MA in Illustration, Kingston University London

Kingston upon Thames,

12 Months

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About this course

Kingston University’s MA in Illustration is designed to help students master the art of visual storytelling. It focuses on developing critical, creative, and research skills necessary to refine practice and stand out professionally. The course emphasizes understanding image production through connections between images, words, objects, and people. Students will explore diverse disciplinary settings and social and political aspects of illustration, encouraging experimentation and critical reflection. The program aims to prepare graduates for a broad range of professional opportunities, including publishing, curation, teaching, and more. Through tutorials, field trips, workshops, and research projects, students will gain technical tools, confidence, and a nuanced understanding of contemporary illustration practice. The course also aligns with social sciences, humanities, and arts, promoting a dialogic, discursive approach to learning.

Why this course is highly recommended

Students benefit from top-quality teaching at Kingston University, ranked Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework, with access to state-of-the-art facilities. As part of Kingston School of Art, the program fosters a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment, with workshops and studios open to various disciplines. The course encourages experimentation and critical reflection, ideal for students seeking to develop a unique voice and practical skills. Strong industry connections and opportunities for showcases, collaborations, and optional placements further enhance employability in diverse creative industries.

Specialisation

The course offers an extensive exploration of illustration as a practice and discipline, emphasizing visual storytelling, critical reflection, and social and political engagement. Students develop their own practice through studio modules, research, and projects, with a focus on innovation, rigour, ethics, and inclusivity. The curriculum supports evolving knowledge and aims to situate students' work within contemporary contexts, addressing current issues such as representation, ethics, and global impact.

Course fees

Application fees

1st year tuition fees

23.01L

Living cost

Degree requirements

The course requires students to complete 180 credits over the year, with each credit representing 10 hours of study. It combines scheduled activities like workshops, seminars, and tutorials with guided independent study. To graduate, students must pass the required credits through a combination of coursework and practical assessments, including their final extended research project.

English language test

PTE

DUOLINGO

TOEFL

IELTS

6.5

Career prospects

Graduates of this program are well-equipped for roles in publishing, curation, education, and public engagement. Recent alumni have taken positions in project management, direction, exhibition planning, and cultural sector work. Some go on to teach or lead higher education initiatives, contributing to global visual and social discourse. The course’s industry links and emphasis on professional skills support a broad spectrum of creative careers.

FAQs

What practical facilities are available for illustration students?

Students have access to dedicated workshops for animation, digital media, printmaking, 3D work, and photography, along with immersive labs for virtual, augmented, and mixed reality technologies.

Is there an option to do a work placement?

Yes, students can undertake a 12-month optional professional placement, which is assessed and can support their future career decisions.