Program start date | Application deadline |
2023-09-01 | 2023-05-26 |
2024-09-01 | - |
2024-05-01 | - |
2025-01-01 | - |
Program Overview
The Illustration MA (Online) is a two-year part-time program that explores the evolving world of contemporary illustration. It empowers students to push creative boundaries, develop their unique illustrative voice, and gain the confidence and knowledge to thrive in the creative industries. The program features a global community of fellow creatives, innovative approaches to visual communication, and optional in-person events for networking and professional development.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Illustration MA (Online)
is a stimulating online master's course that allows you to explore diverse and evolving world of contemporary illustration. The course is designed to help you:
- Push creative boundaries and influence new thinking on illustration.
- Develop your personal identity as an illustrator within your own culture of making while examining global perspectives and mastering the emergent skills required for your practice to thrive.
- Gain the confidence and knowledge to stand out in the creative industries, whatever your creative and professional goals.
Key features:
- Join a global community of fellow creative change-makers.
- Develop your unique illustrative voice and create a compelling online presence.
- Expand your learning and professional networks at optional in-person events.
Outline:
The program is structured as follows:
- 2 years part-time
- Online delivery
- Modules:
- Process and Practice: Introduces different contexts and applications of illustration, positioning your own practice and developing your personal pathway.
- Visual Language: Explores the broad range of visual tools available to illustrators.
- Narrative and Storytelling: Explores the role of storytelling in illustration and critically evaluates storytelling strategies.
- Professional Practice: Focuses on the professional practice of illustration, its applications, procedures, and networks within a contemporary global context, building your entrepreneurial skills.
- Final Major Project: Develops a comprehensive body of work that reflects your chosen pathway and expresses an original personal and professional identity.
- Each module is 30 credits, except for the Final Major Project which is 60 credits.
- You must complete all modules to receive the degree.
- You can choose to take the modules in any order.
Assessment:
- Assessment methods:
- Practical assignments (e.g., portfolios, online presentations)
- Written assignments (e.g., research journals)
- Work-based assignments grounded in your existing practice
- Assessment criteria:
- Originality and creativity
- Technical ability
- Research and critical thinking
- Communication and presentation skills
Teaching:
- Teaching methods:
- Blended learning including lectures, webinars, guest talks, tasks, and discussion forums
- Access to extensive learning resources and online VLE
- Optional in-person events
- Faculty:
- Experienced and award-winning illustrators, educators, and industry professionals
- Guest lecturers from renowned organizations
- Unique approaches:
- Focus on individual development and creative exploration
- Emphasis on global perspectives and emergent skills
- Opportunities to network with industry professionals
Careers:
- Potential career paths:
- Freelance illustrator
- Agency illustrator
- In-house illustrator
- Educator
- Illustrator for animation, games, or other creative industries
- Career support:
- Falmouth University's Employability Service
- Access to industry professionals and networking opportunities
- Graduate success stories:
- Graduates working for clients such as Barron's, Danish newspaper Weekendavisen, and style journals.
- Graduates reaching finals of international competitions.
Other:
- The course is designed for students with well-versed practical, drawing, and mark-making skills who want to further develop their output.
- The course is offered with three start dates a year: January, May, and September.
- The course is eligible for postgraduate funding.
Overall: The Illustration MA (Online) is a comprehensive and well-structured program that provides students with the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to succeed in the competitive field of illustration. The course is designed to help students develop their unique artistic voice, explore new technologies and approaches, and build a strong professional network.
Falmouth University
Overview:
Falmouth University is a public university located in Cornwall, England, renowned for its creative arts and design programs. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, as well as online study options. The university is known for its strong industry connections, professional-grade facilities, and inspiring location.
Services Offered:
Falmouth University provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:
Accommodation:
On-campus and off-campus accommodation options are available, offering modern and well-equipped spaces.Student Support:
The university offers a variety of support services, including academic advising, career counseling, and mental health support.Employability Service:
Falmouth University has a dedicated Employability Service that helps students develop their career skills and find employment opportunities.Student Voice:
The university encourages student feedback and participation through its Student Voice program.Study Abroad Exchanges:
Students have the opportunity to study abroad at partner institutions around the world.Virtual Experience:
Falmouth University offers a virtual experience platform for prospective students to explore the campus and learn more about the university.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Falmouth University offers a vibrant and engaging campus experience, with:
Accommodation:
Modern and well-equipped accommodation options on and off-campus.Open Days:
Open Days are held regularly, allowing prospective students to experience campus life and meet staff and current students.Freshers' Week:
A dedicated week of events and activities designed to help new students settle in and make friends.Student Clubs and Societies:
A wide range of clubs and societies cater to diverse interests, providing opportunities for students to connect with like-minded individuals.Location:
Falmouth is situated in a beautiful and inspiring location, with easy access to the coast and surrounding countryside.Key Reasons to Study There:
Industry Connections:
Falmouth University has strong industry connections, providing students with opportunities for internships, placements, and networking.Professional-Grade Facilities:
The university boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including studios, workshops, and labs, designed to support creative learning and practice.Inspiring Location:
Falmouth's location in Cornwall offers a unique and inspiring environment for creative study, with access to stunning beaches, coastal landscapes, and a vibrant arts scene.Focus on Employability:
Falmouth University is committed to preparing students for successful careers, with a dedicated Employability Service and a strong focus on practical skills development.Academic Programs:
Falmouth University offers a wide range of academic programs, with strengths in:
Art & Design:
The university is renowned for its art and design programs, including animation, film, photography, graphic design, fashion, and textiles.Games:
Falmouth University has a dedicated Games Academy, offering programs in game design, development, and production.Business & Marketing:
The university offers programs in business, marketing, and entrepreneurship, with a focus on creativity and innovation.Computing:
Falmouth University offers programs in computing, including data science, robotics, and software development.English, Journalism & Writing:
The university offers programs in English, journalism, and creative writing, with a focus on practical skills and industry connections.Performance, Theatre & Music:
Falmouth University offers programs in performance, theatre, and music, with a focus on practical training and professional development.Entry Requirements:
Qualifications:
- EU Home Students:
- An honours degree or Level 6 equivalent qualification is desirable.
- Candidates without a degree or formal qualification are still encouraged to apply.
- International Overseas Students:
- An honours degree or Level 6 equivalent qualification is required.
Portfolio:
- A digital portfolio of your current illustration practice. The portfolio should indicate both your technical aptitude and the quality and sophistication of your practice.
Language Requirements:
- EU Home Students:
- International Overseas Students:
- You'll need to take an English Language test.
Breakdown of Entry Requirements:
EU Home Students:
- Academic Requirements:
- An honours degree or Level 6 equivalent qualification is desirable.
- Candidates without a degree or formal qualification are still encouraged to apply.
- English Language Requirements:
International Overseas Students:
- Academic Requirements:
- An honours degree or Level 6 equivalent qualification is required.
- English Language Requirements:
- You'll need to take an English Language test.
- The university may raise tuition fees in the second or subsequent years of a course.
- Students will be notified of any changes as soon as possible.
- The figures above don't include accommodation and living costs.
- As part of studying MA Illustration (Online) you will require:
- Laptop/computer with a webcam, microphone and speakers/headphones.
- Good internet connection and data allowance.
- Access to Adobe Creative Cloud (possible discounts available).
- You will be expected to cover your own travel, accommodation and subsistence costs to attend optional in-person events.