Introduction
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:
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.
"I worried a little at first that it wouldn’t feel like a real degree, but quickly dismissed this, as you soon realise that the course is very professional, the lectures are excellent, and they are supplemented by the tutorials and webinars." - Deborah Wainwright, MA Illustration student
As a graduate of the MA, you’ll be well-equipped to succeed as a professional illustrator. You can also utilise your skill set to find employment in similarly creative roles. Some examples include working as an animator, a concept artist, a multimedia programmer or a paper engineer. Other career options include advertising, publishing, teaching, graphic design, web design and art direction.
"I find it works perfectly alongside my freelance work, and considering most work is commissioned via email/social media nowadays it feels similar to how you would be briefed in the industry." - Florrie Thomas, MA Illustration student
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.
You should have:
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)1223 447713 or view our handy guide:
What you’ll learn
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.
Course structure
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.
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.
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.
Learning activities
Engaging learning activities will help you apply theory to practice. They could include:
Assessments
Assessment methods for the masters degree in Illustration can typically include:
Student support
Throughout your studies, you’ll be supported by a student advisor. Their job is to answer any non-academic queries you may have, and they can be contacted via email, phone, text or WhatsApp.
They can show you around the online learning platform, guide you through enrolment, and give advice on managing your work/life balance.
As a Falmouth student, you enjoy an equal status to students studying on campus:
Teaching team
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.
“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.”
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.
A previous MA Illustration face-to-face event took place in London, UK. Students visited The House of Illustration where they viewed exhibitions and participated in a practical workshop.
The House of Illustration is the UK’s only public gallery dedicated solely to illustration and graphic art. They exhibit historic and contemporary artwork from all over the world that champions illustration as a vital and varied art form. Recent projects have explored picture books, comics, political cartooning, mapping, sculpture, animation and printmaking.
During the event, our students were also given the opportunity to visit exhibits at Tate Modern, Britain's national gallery of international modern art.
Find out more about face-to-face events on our student support page.
Before you submit your application, please contact one of our course advisors so they can guide you through the process and ensure you submit the best application possible for entry into the course.
Call us on +44 (0)1223 447713.
Late applications may be considered if places are available.
For free advice, please contact our friendly and knowledgeable course advisors on +44 (0)1223 447713.
Total course fee
£10,900 (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.
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)1223 447713 to speak to a course advisor.
Total course fee
£10,900 (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.
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)1223 447713 to speak to a course advisor.
We’re proud partners with the Associate of Illustrators (AOI), the professional body for illustration in the UK. The AOI works to provide illustrators with the educational, promotional, and campaigning tools needed at every stage of their career.
Through our partnership, graduates of the MA Illustration gain a year-long AOI membership and all its benefits, including:
For more information on membership, feel free to get in touch with one of our course advisors.
If you have any questions about the programme, our experienced course advisors are here to help.
You can call our friendly and knowledgeable team on +44 (0)1223 447713.
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