MA Illustration

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 88.
• PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 70.
• Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.

The University of Gloucestershire offers a range of scholarships designed to support international students in their academic journey. These scholarships are aimed at making education more accessible and affordable, allowing students to focus on their studies and enjoy their time in the UK without financial stress. The university provides several merit-based, need-based, and country-specific scholarships to help ease the cost of tuition fees for international students.

International Scholarships: The University of Gloucestershire offers International Scholarships for students coming from various countries across the globe. These scholarships typically range from £1,000 to £3,000 per year, based on academic achievement and the chosen course of study. The scholarship is automatically awarded to eligible students upon acceptance of their offer to study at the university. These awards are designed to make studying in the UK more affordable and are available for both undergraduate and postgraduate international students.

Excellence Scholarships: For international students who demonstrate outstanding academic performance, the University of Gloucestershire offers Excellence Scholarships. These scholarships are awarded to students who have achieved exceptional academic results in their previous studies. The Excellence Scholarship can be worth up to £3,000 and is designed to recognize and support high-achieving students who show great potential in their chosen field of study.

Country-Specific Scholarships: In addition to general international scholarships, the University of Gloucestershire offers country-specific scholarships to students from certain regions. These scholarships are tailored to students from specific countries, helping to promote international diversity at the university. The scholarships vary in amount, eligibility criteria, and application processes.

Postgraduate Scholarships: The university also offers specific scholarships for postgraduate international students. These awards range in value and are designed to encourage students to pursue further studies in fields such as business, education, media, and healthcare. Postgraduate scholarships are awarded based on academic merit and, in some cases, professional experience or research potential.

Graduates of the MA in Illustration program at the University of Gloucestershire can pursue a variety of career paths, thanks to the program's blend of artistic training, theoretical exploration, and professional preparation. 

Freelance Illustrator: Many graduates from the MA in Illustration program choose to become freelance illustrators, working independently for a range of clients across industries. As freelance illustrators, they may create artwork for magazines, newspapers, book covers, advertisements, websites, or product packaging. Freelancing offers illustrators flexibility and the opportunity to work on diverse projects, allowing them to establish their own artistic style and reputation in the industry. The program’s emphasis on professional practice and portfolio development helps graduates create a robust body of work to present to potential clients and employers.

Book Illustrator/Children’s Book Illustrator: A popular career option for MA in Illustration graduates is working as a book illustrator. Graduates can work with authors, publishers, or literary agents to bring stories to life through illustrations, often for children's books, graphic novels, or other literary genres. As children's book illustrators, graduates use their creativity and storytelling ability to produce vibrant, engaging illustrations that complement the written text. With an increasing demand for illustrated books, especially in the children’s market, this field offers strong career prospects for talented illustrators.

Concept Artist for Games and Animation: Graduates interested in the intersection of illustration and digital media can pursue careers as concept artists in the video game or animation industry. Concept artists are responsible for creating visual representations of characters, environments, and key scenes for games, animations, and movies. They work closely with directors, designers, and animators to conceptualize and design the visual elements of a project before production begins. MA in Illustration graduates, particularly those skilled in digital illustration techniques, are well-equipped to pursue careers in the growing field of digital media, contributing to the creative development of games and animations.

Graphic Designer: With their ability to create compelling visuals, many graduates from the MA in Illustration program transition into graphic design roles. Graphic designers use their artistic talents to develop designs for advertisements, websites, logos, brochures, packaging, and other marketing materials. The MA in Illustration curriculum equips students with essential design skills, including an understanding of typography, layout, color theory, and visual composition. Graduates can work for design agencies, corporate marketing teams, or as independent designers.

Art Director/Creative Director: For graduates interested in leading creative teams, art direction and creative direction are natural career paths. Art directors are responsible for overseeing the visual aspects of advertising campaigns, magazines, films, websites, and other media projects. They guide the creative vision, work with designers, photographers, and illustrators, and ensure that the aesthetic aligns with the project’s goals. Similarly, creative directors manage the broader creative vision of campaigns and media projects, ensuring the consistency of visual elements across different platforms. The leadership and industry knowledge gained from the MA in Illustration program make graduates well-suited for these roles.

Editorial Illustrator: Editorial illustration involves creating images for magazines, newspapers, blogs, and other publications that accompany written articles, stories, or opinion pieces. Editorial illustrators work closely with editors and writers to visually interpret and enhance the content, often adding a layer of humor, emotion, or visual commentary. Graduates of the MA in Illustration are prepared to work in this fast-paced environment, where deadlines and creative flexibility are key. This career path is ideal for illustrators with a strong conceptual and communicative approach to their work.

Exhibition Designer/Curator: MA in Illustration graduates with an interest in the art world may choose to work as exhibition designers or curators. Exhibition designers create the layout, atmosphere, and visual elements for art exhibitions, helping to bring artwork to life in a physical space. Curators, on the other hand, are responsible for managing art collections, organizing exhibitions, and providing educational content about the works being showcased. Graduates of the MA in Illustration program, with their deep understanding of visual language and creativity, are well-suited for these positions, particularly in art galleries and museums.

Advertising and Marketing Illustrator: In the advertising and marketing industries, illustrators play a significant role in creating visuals for branding campaigns, print advertisements, social media content, and product packaging. Whether working with advertising agencies or in-house marketing teams, illustrators in this field are responsible for creating compelling visual stories that capture the attention of the target audience. Graduates from the MA in Illustration program can apply their illustration skills to develop eye-catching visuals that communicate messages effectively and creatively.

Art Teacher or Lecturer: For graduates interested in education, teaching illustration can be a fulfilling career option. MA in Illustration graduates can become art teachers in secondary schools, colleges, or universities, passing on their artistic expertise to the next generation of illustrators. As lecturers or instructors, they may teach drawing, digital illustration, animation, and other artistic techniques. The program’s focus on professional practice and theory provides a solid foundation for teaching both the creative and technical aspects of illustration.

Character Designer for Animation or TV: Graduates with an interest in storytelling and character development can work as character designers for animation studios or television productions. Character designers are responsible for creating the visual appearance of characters in animated films, TV shows, and video games. They work closely with directors and scriptwriters to ensure that the characters reflect the story’s themes and tone. The MA in Illustration program prepares graduates to design characters that are both visually appealing and narratively compelling, making them ideal candidates for this creative field.