Relevant to illustration?

[itsbecca!]

I'm currently choosing which A levels to take on and would like some advice. I'm dead set on studying art at university and majoring in illustration, and I wasn't so concerned about which A levels I took as long as they included art, but at the open evening when I mentioned illustration a teacher suggested I study english literature and that art schools would prefer it as art and english go hand in hand in terms of illustration?

I've started RE AS early so I can't back out of that, and I need a slot for art which leaves just one open. I only want to do three as some life turning events have meant a couple of years out of school doing NO work, and going back is quite overwhelming even with a few subjects. I don't want to overwork myself and let things go back to how they were.

Anyway, initially I was going to study history, but now english is an option too.. I was wondering if it would make a difference which one I did? I can see where english literature would be relevant and seems like an interesting course, so I wouldn't mind taking it, but most people say they prefer History as it involves less reading!

As far as skill goes, I got an A for my history exam and two As for english.. so I'd say I'm about the same level for both. I think I would enjoy either, but I need to know which of the two will get me further! Thanks for your help.

Oh, and I'm new. Hi. :]

[Elwell]

I can see where english literature would be relevant and seems like an interesting course, so I wouldn't mind taking it, but most people say they prefer History as it involves less reading!

I can't speak to the specifics of the British educational system, but if "most people" you know say that, you need to start hanging around with different people!

[itsbecca!]

I can't speak to the specifics of the British educational system, but if "most people" you know say that, you need to start hanging around with different people!

Haha! Well, I just asked a few familiar faces at the open evening. I guess english lit. IS purely about reading books though. ;]

[Demonic-Haze]

I am new too :)

Erm when I applied to my university they said that my english language A level would help, but it was only for writing essays and stuff like that. I am currently taking animation and illustration at university and there is a fair bit of writing involved.

I also know someone who is taking creative writing alongside my course so some people balance the two very well.

[Noah Bradley]

Both can greatly benefit your art. Do whichever one you want to. :)

[mai .d]

Honest. English lit. won't sway your likelihood of getting a place on an illustration course. Of course, you could use it as a point of conversation in your interview. But English wise, the most unis look for is a C or above in English language. They would like to see an art specific subject in your statement, but if you have a foundation year under your belt and a strong portfolio, that is largely all that matters. Your generation of ideas is really parallel to anything you could gain in lit. as long as (again) it is consistent in your portfolio. Obviously they like to see how you have gained a contextual background to your work, but that would be more through your personal visual research, or what you gained through an art based A level.

I am just preparing to go through the process of applying to a BA (hons) Illustration course in the UK. I didn't take A levels, but I have tried to thoroughly acquaint myself with what they like to see.

I think it's personally which you would rather study. For instance, lit, containing storytelling, I would rather study, despite the workload. But I can't stand history as a subject because of the enormous amount of unnecessary information that you could acquire. But really, neither is required as an absolute.

I hope my post has helped. I am completely gone at the time of writing, but I have tried to include all that is within my knowledge of the subject. Any questions, I am here.