The Illustration BA(Hons) degree was started in 1983 by John Vernon Lord, the UK’s first Professor of Illustration. Lorde's work is currently being celebrated with a retrospective at the Ditchling Museum, including his illustrations for classic works by Lewis Carroll, Edward Lear and James Joyce, as well as his own 1972 picture book The Giant Jam Sandwich, now regarded as a worldwide classic of children's literature.
highlighted Brighton for its “longstanding reputation among students and industry professionals for academic excellence”, and for offering “a fantastic range of facilities for students... and courses taught by accomplished illustrators to ensure that you learn correct professional practice as well as honing your skills”. Illustration degree students also have access to considered among the best in Britain.