MA Illustration - Contemporary Dialogues

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.

The University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) is supporting international students by providing a range of scholarships and financial aid options to help reduce the cost of tuition fees and make studying in the UK more accessible. UWTSD offers various scholarships based on academic merit, country of origin, and specific program requirements.

International Postgraduate Scholarships: UWTSD offers International Postgraduate Scholarships to support international students enrolling in postgraduate taught programs. These scholarships are awarded to high-achieving students and can provide substantial financial assistance. International students from countries outside the EU are eligible to apply, and the scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence and the strength of their application.

Country-Specific Scholarships: UWTSD offers Country-Specific Scholarships for students from particular regions or countries. These scholarships are tailored to students from countries with strong links to the university or who are studying specific courses. The scholarships can range from partial fee waivers to more substantial financial support and are typically awarded based on academic merit and the applicant’s background.

Alumni Loyalty Scholarship: UWTSD offers an Alumni Loyalty Scholarship for international students who are returning to study at the university for a second degree or postgraduate qualification. The scholarship is a way of recognizing the continued alumni to the university, with a discount on tuition fees as a gesture of appreciation.

Early Payment Discounts: Students who pay their tuition fees early can benefit from an early payment discount. This discount is available to international students who pay their tuition fees in full before the specified deadline. The early payment discount typically depending on the program and level of study.

Graduates of the MA Illustration - Contemporary Dialogues program from UWTSD are equipped to enter diverse creative industries, ranging from traditional illustration work to digital media, design, and education. Their ability to engage with contemporary issues, produce high-quality visual communication, and develop a unique artistic voice positions them for success across various sectors. 

Freelance Illustrator: One of the most popular career options for graduates is to pursue a career as a freelance illustrator. As a freelancer, graduates can work on a wide range of projects, from editorial illustrations and book covers to commercial artwork for advertisements and digital platforms. The program's emphasis on developing a personal artistic style and building a portfolio allows graduates to market themselves effectively to potential clients across various sectors.

Editorial Illustrator: Editorial illustrators create artwork for newspapers, magazines, and online publications. Graduates of the MA Illustration program can work as editorial illustrators, providing visual interpretations of written content. This role requires strong conceptual skills, creativity, and the ability to convey complex ideas through illustration. Editorial illustrators also have opportunities to collaborate with writers, editors, and designers to produce compelling visuals.

Children's Book Illustrator: With a strong foundation in both traditional and contemporary illustration techniques, graduates can pursue careers as children's book illustrators. This specialized field involves creating engaging visuals for young readers, bringing stories to life with vibrant, imaginative artwork. Graduates who have developed a unique artistic style and storytelling ability are well-positioned for success in this industry.

Concept Artist: Concept artists work primarily in the entertainment industry, creating visual representations of characters, environments, and scenes for films, video games, and animation. The program's focus on contemporary illustration, narrative techniques, and visual storytelling allows graduates to pursue careers in this fast-paced and creative field. Concept artists play a crucial role in visualizing the early stages of a creative project and are often part of a team of artists working on high-profile productions.

Graphic Designer: Graduates can also transition into the field of graphic design, where they apply their illustration skills to branding, marketing, and visual communication. Graphic designers create logos, advertisements, and other materials that help businesses communicate their message effectively. The versatility developed in the MA Illustration program allows graduates to work across a variety of design mediums, combining their illustration skills with a strong understanding of visual composition.

Animation Artist: With the rise of animated content across films, TV shows, and digital media, animation artists are in high demand. Graduates with a passion for motion graphics and animation can pursue careers as animation artists, creating character designs, storyboards, and backgrounds for animated projects. The MA Illustration program’s focus on innovative visual communication prepares graduates to work in animation studios or as independent creators in the ever-growing field of animation.

Art Director: Art directors oversee the visual elements of creative projects in industries such as advertising, publishing, and entertainment. Graduates of the program, with their understanding of visual aesthetics and their experience creating impactful artwork, can transition into this leadership role. As an art director, graduates would guide teams of artists and designers to ensure that the visual elements of a project align with the overall creative vision and brand identity.

Gallery and Exhibition Curator: Graduates with an interest in the fine arts and contemporary visual culture can pursue careers as gallery curators or exhibition organizers. They may work in public or private galleries, museums, and cultural institutions, curating exhibitions that showcase the work of illustrators and other artists. This career path combines artistic knowledge with organizational and administrative skills, offering graduates the opportunity to engage with the art world in a meaningful way.

Illustration Educator: Graduates who are passionate about teaching and mentoring can pursue careers as illustration educators at secondary schools, colleges, or universities. With a strong theoretical foundation in contemporary illustration, as well as practical experience in the field, graduates are well-equipped to inspire and educate the next generation of artists. Teaching also provides an opportunity to continue developing one's own artistic practice while sharing knowledge with students.

Art Therapist: For graduates with an interest in psychology and mental health, art therapy is an emerging career path. Art therapists use creative processes, such as illustration, to help individuals express emotions and work through psychological challenges. While additional certification is typically required, the MA Illustration program's focus on personal expression and creativity can serve as a strong foundation for pursuing this fulfilling career.

Illustration and Design Consultant: Graduates can also work as illustration consultants or design consultants, providing expert advice to businesses, brands, and individuals. As consultants, they help clients select appropriate visual styles and designs, ensuring that illustrations align with the brand's identity and marketing strategy. This role allows graduates to combine their artistic expertise with business acumen to solve visual communication challenges.

Social Media Content Creator: With the growing influence of digital media, social media content creators and influencers are leveraging illustration to build personal brands and engage with online audiences. Graduates can work independently or with marketing agencies to create visual content for social media platforms, helping brands connect with their target audience through engaging and shareable imagery.

Exhibit/Display Designer: Exhibit and display designers create immersive and engaging environments for museums, trade shows, exhibitions, and retail spaces. Using their illustration skills, graduates can design visual displays, signage, and promotional materials that enhance the visitor experience. This career path allows graduates to combine their artistic talent with a strong understanding of how to communicate information visually in physical spaces.

Packaging Designer: Packaging designers create visually appealing and functional designs for product packaging. Graduates of the program who are interested in commercial applications can apply their illustration skills to packaging, ensuring that products stand out on the shelves while maintaining the integrity of a brand’s identity. This career requires a combination of artistic skill, market awareness, and an understanding of consumer behavior.