Develop your creative practice and explore the cultural, professional, and personal dimensions of illustration on this part-time MA course.

Designed for working professionals and aspiring illustrators, this flexible online degree gives you the tools to evolve your practice while fitting study around your schedule.

Build your voice as a visual storyteller

You’ll reflect critically on your own work, examine the broader histories of illustration, and explore how identity, authorship, and audience shape the messages you communicate.

As you progress, you'll engage with a wide range of influences—from contemporary illustration to design theory and visual culture.

Experiment with creative tools, techniques, and ideas

The course also encourages exploration through both traditional methods and digital tools, helping you develop a versatile, future-facing approach. You’ll investigate how medium, mark-making, and meaning interact, and how different creative choices can change the way your work is received.

Grow within a global creative community

Through online seminars, tutorials, and collaborative projects, you’ll connect with peers, tutors, and industry voices from around the world.

You’ll have the chance to share feedback, exchange ideas, and gain real insight into the collaborative nature of professional illustration.

Prepare for a sustainable creative career

As well as growing your creative practice, you’ll build essential skills in self-employment, client communication, and professional standards.

Whether you’re planning to work freelance or as part of a larger creative team, you’ll graduate with the confidence to navigate the industry.

Build your portfolio with a final project

The course culminates in a self-directed final project, giving you the chance to consolidate your learning into a distinctive body of work.

With expert support, you’ll produce a technically accomplished and conceptually rich portfolio that reflects your ambitions as a contemporary illustrator.

What career opportunities could this degree unlock?

Upon completion of the MA Illustration programme, you will be equipped to enter a diverse array of career paths:

• Children's Book Illustrator: Capture the imagination of young audiences with captivating illustrations that bring stories to life.

• Concept Artist: Develop visual concepts for the gaming and film industries, where imagination and skill create extraordinary worlds.

• Graphic Novelist: Merge graphic storytelling with literary artistry as you create unique graphic novels.

• Storyboard Artist: Visualise scenes for film and animation, crucial for effective storytelling through moving images.

• Character Designer: Shape the personality of characters that drive narratives, from animation to video games, influencing viewer connection and engagement.

Is this a part-time or full-time degree?

The MA Illustration is delivered as a part-time programme over two years, allowing you the flexibility to balance your studies with personal and professional responsibilities. With a dedicated online unit, the course offers a structured yet flexible workload tailored to fit your schedule.

You'll be assessed through a range of methods, including coursework, practical projects, and collaborative assignments, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of your skill development.