BA Illustration

The Illustration program at the University of Applied Sciences Europe combines the classical arts such as painting, drawing, and printmaking with the fascination of contemporary design using modern, digital techniques. Illustrations visualize complex content in newspapers, magazines, infographics, advertisements, posters, websites, and apps. They tell stories in picture books and comics and create entire films or virtual worlds in storyboards and concept arts.

Il|lus|tra|re [lat.] (v.): bring to light; visualize

Due to the development of digital media, working methods, requirements, technical workflows, and application spectra are also subject to constant change. Nevertheless, the art of drawing is indispensable as the basis of craftsmanship and as an elementary cultural technique for communication and idea generation. To illustrate means to invent images, to develop one's own visual language, to experiment, to think, and work visually. But it also means translating texts into graphic ideas, researching a wide variety of topics, finding adequate solutions - and always remaining curious.

In the Illustration bachelor's program at our university, you will learn exclusively from renowned lecturers from the creative industry and you can use the professional equipment of the University of Applied Sciences Europe for analog and digital techniques for your study projects. The focus of our teaching is on your individual development in small learning groups and a friendly, familiar, and creative atmosphere. Through our interdisciplinary selection of subjects, a variety of practice-oriented projects, and a semester abroad or internships, you can actively influence your studies and career path.

Course Requirements

Application requirements:

Please note: All documents in a different language require an official translation to English or German.

1. Application form
2. High school/bachelor diploma and transcripts (Or equivalent occupational diploma officially translated to English or German.)
3. Language Proficiency* (or request to waive**)
4. CV
5. Copy of Passport
6. Letter of motivation
7. Non-EU applicants only: €3,000 deposit (This reservation fee will be deducted from the total amount of study fees)
8. Portfolio

Portfolio Requirements: 15 samples of work - in addition to illustrations and drawings, a sketchbook and other projects that demonstrate an interest in the subject area are also welcome. We also like to see themed series and concept sketches.

*Language Proficiency:

Please note: German-taught programs need both English/German language certificates.

• IELTS 5.5 overall
• TOEFL iBT72
• TOEFL ITP (paper based) 543
• Pearson Test of English (Academic) 59
• Pearson Test of English (General) Level 1
• Cambridge English Advanced and Proficiency 160 overall
• Cambridge Exam First (FCE)
• TOEIC Listening/Reading 785, Speaking 160, Writing 150
• PASSWORD 5.5 (no less than 5.0 in each component)
• EF SET (50-minute Test) 51 (only for students applying with an MOI (Medium of Instruction) letter)
• Duolingo 90

**Language Waiver:

To request a language test waiver, you must have studied in a country where the official first language is English:

• At least nine months in duration;
• Full-time;
• Undertaken at a recognized institution where teaching and assessment throughout the course are entirely in English;
• Has been completed within 2 years of the start date of the course to which you are applying;
• Medium of Instruction (MOI) should indicate English + EF SET or any accepted English proficiency certificate requested.