Our Illustration students learn to become expert narrators and to explore the professional contexts for their work, including print and digital media design, production and distribution. At the start of the course you'll work on short projects, aimed at challenging conventions. You'll then focus on a subject of your choice through the research, development and production of a single, in-depth project. You will also develop a Professional Journal which explores current thought and practice.
Key features
- Develop a project tailored to your own personal interests and career aspirations.
- Engage with industry by undertaking short internships and studio visits.
- Work in our dedicated Art and Design postgraduate studio.
- Benefit from regular lectures from leading figures in the design industry.
- Attend workshops covering typography, visual language, branding, storyboarding and life drawing sessions.
- Opt for an additional advanced research module if you're thinking of progressing to PhD or Professional Doctorate study.
How you're taught
Teaching and learning experiences will include:
- lectures;
- individual and group tutorials;
- seminars;
- workshops;
- live projects and competition briefs;
- independent studio practice and
- self-directed research.
Assessment
Assessment is 100% by coursework and involves:
- project proposal;
- set project research and development;
- Professional Journal;
- practical work;
- verbal and visual presentations; and
- the planning and design of a display of your work.
Careers and employability
This course will equip you with strong creative and problem solving skills. Our graduates become valuable members of professional teams working together on a range of visual communication projects, involving all kinds of cross-discipline collaborations.
Recent graduates have:
- set up their own businesses, in the UK and abroad;
- progressed to further study at PhD level;
- found work within related careers in the design sector; and
- returned to their previous occupations with a new focus.
Others have found careers in digital and printed media for advertising, branding, marketing and promotion, and a diverse range of publications.
Professional practice
We will support and encourage you to undertake short internships and studio visits to engage with industry. You may also enter industry competitions or take on live projects.
You'll benefit from talks given by visiting professionals, which will cover a wide range of creative and professional practice.
You'll have the opportunity to learn entrepreneurship skills through business development courses (such asThe Hive's HeadStart programme), and attend events held by industry experts and organisations.
You will keep a Professional Journal, which you will develop throughout the course to become an in-depth examination of current professional theory and practice in your specialist subject area. You will also attend work-related learning sessions on topics such as self-promotion and marketing, interviews and CV and portfolio building.
YouFirst – working with our Employability Team
Our friendly, experienced careers consultants will work closely with you at every stage of your career planning, providing personal support and advice you won't find in a book or on the internet. You can benefit from this at any time during your studies and up to three years after completing your course.
Get inspired
Take a look at a recent zine produced by our graduating Masters students to get a flavour of the innovation and creativity that goes on within the School of Art & Design.
Facilities
You'll be based in the Bonington building, a dedicated centre for Art and Design. Facilities and equipment include:
- a postgraduate studio, where you'll have space to work alongside other practice-based Art and Design students;
- Mac suites equipped with software including Adobe Creative Suite, CINEMA 4D, and Final Cut Pro; and
- studios dedicated to print, interactive media and moving image.
You will also have access to the School of Art & Design's resources, which include camera stores, photographic studios, screen printing, laser cutting and 3D printing.
