MA Children's Book Illustration

at Anglia Ruskin University - Cambridge

TEACHING AND ASSESSMENT

18 months full-time

Year 1

The MA Children’s Book Illustration ethos is to empower each student to develop their unique visual language as an artist, rather than pursue preconceived notions of stylistic appropriateness. The fundamentals of this journey are observational drawing and experimentation with materials, methods and techniques – and this will be your starting point for the course.

You’ll next explore the nature of sequential visual communication as the basis for projects, which may be narrative or thematic, fiction or non-fiction, observed or imagined.

Further into the MA, you’ll examine characteristics of books intended for the children’s book audience while, paradoxically, still creating from an authentic place as an individual and creator.

The major written element of this course is a 6,000-word essay, which is an opportunity to dive deep into understanding a focused area of children’s book illustration while reflecting on your own visual practice and placing it in the historical and contemporary context of the discipline. 

Modules are subject to change and availability.

Assessment
Throughout the course, you will be asked to create various projects, to reflect on the work you have created, and to apply your own research to your craft.

Both the Observation and Experiment module and Sequential Image module will be assessed 100% on your portfolio and reflection of your portfolio work and are marked on a pass/fail basis. The Illustration & Audience: The Paradox module is based 90% on portfolio and 10% on a research proposal. Your Research and Review dissertation will be assessed 100% on your 6,000-word essay, while the Masters Stage Project will be assessed 90% on your project work and 10% on your written report.

Core modules

• Observation and Experiment
• Sequential Image
• Illustration and Audience: the Paradox
• Research and Review

Year 2
Year 2 features an ambitious double module to consolidate and exercise prior learning on the course. As with all course projects, Masters Stage is self-directed with reflective commentary. Projects may take the form of picture books, comics, graphic novels, illustrated fiction, animations, posters or other visual statements. Masters Stage is supported by professional practice lectures, preparing you for life beyond graduation.

Modules are subject to change and availability.

Assessment
Throughout the course, you will be asked to create various projects, to reflect on the work you have created, and to apply your own research to your craft.

Both the Observation and Experiment module and Sequential Image module will be assessed 100% on your portfolio and reflection of your portfolio work and are marked on a pass/fail basis. The Illustration & Audience: The Paradox module is based 90% on portfolio and 10% on a research proposal. Your Research and Review dissertation will be assessed 100% on your 6,000-word essay, while the Masters Stage Project will be assessed 90% on your project work and 10% on your written report.

Core modules

• Masters Stage Project

Main
A good honours degree (or equivalent), normally in a related subject. Applicants with professional experience are also encouraged to apply.

If English is not your first language you will be expected to demonstrate a certificated level of proficiency of at least IELTS 6.5 ( Academic level) or equivalent English Language qualification, as recognised by Anglia Ruskin University.

Important additional notes
Our published entry requirements are a guide only and our decision will be based on your overall suitability for the course as well as whether you meet the minimum entry requirements.

Tuition fees for international students (2022/23)
£17,100

International students starting 2022/23 (total cost)

You can pay your tuition fees upfront, in full or in two instalments. We will also ask you for a deposit of £4,000 or a sponsorship letter. Details will be in your offer letter.

Careers
Many graduates of our MA Children’s Book Illustration degree now enjoy careers as freelance authors and illustrators for children. Among them are Paula Metcalf, Marta Altés, Nadia Shireen, Birgitta Sif, Steve Antony, Matt Robertson, Flavia C Drago, Matty Long, Melissa Castrillon, Taylor Dolan, Nicola Kent, Emily Haworth Booth and Eva Eland.

You may choose to show your work to leading publishing companies and literary agencies at our optional annual graduation exhibition held in London before returning to our own Ruskin Gallery in Cambridge. The graduation exhibition also includes a catalogue of student work shared with publishers, a website (cambridgemashow.com), and social media campaign, all organised and funded by students separate of the course.

Upon completion of the course, you may also choose to take part in our student stand at the annual Bologna Children’s Book Fair, where tutors will show your work to publishers from around the globe. Like the graduation exhibition, this professional development event is available only to our course graduates, requires an additional fee, and is separate of the course. Many students also attend the fair in-person in order to participate in lectures and workshops or volunteer on our stand.

Graduation doesn’t have to be the end of your time with us. You could choose to continue your academic career with a research programme at ARU such as our PhD Children’s Book Illustration. Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship and save £400 on your fees.