The Arts Foundation Year at Lincoln is year one of an integrated four-year degree programme which provides an alternative entry route on to a wide range of degree courses within the College of Arts, including Animation and Visual Effects Architecture Graphic Design Creative Advertising Illustration Interior Architecture and Design Design for Event Exhibition and Performance Fashion Fine Art Photography and Product Design. Known collectively as the Arts Foundation Year, the programme adopts a dynamic interdisciplinary approach to learning, where all students follow the same curriculum and studying alongside one another, regardless of their degree specialism. It has been designed to enable students who perhaps need more time to adjust to degree-level study, are not sure which subject they want to pursue, achieved lower than expected grades, or are returning to education. Students can engage in the study of practical and theoretical subjects that are relevant to their creative disciplines. Our students can build their confidence throughout the programme by engaging with experimental ways of working, design processes, practical workshops, and critical thinking.Illustration continues to evolve, led by practitioners who aren't afraid to take creative risks. As such, students will be encouraged to be inquisitive, embrace mistakes, and challenge what Illustration can be. Students are expected to develop visual problem-solving skills, ideation, and critical thinking to help develop their own unique creative voice. The course will encourage them to prepare for the competitive world of professional illustration, which continues to grow broader in its context through emerging media and technology. The course is delivered by academics who have professional backgrounds in illustration and other related visual communication disciplines. They maintain active industry links and offer a practical first-hand insight into the professional world of illustration and visual communication. Students have the opportunity to develop a large portfolio of work designed to showcase creative skills and demonstrate an ability to engage with current illustration practice.