MA Illustration

at Anglia Ruskin University - Cambridge

TEACHING AND ASSESSMENT

12 months full-time
Year 1

Through a structured curriculum with lectures, seminars, workshops, teamwork and independent studio practice you will explore different aspects of illustration such as its role and impact; material expression; image and text relationships; and semiotics and narratology, as well as audience engagement; design and social research methods; critical analysis; and creative project management, which you will put to immediate use on the course as well as in your future career.

Modules are subject to change and availability.

You’ll show your progress through your self-directed visual projects, which will include written project proposals, developmental and final visual work, and a reflective commentary. On the Masters Dissertation module, you’ll submit a 6,000-word essay. Finally, the Masters Project will allow you to build on all previous modules to design a visual project which shows mastery of your subject.

Core modules

Sequence and Series
Visual Text
Visual Research Practices
Making Methods
Master's Dissertation: Art and Design
Master's Project: Illustration

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)
£16,700

International students starting 2022/23 (full-time, per year)
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

Our MA Illustration course will prepare you for a career as a freelance illustrator and creative consultant.
In recent years, roles in illustration - either on a freelance basis or as creative team members - have been increasing. This is due to the understanding of the important role of visual storytelling and the need for distinct visual identity and connection.

Depending on your own interests, your career might take you into self-publishing and artistic production; book and magazine illustration; in-house media and creative teams in publishing, advertising, games and animation and communication agencies; as well as freelance or in-house creative consultancy and institutional and organisational change-making teams.

As an MA Illustration student you’ll also gain skills that will be useful in many other fields, such as teaching and creative management. You might even find a way to combine it with your current career, as did ARU graduate Dr Katy Shorttle, whose artwork on health issues was featured in The Guardian.

Or you might decide to move on to a research degree, like our PhD Art and Design, PhD Graphic Design and Typography, or PhD Fine Art. Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship and save £400 on your fees, and take a look at some of our current PhD project opportunities.