156 weeks
All subjects are delivered at Melbourne Polytechnic's Fairfield campus, and range across studio spaces, computer labs and a specialist drawing room/gallery. Teaching and learning consists lectures and tutorials by specialist staff.
Full time / Part time
February
Course Overview
About This Course
Where You Can Study
Available Locations
Melbourne
377 Waterdale Rd, Heidelberg West, VIC 3081
Eligibility
Entry Requirements
- Click here to see entry requirements (refer to Melbourne Polytechnic's official entry requirements page for full details)
Career & Study Pathways
Where this takes you
Quality & Recognition
Accreditation & Migration
Academic Regulator
TEQSA
Accreditation Status
AccreditedCourse Content
Units of Competency
Drawing 1
Introduces students to the basic knowledge and practice of drawing and rendering. Students will develop proficiency through life and observational drawing, practical exercises and briefs.
Illustration 1
Introduces students to the basic knowledge and practice of illustration. Students will begin to develop understanding of, and technical proficiency in, illustrative drawing and rendering through practical briefs.
Digital Illustration 1
Introduces students to conventions and methods employed in contemporary digital illustration practice. Students develop practical skills and awareness of industry practice through exercises, creative projects, illustration research and maintenance of a creative process journal.
Media, Culture & Context 1
The development of visual narrative prior to the 20th century is examined in this subject, with particular focus on illustration, how it diverged from, and intersected with, visual arts history.
Drawing 2
Students will develop perceptual and observational skills through the application of drawing and interpretation techniques, addressing the human figure and more complex subject matter.
Illustration 2
Students will apply design elements and principles to illustrative composition, refine rendering techniques and explore concept development to interpret a visual narrative.
Digital Illustration 2
Students further develop skills and knowledge in digital illustration. Through analysis of seminal historical and contemporary illustration works, experimentation and reflection on their own practice, students use diverse digital mediums to produce increasingly innovative and original illustrations.
Media, Culture & Context 2
Illustration and its emergence as a definitive commercial craft and medium for personal expression is examined in this subject. Students will evaluate and critique key developments in illustration and creative thinking against the backdrop of 20th century history and change.
Drawing 3
Students will demonstrate inventiveness in the production of drawings, integrating traditional and experimental drawing techniques. More complex drawings will be characterised by a developing personal style.
Illustration 3
Students will demonstrate inventiveness in the production of illustrations. More complex concepts will be characterised by personalised visual narrative and stylised graphic outcomes.
Digital Illustration 3
Students develop an understanding of principles, conventions and methods in digital illustration for moving images. Digital illustration skills are applied to industry relevant projects such as spot illustrations and character model sheets, editorial illustrations and Zine production of sequential imagery.
Media, Culture & Context 3
The historic and ongoing connection between illustration and storytelling is examined in this subject. Students will look at the structures of visual storytelling and critique and interpret texts to develop visual narratives.
Drawing 4
Students in this subject will apply personal methodologies in developing an innovative drawing practice. Research and analysis of historical and contemporary drawing is maintained, and authentic industry contexts will be explored.
Illustration 4
Students in this subject will begin to apply personal methodologies in developing an innovative illustration practice. Authentic industry contexts will be explored.
Digital Illustration 4
Students exercise concept research and visual development skills for digital illustration in industry. They design and pitch concepts for graphic novels, including refined character and environment visualisation, in the context of a narrative.
Media, Culture & Context 4
Contextualises illustration in the prevailing creative arts culture and enables analysis and discussion of the broad issues around current illustration practice. Students will critically engage in analysis of illustration from a historical and contemporary perspective.
Creative Studio 1
Third year core subject.
Creative Studio 2
Third year core subject.
Industry Studio 1
Third year core subject.
Industry Studio 2
Third year core subject.
Illustrating Nature
Third year elective.
Digital Painting
Third year elective.
Comics
Third year elective.
Storyboarding
Third year elective.
Imaginary Environments
Third year elective.
Designing Assets for Movement
Third year elective.
Small Arts Business
Third year elective.
Imaginary Beings
Third year elective.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Bachelor of Illustration at Melbourne Polytechnic different from other illustration courses?
Unlike other courses, the Bachelor of Illustration at Melbourne Polytechnic specialises solely in illustration, blending foundational and modern craft elements that explore drawing, design and contemporary media context. It is delivered from a dedicated studio encompassing traditional materials and methods as well as new technologies.
Where is the Bachelor of Illustration delivered and what facilities are available?
All subjects are delivered at Melbourne Polytechnic's Fairfield campus, and range across studio spaces, computer labs and a specialist drawing room/gallery. Teaching and learning consists of lectures and tutorials by specialist staff.
What career opportunities are available after completing the Bachelor of Illustration?
Graduates may pursue careers and contracts in Publishing, Animation, Film and Interactive Media including Concept Art, Character, Creature and Environment Design, and Curatorial Design, as well as commissions in the Mural/Urban Art realm. Specific roles include Publisher, Exhibition Designer, Event Manager, Creative Artist, Self-Employed Artist, Consultant, Art Curator, and Illustrator.
How is the Bachelor of Illustration assessed?
Various forms of assessment may be used including portfolio, project work, research, essays and presentations.
Can I study the Bachelor of Illustration part time, and when does the course start?
Yes, the Bachelor of Illustration can be studied full time over 3 years or part time over 6 years. The next intake commences in February. For more information on part-time study, you can contact the Creative Arts Department directly.
Application
How to Apply
Three simple steps to get enrolled
Step 01
Enquire
Click "Enquire Now" and tell us a little about yourself. It's free and takes 2 minutes.
Step 02
Submit Documents
Our team will guide you on exactly which documents to prepare and submit.
Step 03
Get Enrolled
Receive your offer letter and confirm your enrolment. Welcome to the course!
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