Illustration MA course

Program Overview

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The Illustration MA program at Teesside University equips students to become versatile illustrators, exploring traditional and contemporary definitions of the field. Through a combination of lectures, workshops, and independent study, students develop a critical understanding of visual communication and the power of image-based storytelling. The program emphasizes the creation of single images that convey complex narratives, preparing graduates for careers in freelance illustration, studio work, or education.

Program Outline

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Illustration, MA, course

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Degree Overview:

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Core Objectives:

• This program equips students to become flexible illustrators by exploring traditional and future-facing definitions of illustration.
• Students develop a critical understanding of the field of visual communication and the power of image-based communication in the commercial world.
• The program emphasizes the use of illustration in creating single images that communicate a larger narrative.
• Students learn to create visual identities for a range of purposes, including online and print publications.
• The program provides opportunities for students to showcase their work at international competitions and in professional publications.

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Program Description:

This MA Illustration program offers a comprehensive and rigorous study of illustration, combining traditional and digital techniques. Students explore the capabilities of the single image to communicate and develop their individual artistic voices. Through a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, and independent study, students gain a deep understanding of the history, theory, and practice of illustration.

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Key Features:

• Focus on individual, principles, research, historical, and narrative methodologies.
• Opportunities for students to create a commercial body of work, an authorial-led practice, or push territories of image-making.
• Strong industry connections and access to cutting-edge practice through MIMA’s visiting speaker program.
• Affiliation with the Association of Illustrators, providing access to professional advice and content.

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Outline:

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Program Content:

• Fundamental Illustration
• Illustration for Communication
• Illustration in Brief
• Launchpad: Exit to Industry
• Masters Project: Illustration
• Research Methods
• Visual Identity

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Course Schedule:

• Full-time: 2 years (1 year with Advanced Practice)
• Part-time: 4 years (2 years with Advanced Practice)

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Individual Modules:

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Fundamental Illustration:

Explores the capabilities of the single image to communicate on its own. Students engage in creative and innovative ways with typical commercial outputs.

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Illustration for Communication:

Investigates the power of image-based communication in the commercial world. Students examine how complex issues are communicated in visual terms through infographics, emojis, GIFs, data visualization, and more.

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Illustration in Brief:

Provides an opportunity for students to demonstrate their understanding of the key issues relating to the development of illustrative art created in response to found material.

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Launchpad: Exit to Industry:

Through a series of workshops, students produce a range of professional assets designed to support their career aspirations.

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Masters Project: Illustration:

Major, in-depth, individual study into an appropriate specialization. The project involves research, investigation, and the production of a major portfolio of relevant practice-based materials.

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Research Methods:

Provides a grounding in research approaches and processes in the creative arts disciplines.

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Visual Identity:

Research and develop a range of creative responses, culminating in a piece of illustrative art that communicates an original idea or story.

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Careers:

Graduates from this program can pursue careers as freelance illustrators, in-house studio illustrators, or as educators. They are also well-prepared for further study at the PhD level.

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Other:

• The program is located in the School of Arts & Creative Industries at Teesside University.
• The program is accredited by the Association of Illustrators.
• The program is affiliated with MIMA (Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art).
• The program is a member of Creative UK.

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Additional Information:

• Fees for UK applicants: £6,710 a year, £4,325 a year with advanced practice.
• Fees for international applicants: £17,000 a year, £10,000 a year with advanced practice.
• The program is offered in both full-time and part-time modes.
• The program starts in September or January.

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Conclusion

The Illustration, MA, course at Teesside University provides students with a comprehensive and rigorous education in illustration. The program combines traditional and digital techniques, emphasizing the use of illustration in creating single images that communicate a larger narrative. Students develop their individual artistic voices and gain a deep understanding of the history, theory, and practice of illustration. The program offers strong industry connections and access to cutting-edge practice through MIMA’s visiting speaker program. Graduates from this program are well-prepared for careers as freelance illustrators, in-house studio illustrators, or as educators. They are also well-prepared for further study at the PhD level.

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Tuition Fees and Payment Information:

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Full-time

2024/25 entry Fee for UK applicants £6,710 a year £4,325 a year with advanced practice Fee for international applicants £17,000 a year £10,000 a year with advanced practice

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Part-time

2024/25 entry Fee for UK applicants £750 for each 20 credits