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Illustration at Norwich University of the Arts - UCAS

Course options

2025 - 2026
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There are other course options available which may have a different vacancy status or entry requirements – view the full list of options

This course is subject to validation. You can still apply for this course while it is being approved.

Course summary

Develop and evolve your unique visual language to challenge conventions and expand the practice of contemporary illustration. Our MA in Illustration welcomes a diverse range of design practitioners who want to expand their practice as critically engaged communicators and visual thinkers able to adapt to a rapidly changing professional landscape. Supported by a team of professional illustrators and academics, you will be encouraged to explore the development of your visual language and your position within this dynamic and expansive discipline. By challenging your perspectives and exploring illustrative practices from a global viewpoint, you will engage in high-profile live assignments and independently driven research projects, shaping and defining your unique authorial voice. You’ll enhance your visual thinking, research and storytelling abilities, applying these skills to resolve complex issues systematically and creatively. Supported by our team of experts, you’ll be encouraged to take creative risks and push your work in new and exciting directions. The course will challenge you to critique the discipline, questioning norms and considering how illustration practice can be reimagined to support a more inclusive future. You will consider the role of the illustrator within the current landscape of artificial intelligence and machine learning. At the core of the course is the consideration of the social and ethical implications of your work, ensuring you are well-equipped to navigate and influence the evolving world of illustration. Why study with us

  • Advanced technical skills: Develop expertise in a wide range of media and methods, creating sophisticated analogue and digital illustrations that reflect your unique voice and style.
  • Interdisciplinary approach: Benefit from collaboration with other postgraduate courses within media and visual communication, fostering a multidisciplinary environment that enhances your learning experience.
  • Professional-level resources: Utilise contemporary technology and industry-standard tools, including design studios, media labs, 2D & 3D workshops, licensed specialist software, and a media resource centre. These resources support you in transforming ideas into tangible outcomes and crafting practical solutions to project briefs.
  • Ethical and inclusive research: Adopt an ethical approach to your work, focusing on social and ethical implications, accessibility, diversity, equality, and sustainability within illustration practice.
  • Professional portfolio development: By the end of the course, create a professional body of work that reflects your interests and prepares you for industry, enhancing your ability to visually communicate research and ideas.
  • Innovative problem-solving: Engage with complex visual and conceptual problems through project-based learning, promoting original and innovative approaches to illustration and professional practice.
Course structure This course is part of our suite of Master’s in Visual Communication, offering a collaborative framework across various specialisations, including MA Animation, MA Advertising, and MA Illustration. This provides students with opportunities to engage with peers from different disciplines while working on individual assignments. Such collaboration mirrors the professional dynamics in the creative industries today, allowing students to gain valuable experience in interdisciplinary teamwork and real-world problem-solving. This programme is a one-year course including 30 weeks of direct teaching time and a 15-week final project. You will need to complete five units and one 60-credit major project (180 credits in total). All units on the course are compulsory and must be passed in order to complete the award. If you study part-time your modules will be split across two years. Full course details, including aims and assessment criteria, will be provided in the course specification upon validation.

Assessment method

Our assessment methods will vary based on the unit you choose and provide a comprehensive measure of your learning and progress. More information can be found at https://norwichuni.ac.uk/ma-illustration/#assessment

Entry requirements

Entrants should normally have achieved a BA (Hons) / BSc Degree of 2:1 or above (or its equivalent), in a subject related to your proposed course of study. Applicants who hold a degree from another discipline may also be considered for entry, subject to the submission of a satisfactory portfolio of art, design or media-related work in support of their application. Those with industry experience or relevant skills from non-traditional backgrounds are encouraged to apply, including individuals currently employed. If you’re unsure about your eligibility, please contact us for guidance before applying.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, IELTS 6.5 (or equivalent) is required, with a minimum of 5.5 in reading, writing, listening, and speaking.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

England £9600* Whole course
Northern Ireland £9600* Whole course
Scotland £9600* Whole course
Wales £9600* Whole course
Channel Islands £9600* Whole course
Republic of Ireland £9600* Whole course
EU £18000* Whole course
International £18000* Whole course

*This is a provisional fee and subject to change.

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

These provisional fees are based off the 2024/25 fees and are subject to change.
Illustration at Norwich University of the Arts - UCAS