Manchester Metropolitan University
MA in Illustration
Manchester, United Kingdom
MA
DURATION
2 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2027
TUITION FEES
EUR 22,000 / per year *
STUDY FORMAT
* EU and non-EU international students full-time fee
Key Summary
About: The MA in Illustration at Manchester Metropolitan University prepares creative practitioners to advance illustration, visual communication and digital illustration through practice-led investigation and studio work. You’ll explore new technologies and traditional processes, focusing on themes like social justice, sustainability and health and wellbeing. The programme integrates theory, practice, entrepreneurship and innovation, supports experimentation, and offers access to facilities, faculty and industry links to develop professional outcomes and a bespoke body of work.
Career Outcomes: Graduates work as freelance illustrators, studio artists, animation artists, interactive media specialists, curators and filmmakers and as entrepreneurial practitioners in visual communication, e-commerce and marketing.
In the 21st century, advancements in technology, shifts in media consumption, and evolving industry needs have opened new opportunities for illustrators as digital content creators, interactive media specialists, environmental designers, research communicators, marketing creators, educators, e-commerce designers, animation artists, and social advocates.
The MA in Illustration is tailored for creative practitioners aiming to advance their knowledge and skills in this dynamic field. It is ideal for those eager to explore the impact of new technologies and innovate with traditional processes.
The programme emphasises meaningful themes such as social justice, sustainability, and health and wellbeing. Participants will create thought-provoking work addressing contemporary issues and contributing to global conversations.
Through practice-led investigations, you will develop a bespoke body of design knowledge that integrates theory, practice, research, entrepreneurship, and innovation. The course promotes experimentation and aims for innovative and professional outcomes.
With access to state-of-the-art facilities, expert faculty, and strong industry links, the programme supports you in driving your creative journey forward.
Year 1
The MA in Illustration is composed of five units, totalling 180 credits.
Core modules
- Design Thinking
- Design Practice: Graphic Behaviours
- Message / Audience / Context
- Synthesis Project: Illustration
- Art & Design: Culture & Context (MA:X)
We cultivate highly motivated, independent and creative thinkers who can transfer their skills into the creative marketplace, as entrepreneurial innovators, freelance practitioners and innovative team players. Past graduates predominantly achieve graduate-level positions or practise as sole traders, design studio artists, exhibiting artists, museum curators, archivists, researchers, academics, community practitioners, specialist technicians and filmmakers at national and international levels.
Study
- Full-time 20% lectures, seminars or similar; 0% placement; 80% independent study
- Part-time 20% lectures, seminars or similar; 0% placement; 80% independent study
Assessment
- Full-time 100% coursework; 0% practical; 0% examination
- Part-time 100% coursework; 0% practical; 0% examination