As someone who transferred from a much bigger university, the smaller size of YSJ is such a nice feeling. Students are treated much more like people than other places I’ve experienced, you get to know your coursemates very quickly and, because classes are smaller, tutors are often able to provide many different resources and printing for projects free of charge. One of my favourite things about the uni is that it feels quite focused on making you work-ready and giving you experience. They give you opportunities to sell your work and keep you in the loop about competitions and commission opportunities so that you can put your degree to use as soon as (or even before) you graduate! The illustration course is more focused on art philosophy than I expected but it is done in a manageable way. Due to the smaller classes, lectures are shared with fine art and photography meaning the content occasionally feels less targeted at you as an illustrator but it can sometimes be interesting to learn about these topics.

The course is completely taught in person and there’s plenty of opportunity to talk with lecturers and tutors. You’ll have a class illustration studio and a designated desk within that so there’s always a place for you to go and work. The creative centre at the back of the uni is very new and includes a great print room for all sorts of printmaking (you will have to book quite in advance though). The lectures focus on art philosophy and you’ll have to write a few essays based on topics of your choosing over the course of the three years. Not all are particularly interesting and some are difficult to understand, however there are seminars where you can talk with your tutor and rest of class to better understand them.

No

The best aspects are the staff and general atmosphere when studying. It feels completely different to school and seems like a much more friendly and open environment. The only thing I think could be improved is the help to students after uni like access to certain softwares e.g. Adobe products.

The course has an excellent focus on individual students and we are given 1-1 teaching often. The environment feels friendly and welcoming

No