MA Illustration (Online)

"Due to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, examinations may be replaced by an alternative form of assessment during the academic year 2021/2022. Please refer to the Programme Specification on these pages for further details."

Why choose Herts?

• Teaching Excellence: You will be taught by highly experienced academics all of whom are practising illustrators.
• Employment Prospects: Graduates work for publishing, design, and creative agencies as well as international organisations.
• Industry-Related Learning: Previous students have gained experience following briefs from organisations.

About the course

Foster your creativity and enhance your employment opportunities by joining MA Illustration. The aim of this postgraduate programme is to equip you with the skills, knowledge and understanding required to practice at an advanced level. There is a strong emphasis on professional practice and the real-world applications of art and design. You'll develop key research skills and gain a good understanding of the work of other practitioners in your field.

Senior research staff and internationally renowned practitioners work with postgraduate students, helping you to develop original and challenging work. Our staff are experienced in research and professional practice, and you'll also benefit from contributions from visiting designers and professionals, as well as from involvement with our international exhibitions programme.

Every step of the way, you'll develop your imaginative, creative and technical potential as an illustrator. We'll invite you to examine a range of media in the field of illustration. For example, the role of image-making in new and traditional media, and illustration's relationships with fine art and digital media.

We'll give you an opportunity to develop advanced knowledge and skills in the use of narrative storytelling. You'll discover its relationship to illustration, as well as illustrative conventions in children's and adult literature, comics and other media. We'll encourage you to develop the entrepreneurial and commercial skills you'll need to develop your work to its full potential. You'll gain the practical and intellectual skills to thrive as a practising artist. By working alongside artists and designers on other postgraduate courses you'll explore the possibilities for the illustrator today, questioning conventions and refining the direction of your practice.

By studying the MA Illustration (online), you can fit studies around work and life commitments.

Why choose this course?

• You want to develop your professional skills as an illustrator.
• You're excited to work with design professionals of international standing.
• You're looking forward to working in professional and industrial contexts.
• You want to gain research skills that are vital for industry success.
• You want to study entirely via distance learning.

Student experience

At the University of Hertfordshire, we want to make sure your time studying with us is as stress-free and rewarding as possible. We offer a range of support services including; student wellbeing, academic support, accommodation and childcare to ensure that you make the most of your time at Herts and can focus on studying and having fun.

Additional information

• Sandwich placement or study abroad year: n/a
• Applications open to international and EU students: Yes

At the University of Hertfordshire, we see your potential, we hear your ambitions and we support your futures. From the moment we meet, we will set you on a path to achieving your goals. We will drive you forward, we will actively guide you every step of the way. You may not be confident or you may have questions – but we believe in you and we will help you find the answers. You may have a goal that you want to achieve – we can help focus you. You may want an experience – we can get you some. Here at Herts, there are many pathways to success, so let us empower your future, and take you all the way. This is your platform, your opportunity to succeed – so what are you waiting for?

With our online courses, you’ll have the freedom and flexibility to learn and work with an international community of students, with access to global expertise and networking opportunities, wherever you are.

These degrees follow a similar approach to our on-campus equivalents and, wherever possible, cover the same topics. They’re designed and delivered by the same lecturers, and taught and assessed in a way that's specifically designed for web-based learning and for students who need to study flexibly. We have input from forward-thinking employers, ensuring you graduate with the skills you need for a successful career.

Why study online?

Online study is perfect for those who want to improve their skills, knowledge and career prospects but can't commit to attending a university, or study full time.

At the University of Hertfordshire we develop, deliver and support all our online degrees. Unlike some universities, we don't involve third-party agencies in our online learning. From completing your application to study with us, right through your studies and up to graduation, our friendly dedicated team of tutors and staff is here to help you, every step of the way.

Our online courses have the same high academic standard as our on-campus qualifications. You will have obtained a fully accredited, university degree. We are an online university, as well as a traditional one. How you choose to study does not affect the validity of your qualification.

Our online courses have the same entry requirements, content and substantially the same learning outcomes as our on-campus programmes. They follow the same rigorous academic quality assurance procedures for development, approval, delivery and assessment. This ensures and protects the value of the award you will gain.

Study on your terms

Online distance learning gives you flexibility when it comes to studying.

All our online courses are 100% online, you choose when and where to study. All our courses can be studied part-time, which means you can fit your studies around work and life commitments.

International students can get a highly accredited UK degree without having to leave their country. At the University, we also see that interacting with other students and tutors can also be an important part of the learning process, so we combine this flexibility with some scheduled sessions and assessments at specific times.

Your course is delivered through the University's managed learning environment Canvas.

Support

There is a common misconception that you will have no University contact or support from teaching staff when you study online.

Our friendly dedicated team of tutors and staff are here to help you, every step of the way, your programme tutor is accessible throughout your online studies, and for each module, you will have a module tutor who will support you through that particular module.

There is also a team of administrators and educational technologists to assist with technical queries.

A helping hand with your career

As an online student at the University of Hertfordshire, you will have access to the dedicated Careers and Employment and Enterprise service online, supported by their outstanding job's portal, HandShake.

They are here to help you to develop your skills and make the best decisions for your future, offering assistance in:

• searching for work experience opportunities
• advice and tips on how to create the perfect CV
• applying for jobs
• undertaking further study
• starting your own business