MSc Counselling and Psychotherapy
The MSc Counselling and Psychotherapy program at London Metropolitan University is desi...
MA Visual Communication: Illustration
Aldgate
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
London Metropolitan University offers a dynamic and innovative MA Visual Communication: Illustration program designed to help students develop their creative skills and professional expertise in the field of visual communication through illustration. The program is ideal for individuals passionate about combining artistic practice with visual storytelling, as it focuses on creating compelling visual content that communicates effectively across various media platforms. The course provides a deep exploration of illustration as a medium, preparing students to engage with both traditional and contemporary visual practices. Graduates are equipped to work in a wide range of industries, from publishing and advertising to graphic design and animation.
Curriculum: The MA Visual Communication: Illustration curriculum at London Metropolitan University combines practical illustration skills with theoretical knowledge. The course structure allows students to refine their artistic practice while learning about the technical aspects of visual communication. Key modules include Creative Illustration Techniques, where students explore both digital and traditional techniques; Visual Narrative, which focuses on storytelling through illustration; and Professional Practice, which prepares students for real-world challenges in the visual communication industry. Students also have the opportunity to engage with research methods to support their creative process and produce an innovative final project. This blend of practical skills, theory, and professional development ensures that graduates are well-prepared for careers in visual communication and illustration.
Research Focus: The research focus of the MA Visual Communication: Illustration program emphasizes the development of individual artistic practice and its connection to contemporary visual communication trends. Students are encouraged to explore the impact of illustration on social, cultural, and technological contexts, considering how illustrations can address issues like identity, diversity, and visual culture. Research areas include digital illustration, the role of illustration in advertising, graphic novels, interactive design, and more. The program fosters an environment where students can conduct independent research, experiment with new mediums, and critically evaluate their creative work to develop a unique artistic voice.
Industry Engagement: London Metropolitan University has strong links with the creative industries, ensuring that MA Visual Communication: Illustration students benefit from extensive industry engagement opportunities. Students are encouraged to collaborate with professionals, attend workshops, and participate in live briefs that simulate real-world projects. The university's connections with design agencies, publishing houses, and art directors give students a platform to showcase their work, gain feedback, and build their professional networks. The program also offers career support, helping students prepare their portfolios and navigate the job market in the competitive visual communication sector.
Global Perspective: The MA Visual Communication: Illustration program embraces a global perspective, recognizing the importance of visual communication in a globalized, interconnected world. Students are exposed to international trends and cultural contexts in illustration and visual design. The program encourages students to explore how illustration can communicate across linguistic and cultural barriers, making it a powerful tool for global storytelling. Furthermore, the course prepares students to work in diverse environments, whether in the UK or abroad, by emphasizing adaptability and awareness of global design trends, digital platforms, and multicultural issues in visual communication.
Location
Aldgate
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
£ 18150
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution with a minimum overall score of 60% or equivalent.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 or 7.0 with no individual component below 6.0.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 72.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 59.
- Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
London Metropolitan University offers a variety of scholarships and financial support options designed to assist international students with the cost of tuition fees and living expenses while studying in the UK. These scholarships aim to support talented students, regardless of their financial background, and encourage diversity in the university’s student body.
International Scholarship: London Metropolitan University provides an International Scholarship for non-UK students who are enrolled in full-time undergraduate or postgraduate programs. This scholarship is designed to help reduce the cost of tuition fees and make studying at the university more affordable. The scholarship amount varies depending on the program and student eligibility, typically covering a partial reduction of tuition fees. The scholarship is awarded based on academic merit, and students are assessed upon application for the program.
Postgraduate International Scholarships: International students applying for postgraduate courses at London Metropolitan University may be eligible for specific Postgraduate International Scholarships. These scholarships are aimed at high-achieving students and are available for a range of master’s degree programs. The scholarships provide a discount on tuition fees for international students and are typically awarded based on the applicant’s academic performance, relevant qualifications, and professional experience.
Regional Scholarships: To encourage students from diverse regions to study at London Metropolitan University, the university offers Regional Scholarships. These scholarships are designed to attract students from specific countries or regions, including Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. The scholarships are often based on merit and financial need and offer varying amounts of financial assistance to help cover the costs of tuition fees.
Alumni Scholarships: For international students who are graduates of partner institutions, the Alumni Scholarship offers financial support for those seeking to pursue postgraduate studies at London Metropolitan University. This scholarship is typically offered as a fee reduction for alumni who wish to continue their education at the university. The goal of this scholarship is to foster long-term relationships between the university and its international partners while providing continued academic opportunities for its alumni.
External Scholarships and Financial Aid: In addition to university-specific scholarships, international students can explore external scholarships offered by organizations, government bodies, and foundations. Some notable external scholarships include those offered by the British Council, Chevening Scholarships, and Commonwealth Scholarships, which provide significant funding to international students pursuing higher education in the UK. London Metropolitan University encourages its international students to apply for these prestigious scholarships in addition to institutional funding opportunities.
Graduates of the MA Visual Communication: Illustration program at London Metropolitan University are equipped with a range of skills and expertise that open up diverse career opportunities within the creative industries. With a blend of artistic mastery and technical proficiency in visual storytelling, students are well-prepared to work in various sectors, including publishing, advertising, design, animation, and more. The program fosters both creativity and professionalism, ensuring that graduates are competitive candidates in the fast-paced world of visual communication.
Freelance Illustrator: One of the most popular career paths for graduates is working as a freelance illustrator. This flexible career option allows graduates to work on a wide range of projects, from book illustrations and editorial pieces to advertising campaigns and branding. Freelance illustrators have the freedom to choose their clients and work on diverse, creative projects across multiple industries.
Illustration for Publishing: Graduates of the MA Visual Communication: Illustration program can pursue careers in the publishing industry, where illustration plays a key role in books, magazines, and other printed media. Graduates can work as book illustrators, cover designers, or editorial illustrators, creating compelling visual content that complements written material and enhances reader engagement.
Graphic Designer: The skills acquired in the program also allow graduates to transition into graphic design roles. As a graphic designer, individuals create visual concepts to communicate ideas that inform or captivate audiences. They work on projects such as branding, advertisements, websites, and print materials. The program’s emphasis on visual communication and digital techniques makes graduates highly marketable for design firms, advertising agencies, or in-house design teams.
Animator: With an increasing demand for digital and animated content across entertainment, advertising, and media industries, graduates with illustration skills can pursue careers as animators. By combining their illustration abilities with digital tools, they can work on creating animated characters, scenes, and visual narratives for television, film, video games, and online content.
Creative Director: Graduates of the MA program can also progress into creative director positions within advertising agencies, design firms, or media organizations. As a creative director, individuals lead teams in the development of visual content for campaigns, branding, and multimedia projects. This role involves overseeing creative concepts, guiding artistic teams, and ensuring that the visual direction aligns with client goals.
Art Director: An art director oversees the visual aspects of a project, from advertisements to websites, and ensures consistency and quality in the design process. Graduates with expertise in illustration can become art directors, collaborating with teams of designers, illustrators, and photographers to execute creative concepts in advertising, media, and design.
Visual Content Creator: As digital media continues to grow, there is an increasing demand for visual content creators who can produce engaging, shareable content for brands, businesses, and digital platforms. Graduates of the MA Visual Communication: Illustration program can work as content creators, producing illustrations, infographics, social media graphics, and other visual materials that support marketing campaigns and digital strategies.
Exhibit and Installation Designer: Graduates with an interest in interactive and immersive design may explore opportunities as exhibit designers or installation artists. They design visual experiences for museums, galleries, trade shows, and exhibitions, where their illustrations can enhance storytelling and audience engagement in physical spaces.
Advertising Illustrator: Graduates can enter the world of advertising, creating visuals for advertisements that appear in print, digital, and broadcast media. As advertising illustrators, they create original and impactful illustrations to support brands’ marketing messages and campaigns. This role requires a strong understanding of the target audience and the ability to create visuals that resonate with them.
Design Educator: For those interested in academia, the program provides a strong foundation for pursuing a career in teaching. Graduates can become design or illustration educators, teaching at the university or college level. They can also work as tutors, conducting workshops or offering private lessons to aspiring illustrators and designers.
Packaging Designer: Graduates with an interest in product design and branding can work as packaging designers, creating visually appealing and functional packaging for a wide range of products. This includes designing labels, boxes, and promotional materials that capture the essence of a brand while ensuring that the product stands out on the shelf.
Visual Communication Consultant: As experts in visual storytelling, graduates can offer consultancy services to businesses and organizations looking to improve their visual communication strategies. They help businesses develop branding, design effective marketing materials, and communicate their messages through compelling illustrations and visual content.
