Hone your illustration skills and learn how to succeed as a professional artist while studying in the creative powerhouse of Cambridge.
With its vibrant studio culture and small class sizes, combined with excellent printmaking, 3D, photography and life-drawing facilities, our illustration course has consistently high student satisfaction ratings.
We know that our students want to learn from the best, so all of our tutors are professional illustrators. They’ll help you find your visual style and kick-start your career. But they’ll never forget the reason you chose to study illustration in the first place. At Cambridge School of Art, you’ll find there’s always time to experiment, discover, discuss and create.
Join a course that scored 96% for overall satisfaction in the National Student Survey 2021.
BA (Hons) Illustration Course Leader Chris Draper talks about the importance of curiosity and developing your own artistic voice.
ILLUSTRATION AT ARU
Winner, ‘New Talent’ category, World Illustration Awards 2021.
ILLUSTRATION AT ARU
Winner, ‘New Talent’ category, World Illustration Awards 2021.
BA (Hons) Illustration student Kata talks about her experiences on the course.
ILLUSTRATION AT ARU
ILLUSTRATION AT ARU
ILLUSTRATION AT ARU
ILLUSTRATION AT ARU
ILLUSTRATION AT ARU
ILLUSTRATION AT ARU
Winner, Network Rail's "Wish I Was There" competition 2021.
ILLUSTRATION AT ARU
ILLUSTRATION AT ARU
ILLUSTRATION AT ARU
ILLUSTRATION AT ARU
ILLUSTRATION AT ARU
ILLUSTRATION AT ARU
ILLUSTRATION AT ARU
ILLUSTRATION AT ARU
ILLUSTRATION AT ARU
ILLUSTRATION AT ARU
ILLUSTRATION AT ARU
ILLUSTRATION AT ARU
ILLUSTRATION AT ARU
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As well as our dedicated illustration studio, where you’ll have your own desk, you’ll have use of the following facilities:
Our new digital workshop includes a variety of computer aided manufacturing machines, helping you learn up to date manufacturing and design processes as well as supporting many traditional techniques. These technologies include:
Our Creative Showcase shines a spotlight on what makes ARU creative and cultural – our spaces, places and people. Find out more about our community, the difference we make, the stories we tell, and the things that inspire us.
Meanwhile, Present is an exhibition that you curate for yourself. Explore the work of our graduating students in this eye-catching virtual degree show.
Course Leader/Senior Lecturer
chris.draper@aru.ac.uk
Take a look at Chris's editorial work, and publishing and book covers on flickr
Senior Lecturer, Illustration
Course Leader, MA Illustration and Book Arts
The creative industries are booming in the UK, employing more than two million people. With a wealth of careers to choose from, our graduates have found success as book illustrators, graphic designers, luxury homeware designers and more.
How can you follow in their footsteps?
Well, firstly, we work with employers to make sure you graduate with the knowledge, skills and abilities they need. They help us review what we teach and how we teach it – and they offer hands-on, practical opportunities to learn through work-based projects, internships or placements.
Cambridge is the perfect place to gain experience – a creative hotspot that’s home to thousands of established businesses and start-ups.
There are plenty of opportunities to get your work seen, too. At the end of your final year, you’ll take part in our degree show and the New Designers graduate exhibition in London – the perfect launchpad for your career.
Graduation doesn’t need to be the end of your time with us, of course. You might decide to stay at ARU and study for a Masters, such as our renowned MA Children’s Book Illustration. Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship and get 20% off your fees.
We’re a member of the Association of Illustrators (AOI), giving you access to practical information and support – and the chance to make professional connections.
"My images have been licensed for greetings cards, puzzles and ceramics – and I'm proud to say that my fabric is available to buy from Liberty London."
Catherine Rowe
BA (Hons) Illustration graduate and founder of Catherine Rowe Designs
Catherine's storyDo you have a question that we haven't answered so far? Talk to our application experts. You can also ask our Student Ambassadors about life at ARU.
We're here Monday-Thursday 9am-5pm (please note we close at 3.30pm on the first and third Thursday of the month for staff training), and Friday 9am-4.30pm.
Our friendly, bustling campus is a stone’s throw from the centre of Cambridge, often described as the perfect student city.
Our favourite places in Cambridge Did you know...? Facts about Cambridge Watch: Our CambridgeApplying for one of our art and design courses? Get expert advice on putting together a portfolio that showcases your skills.
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