Introduction

Studying illustration opens the door to diverse careers in the creative industries. You will respond to ideas, explore narratives and work across a range of media, including 2D, 3D and moving image. Self-directed projects could range from editorial to narrative, 3D model-making to film, animation to artists' books, providing excellent preparation for the commercial world.

UK-specific contents may not be applicable to HK students

Programme Features

Build your professional skills in illustration
We encourage you to create and develop your own personal visual language.  Through the research project module, you will be able to build your creative, professional and research skills, critical questioning and persuasion skills, and expand your ideas about what illustration can be and do.

Career prospects
Graduates can work across all areas of the creative industries, such as film directors, set designers, art/creative directors, illustration agents, visualisers, designers, model-makers, animators, storyboard artists, puppeteers, theatrical/ film costume and prop designers.

Modules^

Preparation for Extended Study in Illustration

This module is designed to give you the opportunity to define a programme of study on a self-initiated basis in preparation for the major “Extended Study in Illustration” module. You will learn through experience how to identify and articulate personal aims and how to plan and manage a period of self-directed work. You will develop a personal creative methodology in relation to professional contemporary illustration practices.

Independent Research Project

Students design and produce a research project that develops a specialised interest in contemporary critical debates and contexts for contemporary creative production.  There will be workshops and lectures to support you in developing your ideas, designing and implementing research projects, and provide guidance on independent study. Supervision tutorials will support your on-going research, critical reading and writing.

Extended Study in Illustration

During the module, you will progress your work through sketchbooks that contain contextual and cultural reference material that informs your work.  You will submit an evaluative statement (written or alternative format submission) complementing the final body of work that demonstrates an understanding of individual creative practice in relation to contemporary critical, cultural and professional contexts.  You are required to critically reflect on research sources, application of methodology and the success of the outcome in relation to your original intentions.

Professional Practice and Work Experience in Illustration 3

This module enables you to consolidate their knowledge and understanding of your area of practice in relation to the professional context, and develop strategies for graduation and progression to employment or further studies. The module is designed to contribute to the refinement of your contextual understanding of your discipline, and enable you to focus this towards identified personal career aspirations and the opportunities offered, directly and indirectly, by the industry.

^ Under review and subject to change.

Assessment
Portfolios and project.

QF Level

QF Level : Level 5 QR Registration No. : 23/000497/L5 Validity Period : 01/09/2023 - 31/08/2027

Importance of choosing a non-local top-up with QF Level 5 Employment Degree qualifications pitched at QF Level 5 are formally recognised by the HKSAR Government for employment purposes within the Civil Service for graduate posts. Further Studies Having been recognised at QF Level 5, this top-up degree programme meets the standard of locally-accredited bachelor's degree programmes.  Upon graduation, students can pursue their further studies at Master’s degree level in Hong Kong or Oveseas. Financial Assistance and Scholarships Various HKSAR Government financial assistance schemes and scholarships are only made available to eligible students enrolled into programmes with QF recognition.

Entry Requirements

Holders of the following VTC Higher Diploma programmes:

• HD in Illustration
• HD in Visual Communication   

OR

Holders of Higher Diploma or Associate Degree or equivalent qualification in relevant areas awarded by recognised institutions will also be considered.

Admission to the programme will also be subject to a review of the applicant’s portfolio of work and an admission interview.

English Proficiency Requirements

• Applicants successfully completed a Higher Diploma or an Associate Degree taught and assessed in English from a recognised institution in Hong Kong or equivalent;

OR

• At least an overall IELTS score of 6.5 with 5.5 in each component, or an overall IELTS score of 6.0 with 6.0 in each component, or equivalent.

Fees

• Application Fee : HK$200 (No application fee before the deadline!)
• Registration Fee : HK$3,500
• Tuition Fee : HK$95,550 by 2 instalments

Scholarships

A variety of attractive scholarships are available to current and graduating SHAPE students.

Financial Aids 

The following HKSAR Government financial assistance schemes are available to eligible students who pursue this programme at SHAPE:

Financial Assistance Schemes		Amount (HK$)
	Non-means-tested Subsidy Scheme (NMTSS)	Up to $35,120 per year  [AY2025/26]
	Financial Assistance Scheme for Post-secondary Students (FASP)	Up to $93,130 (Tuition fee grant) Up to $9,010 (Academic expenses grant) Up to 58,890 (Living expenses loan) [AY2024/25]
	Non-means-tested Loan Scheme for Post-secondary Students (NLSPS)	Up to the annual tuition fees payable in the academic year

For details including eligibility and subsidy amount, please refer to the hyperlink of each scheme.

Career Prospects