Master Illustration Based Narrative
Arnhem, Netherlands
Master degree
DURATION
2 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Aug 2026
TUITION FEES
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* for Non-EU/EEA (with visa) | NL & EU/EEA: no later than August 31.
Key Summary
About: Master Illustration Based Narrative (IBN) at ArtEZ is the Netherlands' only direct-entry master's in illustration. It teaches visual storytelling, image-led narrative, and research-based practice so you can respond to complex questions and create meaning. You develop a reflective, independent practice and skills in storytelling, visual journalism, publishing, and multimedia narrative.
Career Outcomes: Graduates contribute to social and cultural discourse nationally and internationally, and adopt entrepreneurial, research-led careers. Typical roles include illustrator, visual journalist, editorial or book illustrator, multimedia storyteller, creative entrepreneur, curator, and arts researcher/educator. You’ll be prepared to lead projects, create journalistic or narrative work, shape cultural conversations.
Why Illustration Based Narrative?
What is unique about this programme is that it is the only direct-entry master’s programme in the Netherlands in the field of illustration. In a world full of complex questions, Illustration Based Narrative (IBN) gives you the space to respond, to ask questions and to create meaning. You learn how you can use illustration and images to tell stories, make viewpoints visible and open up new perspectives.
You will develop a strong, independent practice that is rooted in current issues and informed by artistic and critical thinking.
Illustration Based Narrative is a two-year master’s programme focused on combining image and story to create powerful narratives. The programme offers a multidisciplinary curriculum in which you work with research, storytelling and image creation. The programme is designed to guide you in developing your own voice and vision as a creative professional. The programme prepares you for a career in the international creative industry as a storyteller, illustrator, animator or concept developer. Within the broad field of illustration, these are all roles that take place in a global professional context.
What you'll learn
While research into illustration is often carried out in an academic context, as an IBN student you develop research perspectives from your own visual practice.
You learn how illustration and images not only tell stories but also make viewpoints visible and create space for alternative visions. Whether it is from a visual, theoretical or journalistic angle, this programme gives you the opportunity to further develop your own signature style and increase your impact as an image creator.
Scholarships, grants and other financial support
There are different ways to get financial support during your studies in the Netherlands. For Dutch and EU/EEA students, this may include student finance from DUO or the lifelong learning credit. If you are an international student from outside the EU/EEA, DUO schemes usually do not apply, but you may qualify for scholarships, grants, or financial arrangements through ArtEZ and other organizations.
After completing this master’s programme, you will have a strong, independent practice and a sharp, reflective attitude. With your work, you will be able to contribute to current social and cultural discussions, both nationally and internationally.
Alumni of this programme are entrepreneurial and take initiative to immerse themselves in different research areas and to create journalistic, narrative and/or visual work relating to urgent themes. After completing this master’s programme, you will be engaged and take an active part in conversations about questions and themes. You will stand firm in the face of opinions and have an open, research-oriented attitude towards your topic. You will have a broad awareness of the contexts in which you move and fill gaps in your knowledge through research.
You will relate critically to the discourse in the professional field and be socially involved in a broad context. That is why you will stand out in the field: you are able to create a new context to which others can relate.