MBA Masters of Business Administration
The MBA in Leadership at Bath Spa University is structured to provide a comprehensive u...
MA Design (Illustration)
Locksbrook campus
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The MA Design (Illustration) program at Bath Spa University is typically a one-year full-time or two-year part-time course, attracting individuals with a strong foundation in visual arts or design who are passionate about visual storytelling and image-making. It is structured to encourage students to push the boundaries of their illustrative practice, explore new technologies and methodologies, and develop a sophisticated understanding of the role of illustration in contemporary culture. Students are encouraged to define their specific areas of interest within illustration, such as narrative illustration, visual journalism, character design, surface design, or children's book illustration, and develop a personalized learning journey through project-based work and elective opportunities. A key element involves rigorous critical inquiry, experimentation with diverse visual languages, and the creation of a compelling portfolio that showcases their unique illustrative style and conceptual depth. The program fosters a collaborative and intellectually stimulating environment, encouraging peer feedback and the exchange of ideas within a vibrant community of visual artists.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the MA Design (Illustration) program is designed to provide a deep and comprehensive understanding of advanced illustration practices. Core modules typically explore topics such as narrative development in illustration, visual storytelling techniques, advanced drawing and mark-making, digital illustration workflows, printmaking and surface design, character development and design, and the professional practice of illustration. Students will engage with a range of media and technologies, developing mastery in their chosen areas of focus. The program emphasizes the conceptual development of illustrative ideas, strategic thinking in visual communication, and the effective application of illustration to address diverse communication challenges. Students are encouraged to undertake projects that involve research, experimentation, and the creation of innovative visual solutions for various audiences and contexts. The curriculum promotes critical reflection on contemporary illustration trends and the development of a personal visual language rooted in informed practice.
Research Focus: The MA Design (Illustration) program at Bath Spa University benefits from a strong research environment within the School of Art, Film and Media and the wider Faculty of Arts and Design. The academic staff often comprises active illustration researchers and practitioners who bring their cutting-edge work and insights into their teaching. The program encourages students to engage with current illustration research, explore emerging visual communication trends, and develop their own research questions within their chosen areas of specialization. Students are expected to integrate research into their illustration projects and their final research project or dissertation, contributing to the evolving discourse within illustration studies and practice. The university's research strengths in areas such as visual culture, narrative, and digital media provide a rich and interdisciplinary context for illustration inquiry.
Industry Engagement: Bath Spa University's MA Design (Illustration) program actively fosters connections with the professional illustration industry. The program may facilitate guest lectures and workshops led by leading illustrators, art directors, and industry professionals from publishing houses, design studios, advertising agencies, and animation studios. Students may have opportunities to undertake live briefs, collaborate with external organizations on illustration projects, and participate in industry events and exhibitions. The curriculum often incorporates elements of professional development, such as portfolio building, pitching illustration concepts, and understanding the business aspects of illustration. Networking opportunities with illustrators and industry representatives are often facilitated through university events and career services. The program's location within a region with a thriving creative sector can also provide valuable industry links and opportunities for internships or placements.
Global Perspective: The MA Design (Illustration) program at Bath Spa University embraces a global perspective by exploring diverse visual storytelling traditions, international illustration trends, and the impact of globalization on visual culture and communication. The curriculum may include the study of illustration history and theory from a global standpoint, examining different cultural approaches to visual narrative and image-making. The university's diverse international student body contributes to a rich and intercultural learning environment, fostering exchange and collaboration across different visual design perspectives. The program may also feature guest illustrators from around the world or opportunities to participate in international illustration workshops or competitions. This global outlook prepares graduates to be adaptable and culturally aware illustrators in an increasingly interconnected world of visual communication.
Location
Locksbrook campus
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
£ 18560
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 65% 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 75.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 59.
- DET: A minimum overall score of 120.
- Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
Bath Spa University understands that financing higher education can be a challenge for international students, and to make studying in the UK more accessible, the university offers a range of scholarships. These scholarships are designed to support international students and recognize their academic achievements, helping to reduce the financial burden of tuition fees and living expenses.
International Scholarships: Bath Spa University offers a variety of international scholarships to help non-UK students cover part of their tuition fees. These scholarships are available for both undergraduate and postgraduate international students. The scholarships are typically awarded based on academic merit and the applicant’s potential to contribute to the university community.
Postgraduate Scholarships: International postgraduate students are also eligible for a range of scholarships, which may vary based on the course of study. These scholarships help to support students at the beginning of their master’s degree programs and can be highly competitive. Scholarships are awarded based on previous academic achievements, research proposals, and the applicant's personal statement.
Alumni Scholarships: Bath Spa University values its alumni community, and in recognition of this, it offers scholarships for international students who are former students of the university or have attended a Bath Spa University partner institution. The Alumni Scholarship is designed to reward those who have previously been part of the university and are returning to continue their studies.
Country-Specific Scholarships: Bath Spa University also provides country-specific scholarships for international students from particular regions. These scholarships are designed to encourage students from specific countries to study at Bath Spa University and contribute to the diverse international student community. Students from certain countries may be eligible for specific funding opportunities based on their nationality. The university’s website provides up-to-date information on country-specific scholarship availability.
Merit-Based Scholarships: Many of Bath Spa University's scholarships are merit-based, meaning they are awarded to students who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement or outstanding potential in their chosen field of study. Merit scholarships are typically awarded during the application process, and students do not need to apply separately for these awards.
External Scholarship Opportunities: In addition to the university’s internal scholarships, international students at Bath Spa University can also apply for external scholarships offered by government agencies, private organizations, or charitable foundations. Bath Spa University regularly updates a list of external scholarship opportunities that are available to international students. These scholarships may cover tuition fees, travel costs, and living expenses.
Graduates from the distinctive and practice-led MA Design (Illustration) program at Bath Spa University develop a highly refined and versatile skillset, positioning them for a wide range of fulfilling careers within the dynamic field of visual communication and image-making. The program's emphasis on individual artistic voice, conceptual depth, and professional practice equips graduates to thrive across diverse creative industries.
Illustrator (Freelance): Building a professional practice creating illustrations for a variety of clients across publishing, editorial, advertising, and design.
Children's Book Illustrator: Specializing in illustrating picture books, chapter books, and educational materials for young audiences.
Editorial Illustrator: Creating impactful and thought-provoking illustrations for magazines, newspapers, and online publications.
Surface Pattern Designer: Developing original patterns and designs for textiles, wallpaper, stationery, and other products.
Character Designer: Creating visual concepts for characters in animation, games, books, and other media.
Visual Journalist/Reportage Illustrator: Using illustration to document and interpret events, often in a journalistic or documentary style.
Storyboard Artist: Creating visual sequences for film, television, animation, and advertising, outlining shots and compositions.
Greeting Card/Stationery Designer: Designing and illustrating artwork for greeting cards, stationery, and gift products.
Gallery/Exhibiting Artist (Illustration Focus): Creating and exhibiting illustrative artwork in galleries and art spaces.
Illustration Agent/Representative: (With experience) Representing and promoting the work of illustrators to potential clients and negotiating contracts.
