Course details

Master of Illustration

About the course

Introduction

Develop technical skills across a range of traditional and digital media with UC’s Master of Illustration (MIllust).

This degree enables you to adapt your practice to a wide range of illustration contexts. An emphasis on visual storytelling and narrative development prepares you to communicate powerfully in your chosen profession, whether for picture books, editorial, animation and games, education, marketing, science, or other mediums.

You will be encouraged to think critically, engage with cultural and ethical questions, and reflect meaningfully on your creative practice and the role of illustration in the world to grow your skills to become a creative leader with a distinct visual language and developed authorial voice.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

To apply for the Master of 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

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 Master of 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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