Arts University Bournemouth United Kingdom

MA Illustration

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 1 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Postgraduate
Degree Masters Degree
Closing soon September 2026

Course Overview

The MA Illustration at Arts University Bournemouth is designed for creative practitioners seeking to expand their understanding of contemporary illustration and develop a distinctive visual language. You will join a dynamic community engaged in critical discourse, exploring innovative possibilities from traditional drawing and printmaking to virtual and time-based media. This postgraduate Masters Degree welcomes students from diverse backgrounds, encouraging you to experiment with ideas that culminate in publication, exhibition, or new hybrid platforms. You will learn to navigate and resolve your practice by integrating research and reflection, challenging creative thinking and extending your work into new arenas.

Studied full-time on campus over one year, this course offers a hands-on approach to developing your practice. Through specific project work, you will deepen your knowledge in relation to audience and context, culminating in a significant Body of Work. You will engage with practice-based research methodologies, formalise your intentions for presenting outputs, and gain confidence in disseminating your work. The course includes professional practice workshops covering self-promotion and client engagement, preparing you for career planning within the evolving global market for illustration. You will graduate with the strategies for agile and sustainable working practice, ready for industry or further doctoral study.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This MA Illustration program invites students to critically re-examine and reimagine their creative practices. Through a series of units, you will navigate the complexities of contemporary illustration, developing sophisticated approaches to your work. The course culminates in resolving your practice, preparing you for professional engagement and further development in the field.

1 Unit one: Re-imagining Practice

Re-imagining Practice

2 Unit two: Navigating Practice

Navigating Practice

3 Unit three: Resolving Practice

Resolving Practice

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 26,966.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 26,966.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Accommodation
USD 751.00 - USD 2,021.00
Food & Groceries USD 2,417.00 - USD 4,028.00
Transport USD 645.00 - USD 1,289.00
Utilities & Bills USD 1,128.00 - USD 1,934.00
Estimated Total USD 4,190.00 - USD 7,251.00

Living cost estimates are based on Wallisdown Campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

92%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Broadcasting & TelevisionJournalism & ReportingMedia Production & EditingMedia Research & AnalyticsMuseums & Cultural HeritageMusic & Performing ArtsPublic Broadcasting & DocumentarySocial Media & Content StrategyStreaming & Digital ContentTheme Parks & Leisure

Top Employers Hiring for this course

Bond & Coyne

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)

Why Study MA Illustration at Arts University Bournemouth

What makes this program stand out

September 2026 Closing soon

Next intake is in September 2026

Life at Arts University Bournemouth in United Kingdom

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about MA Illustration at Arts University Bournemouth

Can I work while studying?

As an international student in a Degree course, you can work up to 20 hours per week during term time. You can work full-time during breaks without a separate work permit.

What English language score do I need for this course?

To apply for the MA Illustration, you need to meet specific English language requirements. Acceptable scores include a TOEFL overall score of 92, an IELTS overall score of 6.5, or a PTE overall score of 70.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Potential job titles include Illustrator, Concept Artist, Graphic Designer, Art Director, and Visual Development Artist.

What will I actually study in this course?

The MA Illustration course helps you refine your creative identity and provides a bridge to professional illustration practice. It encourages creative professionals to reflect on and change their artistic direction.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The MA Illustration course has intakes in January and September. You can choose to study full-time or part-time depending on your schedule.
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