Online Illustration Degrees

Unlock your creative potential with flexible, online illustration degrees. Develop essential skills, master professional tools, and build a portfolio that sets you apart in the creative industry.

Develop your creative voice with an online illustration degree

An online illustration degree helps you transform your ideas into powerful visuals. Whether you’re interested in editorial illustration, children’s books, concept art, or digital design, you’ll build a strong foundation in drawing, storytelling, and visual communication — all while studying flexibly online. Learn from expert tutors and graduate with a portfolio that showcases your creative strengths.

Why choose an online illustration degree?

Study at your own pace

With online learning, you can fit your studies around work and life commitments. Access course materials anytime, anywhere, and progress at a pace that suits you.

Learn from practising illustrators

Gain insights and feedback from experienced professionals who understand the realities of working in the creative industries.

Build an industry-ready portfolio

Create a diverse body of work across styles, techniques, and media to prepare for a career as a freelance illustrator or creative professional.

What you’ll learn in an online illustration degree

Develop the artistic, technical, and professional skills needed to succeed in today’s creative industries:

Drawing and composition

Sharpen your core drawing skills and learn how to compose effective illustrations for different audiences and formats.

Visual storytelling

Explore how to communicate ideas and narratives visually across various styles and media.

Digital illustration

Master tools like Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop to produce polished, professional-quality digital work.

Responding to briefs

Work on real-world projects that help you understand client expectations, timelines, and creative constraints.

Professional development

Learn how to promote your work, build your freelance practice, and navigate the commercial world of illustration.

FAQs

Graduates go on to careers in editorial illustration, publishing, animation, concept art, branding, and more. Many work freelance or as part of creative teams in design agencies, studios, or media companies.

Most online illustration bachelor’s degrees take 3 to 4 years to complete. Postgraduate programmes usually take 1 to 2 years, depending on the structure and your study pace.

Costs vary by institution and programme. Online degrees are typically more affordable than campus-based options. With FutureLearn, you can study illustration at top universities with flexible payment options and competitive tuition fees.

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.

Playful geometric illustration of a graduate in cap and gown leaping with a diploma, surrounded by flying mortarboards and confetti, in vibrant purple, pink, and orange gradients.