MA Illustration

You will normally have a first degree in related discipline (2.2 minimum) or relevant experience or equivalent qualifications.

You are expected to be a confident and independent learner with a good understanding of the design process, idea development and critical thinking. You are asked to present a portfolio of work or a completed project showing the development of your work from behind the scenes, or an ongoing project showing the progression and direction of your work.

In addition, international students will require IELTS 6.0 or equivalent.

For general information please see our overview of entry requirements

International applicants can find out what qualifications they need by visiting Your Country

For fees and funding options, please visit website to find out more

You could work as a freelancer or as an in-house studio illustrator across print, publishing or digital/screen.

You are taught by tutors with strong industry backgrounds and excellent networks. You have access to international artists and cutting-edge practice through MIMA’s visiting speaker programme. Recent speakers include Jimmy Turrell, Charli Vince, Nosy Crow publishing house and the contemporary studio Visual Editions. The course is also affiliated to the Association of Illustrators, providing access to their professional advice and content.

Illustration for Communication

You refine your practical illustration and image-making. You focus on specialist techniques and develop your portfolio to reflect your creative direction and ambitions. You create work for real-world settings, responding to live briefs, competitions, client projects and promotional opportunities in industry. You engage with professionals, agencies, and organisations, gaining experience through collaboration and networking. You deepen your understanding of professional standards and ethics, bridging the gap between practical skills, industry application and theoretical insight.

Integrated Practice

Explore complex psychological theory and advanced clinical practice to work with service users at several conceptual levels and further develop and deepen your knowledge and understanding of advanced and specialised therapeutic approaches.

You prepare to work as an autonomous health professional and transition into qualified life. You learn about complex cultural and ethical dilemmas that arise throughout the course of your training and develop your understanding of the relationship between who you are and your role as a psychologist, recognising the impact of context and identity.

Masters Project

You undertake a major self-directed project that reflects your specialism and career ambitions across commercial, creative, industrial or research contexts. You take full responsibility for the concept, research and development, producing a significant outcome such as an artefact, exhibition, publication, campaign or digital work. You create a substantial body of work that demonstrates your vision and identity as a creative practitioner.

Speculative Illustration Practice