Master of Illustration
Course details
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
- any bachelor’s degree and relevant professional or other work experience
- a Postgraduate Certificate in Illustration with at least a B grade average
- a Postgraduate Diploma in Illustration with at least a B grade average
- 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 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.
Portfolio of work
Your application should include a portfolio of 12 image-based examples of your illustration artwork. The format should be in colour and submitted as a single file PDF via email. This is your opportunity to demonstrate: * your competency and ability in illustration. Please make sure you include your best work, your range of style and subjects, and most importantly your key areas of interest and strengths. Please also share aspects of your methodology, such as examples of preliminary sketches and development.
- your best possible presentation of work. Have a look online at illustration portfolio presentation, and put your work together in an appealing and presentable way.
- your ability to express your authorial voice and areas of interest in a written statement. Please demonstrate a reflexive and critical understanding of how you approach your illustrative work, the topics and areas of interest to you as an illustrator, and where you would like to focus your illustrative work going forward.
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.