Course details
Duration
Two years
Delivery
Online and part-time
Start dates
January, May and September
Next welcome week
27 May 2024
Next course start date
3 June 2024
Application deadline
17 May 2024
Total course fee
£9,900
Course overview
Despite the challenges they face, the creative industries are thriving more than ever, and the contemporary illustration scene is especially dynamic. We’ve designed this online MA Illustration course to cultivate the next generation of innovative, versatile illustrators.
Our course is especially relevant in today’s world as it is underpinned by a commitment to the UN’s sustainable development goals. With this common thread running through every aspect of your studies, you’ll be empowered to transform your art into a catalyst for positive environmental change.
Through rigorous self-reflection, academic enquiry, and thorough research, you'll break down and rethink your practice. You’ll dissect and cross-examine both historical and contemporary illustration works, using them as reference points to chart your position as a practitioner in today’s industry.
We’ve worked carefully to combine academic excellence with knowledge grounded in the realities of the industry. Through hands-on experience, support with portfolio creation and public-facing projects, we’ll help you market yourself as a graduate.
Informed by a profound understanding of theoretical knowledge, current challenges and research methodology, you’ll stand out more than ever as a creative professional. You’ll also gain global insights from both your tutors and your cohort – an international network of like-minded creatives. These connections could lead to future job opportunities, creative collaborations, joint exhibitions, and much more.
Join us to elevate your knowledge of this rich practice and immerse yourself in the vibrant creative online community that sets AUB apart. The next step in your career starts here.
Watch the course overview video
Watch our online MA Illustration course overview video with course leader, Mark Pavey who discusses topics such as, 'What makes this course stand out?' and 'What skills will students gain from this course?'.
Course modules
The modules on this course cover a wide range of themes, with a special emphasis on research, reflection and the constant evolution of illustration as a discipline. Through historical and contemporary art, we’ll challenge you to deconstruct and re-contextualise your own practice as an illustrator.
This introductory module is designed to orient you and your cohort. We’ll give you the core skills and knowledge required to deconstruct, build and expand on all aspects of your practice. By the end of this module, you’ll also be capable of engaging meaningfully with the rest of the content on the course.
This module will delve into the concept of self, and how it shapes the work of the illustrator. Together, we’ll explore how others identify socially and culturally. You’ll document your research and development in a process book and create an illustrative response to a prompt provided by your tutors.
Every mark we make on a (real or virtual) surface can add a different meaning to the overall work. By experimenting with and analysing this concept, we’ll explore ways of translating your ideas into your chosen medium. You’ll also delve into the enduring mythology of craftsmanship, and its context in today’s world.
Looking at both historical and contemporary resources, we’ll explore how images are sequenced to tell a story. This knowledge will feed into theories related to visual literacy, the reading of an image, and the ways in which you can engage with (or challenge) an author. You’ll then deliver a creative visual response to a set prompt.
Collaboration is a core aspect of the AUB experience, and it will always be an integral part of developing your creative career. Together with your peers, you’ll work collaboratively to solve a set brief. By connecting with a global ecosystem of fellow creatives, you’ll get first-hand experience developing viable collaboration methods across different time zones.
This module will focus on building your entrepreneurial prowess and helping you thrive in the industry. We’ll examine the identity of the illustrator as both an artist and a design professional and consider your work within a business setting. By creating innovative visual solutions, you will explore both the practical and theoretical aspects of your practice.
Is it possible for someone to own an idea? Now more than ever, notions surrounding intellectual property are being challenged. Together with your cohort, you will deep dive into the impact that generative AI has on contemporary illustration and explore the ethical challenges of its use.
Illustrators often use their skills to document the world around them, and relay truths or opinions in visual form. Through medium and aesthetic, ideas can be repositioned and recreated – so what is the illustrator’s role in this process? Can the discipline ever be impartial, and what is the resulting effect of the agency you assert? Throughout this module, you’ll investigate documented spaces, and reflect on how your perspectives influence your creative output.
We’ll help you develop and structure a final creative output for the course. What resonated most with you? What lines of enquiry would you like to pursue? What topics and methodologies do you want to expand on? Exploration is key here, and we’ll encourage you to research a diverse range of sources for inspiration.
In this final module, you’ll work independently under supervision to follow through on your written and illustrated proposal delivered in Research Methods. We’ll guide you in producing a technically proficient, accomplished body of work that shines at the forefront of illustration practice.
Online MA Illustration Course Overview
Watch the video to gain an insight into the Online MA Illustration at AUB. Topics covered include:
Who is this course for?
What makes this MA stand out?
What skills will students gain from this course?
Your Course Leader
"This online MA prepares graduates for life as a working professional, where you are immersed in your practice and no two days are the same."
Mark Pavey | Course Leader, MA Illustration
Entry requirements
We encourage applications from students with a broad range of qualifications and we welcome students from all educational backgrounds. We’ll take into account the knowledge and skills that you have developed outside the classroom, as well as your previous qualifications.
There are two different routes to entry: the standard and non-standard routes. Admissions staff will assess entries to determine which route is appropriate for you when you apply.
Students accepted on the standard route are given offers based on qualifications and supporting documentation alone. If you do not have a qualification at the designated level or in a subject not directly related to the course to which you are applying, you’ll be contacted to request a portfolio, and/or given an interview date.
You'll usually have BA (Hons) Degree graded at 2.2 or above, or an equivalent UK or international qualification in illustration or a related discipline.
You'll usually have BA (Hons) Degree graded at 2.2 or above, or an equivalent UK or international qualification in illustration or a related discipline.
As an overseas applicant, you’ll need to validate your proficiency in English. We accept a range of English language qualifications:
- Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE) grade C
- Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) grade C
- Certificate of Attainment in English (London Board) level 5 or 6
- IELTS score of 6.0 or above with at least 5.5 in each band
- TOEFL iBT score of 80 or above with 19 in speaking, and 18 in listening, reading and writing
- Pearson PTE score of 64 and over, with a score of 59 in each component
IELTS, Pearson, and TOEFL scores must be less than two years old at the time the course commences to be valid.
If you don’t have the standard academic qualifications, you could still be considered for entry if there’s sufficient evidence to indicate that you can fulfil the objectives of the course of study and achieve the standard of the final award. An example of this would be to showcase a portfolio of work as requested by the admissions team.
We also welcome applications from anyone with other qualifications or work experience that demonstrates appropriate knowledge and skills to study at postgraduate level.
Fees and funding
The fees that you pay AUB help provide the necessary services and training for you to complete your course. There are a number of different ways that you can pay for your tuition.
How to apply
Head to our online application form to apply directly to us. We encourage applications from students with a broad range of qualifications – we'll take into account the knowledge and skills that you've developed outside the classroom as well.
Careers in Illustration
As a graduate of AUB online’s MA Illustration, you’ll unlock a wide range of rewarding, creative career paths. Companies worldwide are seeking innovative minds who can help them achieve their sustainability goals. With our course’s unique emphasis on eco-consciousness, we’ll make sure you’re ready to meet this demand and drive positive environmental change.
Equipped with a comprehensive skillset that covers both traditional and digital illustration, you’ll be capable of communicating your creative vision clearly and articulately. With the guidance our experts will give you, you’ll already have the vital tools in place: a creative CV, industry-ready portfolios, and an established online presence.
Combining versatile entrepreneurial and marketing skills with a profound understanding of current industry challenges, you’ll have the confidence to establish yourself as a freelance independent illustrator.
But of course, that’s just the first of many doors that you’ll open on completion of your studies.
Here are just a few of the options you could pursue as an MA Illustration graduate:
You could also pursue opportunities in art direction and editorial illustration.
Join us in May 2024
Related resources
Studying a creative course online
Master studying creative courses from your own space. Explore insights, tips and strategies to...
Read the storyWhat are the advantages of studying a creative course online?
Looking to develop your creative practice without giving up your current job? Discover the benefits...
Read the storyHow do you become an interior or architectural interior designer?
Find out about the skills and attributes you need to succeed as an Interior or Architectural...
Read the storyVideo transcripts
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Proin enim erat, gravida quis blandit eu, fermentum nec nisi. Quisque in iaculis purus, vel fermentum ipsum. In justo ex, ullamcorper eu aliquam sit amet, pretium ornare dolor. Suspendisse eu tristique enim. Maecenas non nisi placerat, imperdiet velit nec, mattis tortor.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.
- This is a list item in an unordered list
- An unordered list is a list in which the sequence of items is not important
- This is a list item in an ordered list
- An ordered list is a list in where the sequence of items is important
Start your creative journey here.
Want to chat or ask a few questions? Fill this in and we’ll give you a call back.