Welcome to your course
We are delighted to welcome you to the Illustration BA degree at Westminster School of Media and Communication.
The Induction activities scheduled below are designed to introduce you to the university, your course, your studios and your fellow course members before you begin your studies.
There will be current students guiding you through the week and beyond, and we, as your Course Leaders will be available to advise and support you.
We also invite you to bring a ‘favourite sketch book’. This will help you introduce yourself to your peers and tutors in your induction week.
Sketch book inspiration:-
11 artists discussing how they use their sketch books
Illustrator, Shaun Tan - sketching and sketch books - 3.37mins
It is essential that you attend all your Induction events, to give you the best possible start to your time with us.
We look forward to meeting you.
Emma Dodson
Course Leader
Welcome to the Westminster School of Media and Communication
Welcome to the Westminster School of Media and Communication at the University of Westminster. We are thrilled to have you join our dynamic and inclusive community, dedicated to nurturing innovative, responsible, and impactful professionals in the ever-changing world of media.
Your studies here will not only deepen your subject knowledge but also develop vital transferable skills, such as teamwork, critical thinking, creativity, and effective communication, all of which are essential for a successful career. Our distinguished researchers, experienced practitioners, and industry guest lecturers will support you at every stage, ensuring your learning is academically rigorous and closely linked to real-world needs.
We pride ourselves on a progressive, research-led approach, with teaching shaped by the latest debates and methodologies, underpinned by our Communication and Media Research Institute (CAMRI). Our curriculum is forward-looking, embracing emerging trends and encouraging you to consider the social impact and ethical responsibilities of media work, including addressing bias, disinformation, and digital challenges.
Above all, we are committed to fostering informed, creative, and socially responsible practitioners and scholars who make a difference locally, nationally, and globally—promoting equality, justice, and democracy.
We encourage you to participate in induction week and begin building connections. Welcome to a community that values progress, compassion, and responsibility. We look forward to supporting your growth as future media and communication leaders.
See you on campus!
Dr Doug Specht
Head of School, School of Media and Communication, University of Westminster
Collecting your ID card and completing enrolment
As part of your induction and to complete your enrolment, you'll need to collect your student ID card.
Your time slot for collection is:
4pm, Tuesday 15 September
Marylebone Campus
For more information about enrolment, including related FAQs, visit our Enrolment for new students page.
Course induction schedule
Your course induction events may take place online or on campus – check the details for each event below.
The timing and venue for events may change, so double check this page closer to the date.
Head of School welcome
2.45pm
Auditorium
Harrow Campus
All of today's events are at the Harrow Campus
Welcome and meet your Course Leaders Caroline Baruah and Emma Dodson
10.30am
Meet in the Forum
Meet FANS* and welcome activity
11am–12pm
Room J1.43
*FANS (Friends of Arriving New Students)
Meet your personal tutors and lecturers
1pm
Room J1.43
Finding your way around campus
2pm
Collecting your ID card and completing enrolment
Optional event: Students' Union Welcome Fair
The fair will provide students with the opportunity to see what the student union and University has to offer them, outside their studies.
10am–4pm
Room P3, Marylebone Campus
For more information, please visit the University of Westminster Students' Union webpage
All today's course induction activities will be on the Harrow Campus
FANS* activity
10.30–11am
Room J1.43
*Friends of Arriving New Students
Introduction to studio learning & creating your studio working manifesto
11am-12.30pm
Room J1.43
Speed dating with sketch books, sharing ideas and interests
2.30-3.30pm
Room J1.43
Drop in time with tutors for any individual questions
3.30–4pm
Room J1.43
Optional event: College Social - Outdoor Film Screening
6.30–9.30pm
All students are invited to an outdoor cinema event at the Harrow Campus. The college will be providing one free drink and a choice of snack for the first 300 attendees, as well as a paid bar during the screening.
Reserve your free ticket for the Outdoor Film Screening
All of today's course events are online
FANS* activity
10.30–11am
Online. Join the FANS activity
*Friends of Arriving New Students
Navigating your virtual environment - 'Treasure Hunt'
11am–12.30pm
Online. Join the navigating your virtual environment
Info session for Academic English for Disciplinary Study (Option Module) tbc
Notices for start of classes.
12.30-1pm
Online on Teams
Join the online session on Teams
Drop in time with tutors for any individual queries
1-1.30pm
Online on Teams
Join the online session on Teams
Field Trip - Spitalfields Market or V&A Illustration Awards
10.30am–3pm
Meet on campus (Forum)
Welcome Festival - Harrow Campus
Students' Union Welcome Fair, 11am-5pm.
Welcome Festival, 12–7pm - food, drinks, entertainment and music for students
Harrow Campus
For more information, please visit the University of Westminster Students' Union webpage
Course resources
Blackboard
Blackboard is our online learning platform, which you'll be able to log in to after you've set up your University email address and password.
Teaching timetables
Teaching starts in the week commencing Monday 22 September and you can check your teaching timetable to see when and where your classes are being held.
Course handbook
Full details on the course structure, modules and course team are included in the course handbook, which can be found on Blackboard.
Reading list
Your reading list can be found on Blackboard.
Equipment and materials
Digital technology
Although you can borrow university laptops for a 24-hour loan, it is preferable to have your own laptop.
If you are unsure what to purchase our technical support team can advise you after you are enrolled on the course.
Most good suppliers offer a student discount on computer purchases.
As a complement to your laptop, a camera or a smart phone with a good camera function is very useful for digitally documenting your work.
Studio tools and materials
For classes we provide equipment and some media and materials for drawing, Painting and paper-based printmaking. Equipment for photography, animation, and digital printing is also available. You will also need to provide and maintain a basic art kit to have with you in all studio classes, field trips, and to use for your independent practice time:
- 3 Sketchbooks - a variety of sizes for class and field-trip drawing activities.
- Drawing – range of 5 (4H to 4B) lead/graphite pencils, pencil sharpener, and erasers. Set of fine liner pens.
- Painting – range of 5 flat/round small/large brushes
- Colouring media of your choice – watercolour paint set, pencils, etc.
- Other essentials - Scissors, scalpel, masking tape, glue, 15cm metal ruler. 30cm plastic ruler.
Some of these items can be bought on campus at the Media Stores or Student Union shop.
You may like to purchase art supplies from Cass Art - all purchases come with 10% discount for students. The outlay for this entire kit should cost no more than £50. If in doubt, please ask us for advice after you enrol on the course before spending unnecessary amounts of money.
Support and services
Welcome to Westminster
Visit our Welcome to Westminster page for everything you need to get started at Westminster.
Student Centre
If you need help with enrolment or have any questions, please use the live chat.
Academic English
If you'd like to hone your academic English skills, watch our Academic English for Disciplinary Study Module video for starters and consider joining one of our Academic English Modules. If you have any questions, get in touch with the Academic English team at [email protected].