Program Overview

Illustration MA (Online)

Course Overview

Immerse yourself in the diverse and evolving world of contemporary illustration on this stimulating online Illustration master’s course. Joining a global community of fellow creative change-makers, you will explore innovative approaches to visual communication, pushing creative boundaries and influencing new thinking on illustration.

Why Study This Course at Falmouth?

• Join Falmouth’s renowned illustration community from wherever you’re located on an established course designed specifically for online study
• Explore the theoretical and cultural contexts of storytelling through a sharpened ability to research
• Refine your unique illustrative voice and create a compelling online presence
• Expand your learning and your professional networks at our optional in-person events

Course Details

On this online Illustration MA, you will develop a deeper understanding of your practice and its cultural significance through a combination of rigorous academic inquiry, industry-informed practice and research.

Designed to help illustrators with well-versed practical, drawing, and mark-making skills further develop their output, you will refine your interests as a practitioner through working on a series of projects, strengthening your technical and visual skills and developing your own independent, critical perspective.

As you interrogate approaches to mark-making and storytelling strategies, you’ll also get to grips with creative entrepreneurship, building a business, networking and self-promotion skills required to get your work in front of the right people. By the time you graduate from this online Illustration MA, you'll have the confidence and skills to take bold strides into the creative industries.

Modules

The modules have been specifically designed to be studied in a non-linear order, with the order in which you’ll study the modules depending on when you begin the course.

MA

You will need to complete four 30-credit modules and one 60-credit Major 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), and will not complete a Major Project.

Module Details

• Process and Practice: This module introduces the different contexts and applications of illustration today, with a view to positioning your own practice and developing your personal pathway.
• Visual Language: 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.
• Narrative and Storytelling: In this module you will explore the fundamental role of storytelling within illustration practice and the wider visual communication industries.
• Professional Practice: 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.
• Final Major Project: During this module you will develop a comprehensive body of work that reflects your chosen pathway and expresses an original personal and professional identity.

Learning and Support

• How Online Study Works: You'll learn through a blend of lectures, webinars, guest talks, tasks and discussion forums, which you'll access via our dedicated virtual learning environment.
• Assessment Methods: Assessment methods for the masters degree in Illustration can typically include practical assignments, written assignments, and work-based assignments.
• Resources and Support: You'll have access to a dedicated easy-to-use virtual learning environment (VLE), accessible online audio/visual content, a Student Advisor, and more.

Careers

Our illustration community has a long history and reputation at Falmouth, with many graduates being internationally recognised for their work. 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.

How to Apply

• Qualifications: An honours degree or Level 6 equivalent qualification is desirable. However, candidates without a degree or formal qualification are still encouraged to apply.
• Portfolio: A digital portfolio of your current illustration practice.
• Language Requirements: If English is not your first language you will need to meet the same standard which is equivalent to the IELTS Academic 6.5 overall score, with at least 5.5 in Reading, Writing, and Listening, and a minimum of 6.0 in speaking.
• Deadlines: This course has three intakes per year: January, May and September.

Fees, Costs & Funding

• Tuition Fees: Tuition fees for September 2024, January 2025 and May 2025 entry are £12,150 total fee (incl. acceptance fee) - 2 years part time - MA/MSc course and £7,921 total fee (incl. acceptance fee) - PGDip course.
• Typical Course Costs: You will need a laptop or computer with a webcam, microphone and speakers/headphones, a good internet connection and data allowance capable of supporting video meetings and streaming, and resources and materials for your practice.
• Early Bird Discount: An Early Bird discount is available for early applications. Currently the scheme offers up to £600 off MA tuition fees.
• Postgraduate Funding: There are loans, awards, graduate discounts and alternative funding sources for postgraduate studies.