Zuyd University of Applied Sciences

Master Scientific Illustration

Training in technical skills

Your training has a strong emphasis on the application of conventional imaging techniques in conjunction with photography, video and computer techniques for the accurate two-dimensional display of three-dimensional structures. Additional training in digital three-dimensional reconstruction and modelling is given in workshops. You acquire a broad theoretical basis as well as practical experience in working with medical techniques such as dissection, processing of microscopic and macroscopic serial sections and working with medical imaging techniques such as Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).

Becoming a scientific storyteller

To be able to create a scientifically correct image, you must not only be a good craftsman but also an outstanding 'storyteller' and communicator. You must be capable of communicating with specialists from different scientific fields, understanding the scientific problem and then being able to convert it into visualisation for a specific target audience. Creating images for patient education requires a different approach than creating images for a group of medical specialists. For this reason, you will not only be trained in anatomy and medical nomenclature but you’ll also be guided in the field of communication. Furthermore, using practical assignments (including illustrating a surgical procedure), you will build up experience in making abstractions and schematizations of reality to create an image that tells the scientific story in the best possible way.

The themes

The teaching programme is built on three themes:

• Man
• Animal
• Human and Animal Surgery

Each of the themes consists of three to five components and each component involves one or more assignments, which deal with various aspects of scientific illustration and in which various traditional visualization techniques are practised and applied. The assignments are graded in terms of complexity, leading up to the level required for professional practice.

Final examination and graduation

The programme ends with a final examination, consisting of two components:

• A graduation project in which you write, illustrate and design a publication.
• An oral examination.

In addition, you exhibit your work in a graduation exhibition and you compose a portfolio of the representative artworks you produced during the programme. The publication and the portfolio serve as a masterpiece that helps you to find work in a professional practice.

Small teaching staff

A small team of dedicated professionals, who all have their specialism (like scientific and medical illustration, anatomy, software, facial reconstruction etc.), will train you. Input from their work experience and their involvement in issues from the professional practice keep the programme up-to-date, educationally justified and closely connected to this professional practice. They all regularly publish imagery, contribute to congresses and take part in the debate about the profession of scientific and medical illustration. External professional experts contribute as guest speakers in lectures, workshops and the final graduation projects.

For whom is this master interesting?

If you have a Bachelor's degree, a strong motivation, provable talent in drawing and a profound research attitude, please apply for one of the few student places. Find more information about registration and admission.