas, attitude and students' approach to making work and less interested in technical prowess. Sketchbooks, reference and research work are as important as finished project work at interview.

Assessment of suitability to the course will include a review of a portfolio of work (Portfolio guidance) and interview.

The University reserves the right to withdraw or make alterations to a course and facilities if necessary; this may be because such changes are deemed to be beneficial to students, are minor in nature and unlikely to impact negatively upon students or become necessary due to circumstances beyond the control of the University. Where this does happen, the University operates a policy of consultation, advice and support to all enrolled students affected by the proposed change to their course or module.

Further information on the terms and conditions of any offer made, our admissions policy and the complaints and appeals process.