MA (eca) Illustration

The MA Illustration program at ECA is a one-year, full-time course that integrates theory and practice to foster a deep understanding of illustration's role in the international creative industry. The curriculum emphasizes both traditional and experimental image-making techniques, encouraging students to explore contemporary issues through diverse illustrative methods. The program is structured to support individual development within a collaborative studio environment, offering dedicated workspaces for each student. ​

Curriculum: The curriculum is designed to provide a comprehensive exploration of illustration, combining theoretical discourse with practical application. Students engage in a variety of projects that encourage experimentation and innovation, building a diverse and focused portfolio. The program also offers opportunities for collaborative practice, allowing students to work alongside peers from various disciplines within the art school. This approach ensures a well-rounded educational experience, preparing students for professional practice or further academic pursuits. ​

Research Focus: ECA's Illustration program places a strong emphasis on research, encouraging students to delve into critical analysis of themes and texts. This research-driven approach supports the development of innovative and conceptually grounded work. Students are guided to challenge traditional notions of illustration, exploring its potential to address contemporary issues and contribute to broader cultural conversations. ​

Industry Engagement: ECA maintains robust connections with the creative industry, providing students with opportunities to engage in live projects, competitions, and collaborations with professionals. These industry links facilitate practical experience, allowing students to apply their skills in real-world contexts and build professional networks. The program's focus on professional practice ensures that graduates are well-prepared for careers in various sectors of the illustration industry. 

Global Perspective: Situated in Edinburgh, a city renowned for its rich cultural heritage and international festivals, ECA offers students a global perspective on illustration. The program encourages exploration of illustrative practices from a worldwide viewpoint, preparing students to navigate and influence the evolving global creative landscape. This international outlook ensures that students are equipped to address global challenges through their work.

Postgraduate entry requirements:

1. Academic Qualifications: Prospective postgraduate applicants to the University of Edinburgh are typically required to have achieved a minimum academic qualification of approximately 60%, based on their previous academic achievements and qualifications.  

2. English Language Proficiency:  

   • IELTS (International English Language Testing System): Minimum overall score of 7.0, with at least 6.0 in each component (Listening, Reading, Speaking, Writing).

   • TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): Minimum score of 100 on the internet-based test (iBT), with at least 20 in each component (Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing).

   • PTE (Pearson Test of English): Minimum overall score of 70, with at least 59 in each component (Listening, Reading, Speaking, Writing).

Students must provide:

• academic marksheets & transcripts
• letters of recommendation
• a personal statement - SOP
• passport
• other supporting documents as required by the university.

Work experience: Some postgraduate courses may require relevant work experience in the field.

It is important to note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as availability of places and competition for the program. Additionally, some courses may have higher entry requirements or additional selection criteria, such as interviews or portfolio submissions.

The University of Edinburgh offers a range of scholarships and funding opportunities specifically designed to support international students pursuing undergraduate, postgraduate, and research programs. These scholarships aim to promote diversity, academic excellence, and global engagement. 

Global Scholarships: The University of Edinburgh offers Global Scholarships to outstanding international undergraduate students. These scholarships provide financial assistance towards tuition fees and living expenses, enabling talented students from around the world to access quality education at Edinburgh.

Edinburgh Global Research Scholarships: International postgraduate students pursuing research-based programs (Ph.D., MSc by Research) can apply for Edinburgh Global Research Scholarships. These scholarships provide full or partial funding for tuition fees and living expenses during the research program.

School-specific Scholarships: Some academic schools and departments within the university offer scholarships targeting international students in specific disciplines or programs. These scholarships may be merit-based or need-based and vary in terms of eligibility criteria and funding amounts.

Commonwealth Scholarships: The University of Edinburgh participates in various Commonwealth scholarship schemes, providing opportunities for students from Commonwealth countries to study in the UK. These scholarships are funded by the UK government and other organizations.

External Funding Sources: International students are encouraged to explore external funding sources, such as government scholarships, private organizations, and international foundations, to support their studies at the University of Edinburgh.

It is important to note that scholarship availability, criteria, and application deadlines may change from year to year.

Graduates of the MA (eca) Illustration program at the University of Edinburgh are well-prepared for diverse and exciting career opportunities in the field of illustration. With their honed creative skills, conceptual thinking, and industry knowledge, graduates can pursue rewarding careers as professional illustrators across various sectors of the creative industry.  

Freelance Illustrator: Many graduates choose to work as freelance illustrators, offering their services to clients in need of visual storytelling, branding, editorial illustrations, or commissioned artwork. Freelancing allows illustrators to work on a wide range of projects, from book covers and magazine illustrations to advertising campaigns and digital media content.

Graphic Designer/Illustrator: Graduates with strong design skills may find opportunities as graphic designers or illustrator-designers in creative agencies, design studios, or in-house design teams. They contribute to branding, marketing, and communication projects by integrating illustration into graphic design solutions for print, web, and multimedia platforms.

Children's Book Illustrator: Those passionate about storytelling and character design may pursue careers as children's book illustrators, working with authors, publishers, or self-publishing their own books. They bring stories to life through illustrations that appeal to young readers and enhance the narrative experience of children's literature.

Editorial Illustrator: Graduates may work as editorial illustrators for newspapers, magazines, online publications, or digital media platforms, creating visual content to accompany articles, features, and opinion pieces. They interpret complex ideas and concepts into engaging and informative illustrations that complement editorial content and capture readers' attention.

Animator/Illustrator: With the rise of animation in various media formats, including film, television, advertising, and interactive media, graduates may explore opportunities as animators or illustrator-animators. They contribute to animation projects by designing characters, backgrounds, and storyboards, and bringing illustrations to life through motion and storytelling.

Art Director/Creative Director: Experienced illustrators with strong leadership and managerial skills may transition into roles as art directors or creative directors, overseeing visual direction and creative strategy for advertising campaigns, design projects, or multimedia productions. They collaborate with clients, designers, and creative teams to conceptualize and execute visual concepts that meet project objectives and client expectations.