MA Illustration in Edinburgh United Kingdom | The University of Edinburgh

The MA Illustration program provides a rigorous blend of theory and practice for an international cohort of master's students.

Each student receives a dedicated workspace to investigate modern themes while engaging with the discipline's rich heritage. Early in the term, students draft Research Proposals outlining their project concepts and contextual frameworks. These proposals receive faculty guidance, supplemented by structured assignments and group projects throughout the academic year.

This advanced study facilitates thorough examination of thematic content and written materials, empowering students to develop distinctive, specialized portfolios. Many participants aspire to professional careers or doctoral research, with all work combining rigorous investigation with technical execution and conceptual development. The program features a Life Drawing studio with regular sessions and multiple digital workspaces across campus, embracing both traditional media and modern technology. Theoretical studies inform all practical work, complemented by guest lectures from industry leaders and scholars. We encourage diverse approaches to Illustration and its intersections with design and fine arts. Our Illustration students share studio space near Graphic Design – a natural partnership – and frequently collaborate with other University of Edinburgh departments. Recent initiatives include exhibitions at the Scottish Parliament and Institut Français d'Écosse, plus a curated postcard series showcasing Edinburgh for the Heart of Midlothian project. Field trips support drawing practice and visual research, including specialized natural history projects. Notable partnerships involve Edinburgh Filmhouse and University publications, alongside annual opportunities to participate in competitions with organizations like Penguin, V&A, Folio Society, 3x3, and the Macmillan Children's Book Prize.

The curriculum emphasizes collaborative projects with writers, designers, and publishers through real-world briefs.

Our graduates frequently achieve publication, with program projects continuously adapting to reflect current trends in illustration and graphic arts. Past student work has featured in:

Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Edinburgh Filmhouse
ECA Bookmarks symposium
Studio work typically focuses on:

narrative development
contemporary event documentation
fictional and factual storytelling
literary visualization
author-driven illustration