Celebrate the role that illustration plays within a global context and immerse yourself in the diversity of practice that increasingly defines the subject in the 21st century.
Connect, engage and network with your peers on a global level and explore innovative approaches to visual communication. Push creative boundaries and both question and influence new thinking on the subject.
You will:
Students to gathered for the 2023 Falmouth Illustration Festival
Online students are set to meet in person for talks, networking and hands-on workshops - find out more about the event.
MA Illustration students making their mark!
Current student Amy Haarhoff's beautiful drawings have been shortlisted for an award - read the full story here.
This MA is designed to help illustrators with well-versed practical, drawing, and mark-making skills further develop their output.
Whether you’ve recently earned an undergraduate degree in Illustration or a related discipline, or if you’re an established illustrator looking to change the direction of your practice, our course can support you in realising your creative and professional goals.
In addition to the guidance offered by our tutors, you can also access our RealWORKS, our careers and employability service throughout your studies, and for up to 5 years following graduation.
Our expert team will help you identify potential opportunities in the UK or internationally, prepare for job interviews, advise you on starting up your own business, and more.
Find out more about the careers and opportunities available to you as an MA Illustration graduate:
You should have:
An honours degree at 2:2 level or above in Illustration or a related subject.
A digital portfolio of your illustration practice. This may include published work, personal projects, or your current work in progress and can take the form of a link to your blog or website.
If your first language is not English, you'll need to take one of the following tests to verify your proficiency:
We also accept a range of equivalent recognised English language qualifications. Candidates without a degree or formal qualification are still encouraged to apply.
For more information regarding equivalent international qualifications and Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) please call us on +44(0) 1326 332 125 or view our handy guide:
Explore the different context and applications of illustration, the range of visual tools available to illustrators and the role of storytelling within illustration.
Position your illustration practice within the wider communications industry and develop a self-promotion strategy.
MA
You will need to complete four 30-credit modules and one 60-credit project (180 credits in total). All modules on the course are compulsory and must be passed in order to complete the award.
PGDip
You will need to complete four 30-credit modules (120 credits in total). All modules on the course are compulsory and must be passed in order to complete the award. A dissertation (major project) is not required.
Please note the module orders are subject to change.
Process and Practice (30 credits)
This module introduces the different contexts/applications of Illustration today, with a view to positioning your own practice and developing your personal pathway.
You will expand your understanding of ‘audience’ and the differing needs of audiences.
The module seeks to examine local and global perspectives of the subject and the emergent skills required to imagine and realise effective illustration/s for both regional and global audiences.
Visual Language (30 credits)
To accelerate the development of your personal ‘visual language’ this module involves an in-depth exploration of the broad range of visual tools available to the illustrator.
This includes different approaches to the core mark‐making skills, both haptic and digital, relevant to illustration practice.
Narrative and Storytelling (30 Credits)
In this module you will explore the fundamental role of ‘storytelling’ within illustration practice and the wider visual communication industries.
You will analyse its theoretical, cultural contexts and critically evaluate storytelling strategies as appropriate for differing local and global audiences.
Professional Practice (30 Credits)
This module focuses on the professional practice of Illustration, its applications, procedures and networks within a contemporary global context, building your entrepreneurial skills to inform your career or business future.
You will consider your own ‘brand values’ and develop an appropriate strategy for disseminating them to the right people in the industry.
You will be required to identify a network of industry connections and prepare a coherent and coordinated marketing and self-promotion strategy. This will include acquiring an advanced understanding of social media strategy.
Final Major Project (MA only) (60 credits)
During this module you will develop a comprehensive body of work that reflects your chosen pathway and expresses an original personal and professional identity.
It builds on learning from previous modules and allows you to position yourself and your work for next steps following the course.
Want to learn more about any of the modules?
Get in touch with our expert Course Adviser team. They’ll be able to answer all your questions about the programme, our application process, funding options, and more.
Process and Practice (30 credits)
This module introduces the different contexts/applications of Illustration today, with a view to positioning your own practice and developing your personal pathway.
You will expand your understanding of ‘audience’ and the differing needs of audiences.
The module seeks to examine local and global perspectives of the subject and the emergent skills required to imagine and realise effective illustration/s for both regional and global audiences.
Visual Language (30 credits)
To accelerate the development of your personal ‘visual language’ this module involves an in-depth exploration of the broad range of visual tools available to the illustrator.
This includes different approaches to the core mark‐making skills, both haptic and digital, relevant to illustration practice.
Narrative and Storytelling (30 Credits)
In this module you will explore the fundamental role of ‘storytelling’ within illustration practice and the wider visual communication industries.
You will analyse its theoretical, cultural contexts and critically evaluate storytelling strategies as appropriate for differing local and global audiences.
Professional Practice (30 Credits)
This module focuses on the professional practice of Illustration, its applications, procedures and networks within a contemporary global context, building your entrepreneurial skills to inform your career or business future.
You will consider your own ‘brand values’ and develop an appropriate strategy for disseminating them to the right people in the industry.
You will be required to identify a network of industry connections and prepare a coherent and coordinated marketing and self-promotion strategy. This will include acquiring an advanced understanding of social media strategy.
Final Major Project (MA only) (60 credits)
During this module you will develop a comprehensive body of work that reflects your chosen pathway and expresses an original personal and professional identity.
It builds on learning from previous modules and allows you to position yourself and your work for next steps following the course.
Want to learn more about any of the modules?
Get in touch with our expert Course Adviser team. They’ll be able to answer all your questions about the programme, our application process, funding options, and more.
With Falmouth Flexible, you access your course content, interactions with other students and tutors, and learning resources, through Canvas, an easy-to-use online platform.
You can access the course wherever you are in the world, and you can stop, pause and rewind lectures whenever you want.
Engaging learning activities will help you apply theory to practice. They could include:
As one of our students, you’ll have access to a range of services designed to support your studies and make your time with us as enjoyable as possible.
Assessment methods for the masters degree in Illustration can typically include:
Watch the video Q&A with recent graduates (Class of ‘23) who are joined by members of our student support team as they talk about their experiences on the course, answer questions, and discuss how the course is already positively impacting their careers.
Read the transcript for this video. Or want to watch the full recording? Register here to gain access.
Meet the course team and find out more about the MA Illustration course:
Designed with employer-focused learning at the core, our MA Illustration team works with global organisations, staff and alumni to provide you with the breadth of experience and networks needed to accelerate your career.
Up to twice a year, you’ll have the optional opportunity to meet your classmates and tutors in person. Dates and location of the events will vary. Events usually incorporate a weekend to accommodate busy schedules.
Previous events have included:
Find out more about face-to-face events on our student support page.
“The face-to-face events are extremely well-planned with a mix of practical and inspirational learning. I particularly liked meeting other professional illustrators working in the field, hearing their stories, and knowing their journey makes your own feel real.”
Visit our Application process page for detailed information on how to apply.
Should you require assistance with your application, don't hesitate to reach out to our knowledgeable course advisors. They are dedicated to guiding you through the application process, ensuring you submit the strongest possible application for your course admission.
Late applications may be considered if places are available.
Total course fee
£12,150 (including £250 acceptance fee)
Payment options
Payment methods
Payments can be made online or by phone, using a credit or debit card, or by bank transfer.
Please visit our fees and funding page for more information or call us on +44 (0)1223 447713 to speak to a course advisor.
As work during the course can be created in any medium at the choice of the individual, the exact equipment requirements will differ according to your practice and preferred ways of working.
You will need word processing software and Adobe Creative Cloud and have a laptop/desktop capable of running these applications.
For more information, please call us on +44(0)1326 332 125 to speak to a course advisor.
Application offers
We offer a range of bursaries, early application offers, and alumni discounts.
Loans
You may be eligible for funding from the UK Government.
Please visit our fees and funding page for more information or call us on +44(0)1326 332 125 to speak to a course advisor.
Total course fee
£12,150 (including £250 acceptance fee)
Payment options
Payment methods
Payments can be made online or by phone, using a credit or debit card, or by bank transfer.
Please visit our fees and funding page for more information or call us on +44 (0)1223 447713 to speak to a course advisor.
As work during the course can be created in any medium at the choice of the individual, the exact equipment requirements will differ according to your practice and preferred ways of working.
You will need word processing software and Adobe Creative Cloud and have a laptop/desktop capable of running these applications.
For more information, please call us on +44(0)1326 332 125 to speak to a course advisor.
Application offers
We offer a range of bursaries, early application offers, and alumni discounts.
Loans
You may be eligible for funding from the UK Government.
Please visit our fees and funding page for more information or call us on +44(0)1326 332 125 to speak to a course advisor.
Hear from a graduate of the Falmouth Flexible MA Illustration about how the course has helped her shape her career.
What's it like to study illustration online and how can it impact your career? Read our interview with two graduates of the Falmouth Flexible MA Illustration.
Could an MA Illustration help you achieve your ambition's in the field? Read this guide from the Falmouth Flexible Course Leader.