MA Illustration

Program Overview

The MA Illustration program at the University of Hertfordshire is a one-year full-time or two-year part-time program that focuses on developing students' professional skills as illustrators. The program emphasizes real-world applications of design, equips students with advanced research and critical thinking skills, and fosters their creative potential. Graduates are prepared for diverse career paths in the illustration field, including as illustrators, concept artists, freelance illustrators, and educators.

Program Outline

Degree Overview

The MA Illustration program at the University of Hertfordshire focuses on developing students' professional skills as illustrators through collaboration with experienced industry professionals and immersion in professional and industrial contexts. The program emphasizes real-world applications of design, equips students with advanced research and critical thinking skills, and fosters their creative potential. The program welcomes students from diverse backgrounds, including those with degrees in relevant fields or those with appropriate professional experience and skills. Successful applicants will demonstrate their preparedness for postgraduate study through a portfolio or interview.

Outline

Program Structure:

The MA Illustration is a one-year full-time or two-year part-time program consisting of several modules:

• Design Studio Practice 1 & 2:
These modules allow students to explore current themes, develop their practice, and refine their design skills within their specialism.
• Research Methods:
This module equips students with the research skills necessary to analyze complex design issues and formulate robust project strategies.
• Advanced Design Skills Lab:
Students further their knowledge of current processes, techniques, and methods within their discipline.
• Professional Design Practice:
This module focuses on developing critical and contextual skills for pursuing a self-initiated study of professional and ethical considerations.

Module Descriptions:

• Design Studio Practice 1:
Focuses on exploring themes like creative, social, ethical, and commercial aspects within the creative industries.
• Research Methods:
Provides students with the ability to analyze complex design issues, rigorously review existing works, and develop a project strategy based on findings.
• Advanced Design Skills Lab:
Enables students to develop their own voice, explore specific issues and processes within their area of interest, and become aware of their personal creative methodologies.
• Design Studio Practice 2:
Focuses on improving design skills, exploring new approaches to design, and addressing relevant and timely themes.
• Professional Design Practice:
Provides engagement with professional aspects of the chosen field through lectures, workshops, and seminars.
• Major Study: Illustration:
Enables students to develop a self-driven body of work that demonstrates professional awareness, expertise, and originality.

Assessment

The program utilizes various assessment methods to evaluate students' progress and learning outcomes, including:

• Essays and reports:
Assess students' understanding of theoretical concepts and critical thinking skills.
• Presentations:
Evaluate students' ability to communicate their ideas effectively.

Teaching

The program boasts experienced academics who are practicing illustrators, providing students with current industry knowledge and insights. Additionally, students benefit from contributions from visiting designers and professionals, as well as international exhibitions and industry partnerships.

Careers

The MA Illustration program equips graduates with the skills and knowledge to pursue diverse career paths in the illustration field. Potential career options include:

• Illustrator:
Working for publishing houses, design agencies, and creative organizations.
• Concept artist:
Contributing to the development of visual concepts for video games, films, and animation.
• Freelance illustrator:
Working independently on projects for various clients.
• Educator:
Teaching illustration at universities, colleges, and other educational institutions. The program offers resources and guidance to help students with their career development, including portfolio development, job search strategies, and networking opportunities.

Other

• The program welcomes students with diverse backgrounds, including those with degrees in relevant fields and those with professional experience and skills.
• The program emphasizes developing entrepreneurial and commercial skills alongside artistic talent, preparing graduates for success in the competitive illustration industry.
• The program offers a supportive and collaborative learning environment where students can interact with experienced tutors, peers, and industry professionals.

UK Students Full time £9450 for the 2024/2025 academic year Part time £790 per 15 credits for the 2024/2025 academic year EU Students Full time £16450 for the 2024/2025 academic year Part time £1370 per 15 credits for the 2024/2025 academic year International Students Full time £16450 for the 2024/2025 academic year Part time £1370 per 15 credits for the 2024/2025 academic year