Illustration

Entry requirements

Normally a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in illustration or a related subject that gives appropriate grounding for postgraduate study. You should demonstrate knowledge of the subject and its contemporary practice.

You must submit a portfolio as part of your application. Your portfolio should contain examples of work that show an understanding and level of skill appropriate to the postgraduate study of illustration, including:

• observational drawing
• colour, line, composition
• idea development
• awareness of narrative image-making and sequential image-making
• awareness of print and applications of digital media
• awareness of the professional practice and the cultural context of historical and contemporary Illustration

If you do not meet the academic entry requirements, we may still consider your application on the basis of your portfolio and/or relevant professional experience.

Months of entry

September

Course content

Postgraduate study in illustration reflects the diversity of the subject and the opportunities that exist in areas such as publishing, advertising, graphic and web design, theatre, television, art galleries and museums.

We welcome applicants with a variety of approaches to Illustration, from both academic and professional backgrounds. Students will be encouraged to explore various forms of practice, with support from accomplished and respected staff. All staff have understanding, professional experience and skills in this field of art & design.

Facilities include excellent individual working spaces. There is access to a drawing studio and extensive printmaking resources, as well as other workshops in the ECA campus and wider University. There are life drawing classes, book-arts workshops and field trips. The programme also includes working with writers, designers and publishers in collaboration and in live briefs. Many of our postgraduates have their work published and a number of set projects evolve from year to year. These reflect contemporary developments in illustration and the graphic arts. For example, students have made work for the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Edinburgh Filmhouse and the ECA Bookmarks symposium.

Much work in the studios is concerned with storytelling, documenting current events, fiction and non-fiction, visual complements to literature, and authorial illustration. You will be encouraged to take part in national and international competitions, with the aim of joining the ranks of those who have exhibited and won prizes in events such as the V&A Student Illustration Awards, AOI, Image Nation, Folio Society, Penguin Book Awards, 3x3, Batsford and D&AD briefs.