Course details

Postgraduate Certificate in Illustration

About the course

Introduction

With UC’s Postgraduate Certificate in Illustration (PGCertIllust), you can develop your technical and artistic skills across a range of traditional and digital media.

Learn techniques for visual storytelling and narrative to create compelling stories and creative media for industry, from concept art to marketing and more.

This Certificate is particularly suited to professional artists wanting to upskill or train in new illustrative tools, or recent graduates wanting to build a portfolio and enter the creative industry.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

To apply for the Postgraduate Certificate in Illustration, you will need to have one of the following from your previous studies: * a bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject, with at least a B grade average in your 300-level courses

  • any bachelor’s degree and relevant professional or other work experience
  • appropriate practical, professional, or scholarly experience
  • other qualifications of an equivalent standard.

All applicants need to submit a portfolio of relevant work.

If English is not your first language, you are also required to meet UC's English language requirements. If you need help meeting these requirements, or would like to practise your English skills before studying, UC offers English for Academic Purposes (EAP) language programmes.

For the full entry requirements, use the admission requirements checker.

How to apply

Entry to the Postgraduate Certificate in Illustration is limited. You will need to submit the following:* a letter of introduction

  • a portfolio of work, including a written statement.

Please email your application materials to [email protected]

You are encouraged to apply as early as possible. You should expect to be advised of acceptance by mid-December. On a case-by-case basis, we may accept late applications.

Illustration Portfolio requirements

The portfolio must include 12 image-based pages plus a written artist's statement.

The portfolio is your opportunity to demonstrate three important areas:* the level of your competency and ability in illustration. Please make sure you include your best work.

  • aspects of your methodology to demonstrate how you arrived at your final work. Examples of preliminary sketches and roughs are important.
  • evidence of skill and development in your key subjects of interest, for example imagery relevant to children's book illustration, magazine editorial, graphic novel, character design and concept art, science communications, etc.

We would like to see your work presented to us in the best possible way. The work should be well scanned (if traditionally made), cleaned up and formatted into a clean and professional document. You can search for information online regarding preparation of illustration portfolios.

Please submit your portfolio as a single 12-page PDF document.

Your artist's statement should demonstrate your ability to express in writing a critical understanding of your interest and intent with illustration, the tools and techniques you work with, and where you hope to engage your craft as an illustrator in your studies within this programme and onwards into the future.

This should be submitted with your portfolio as no more than one A4 sheet.

About the provider

At the University of Canterbury you will get to enjoy the very best a university has to offer 'a world class learning environment, a vibrant campus and a great student lifestyle that's packed with opportunities.

You will gain hands-on experience in courses led by academics who are actively engaged in research and who are experts in their fields. The culture promotes active learning, where the vibrant community allows you to be who you are and do what you love. UC's picturesque campus with modern teaching and research facilities is set in the heart of a city that has become a magnet for growth and innovation. Further afield lies a region packed with outdoor adventure, from the mountains to the sea.

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