Online Bachelor’s in Illustration

Achieve your goals with a flexible, online bachelor’s degree in illustration. Learn essential techniques, master industry tools, and build a professional portfolio to bring your creative vision to life.

Earn your bachelor’s degree in illustration online and bring your creative vision to life

Our fully online bachelor’s degrees in illustration empower you to develop your artistic voice, master digital and traditional techniques, and build a professional portfolio — all while studying at your own pace. Learn from experienced illustrators and gain the creative and technical skills needed for a successful career in visual storytelling, publishing, animation, and more.

Why choose an online bachelor’s in illustration?

Flexibility and convenience

Study illustration from anywhere in the world, on a schedule that works for you. Whether you’re balancing a job, family, or other commitments, online learning offers the flexibility to pursue your creative goals without compromise.

Practice-led learning

Develop your illustration skills through hands-on studio projects, guided assignments, and real-world briefs. Learn to communicate ideas visually across formats — from editorial and children’s books to concept art and digital design.

Launch a creative career

A bachelor’s in illustration prepares you for a wide range of creative roles. Graduates go on to become freelance illustrators, visual storytellers, concept artists, designers, and creatives in industries such as publishing, animation, advertising, and game design.

Earn valuable skills with our online bachelor’s degrees in illustration

Studying illustration online gives you the tools to build a compelling body of work and thrive in the creative industries. Here are five key skills you’ll develop:

Drawing and visual storytelling

Master techniques for sketching, composition, character design, and sequential art — and learn to convey emotion and narrative through images.

Digital illustration

Use industry-standard software such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, or Procreate to create professional-level digital artwork.

Creative problem-solving

Respond to creative briefs with originality and innovation, adapting your style and approach for different audiences and media.

Visual research and concept development

Explore references, themes, and artistic influences to support the development of thoughtful and well-researched visual work.

Professional practice and portfolio building

Learn how to present your work, promote your skills, and build a client-ready portfolio to launch your freelance or in-house illustration career.

FAQs

Graduates pursue careers as illustrators, concept artists, visual storytellers, art directors, designers, and creatives in fields like publishing, advertising, animation, fashion, and film. Many also work as freelancers or continue with postgraduate study in the arts.

Most online bachelor’s degrees in illustration take 3 to 4 years to complete, depending on your chosen pace of study. Many programmes offer part-time and flexible options.

Costs vary by institution and region, but online programmes are often more affordable than traditional on-campus degrees. With FutureLearn, you can access illustration degrees from leading universities at competitive prices.

Explore related subject areas

Browse similar fields of study that align with your interests. These related subjects can expand your options or complement your chosen degree path.

Want help choosing the right degree?

Complete this form and we’ll share guides, insights, and top courses to help make your degree journey that much clearer.

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