University
University of CanterburyMaster of Illustration
Level of Study
Master's Degree
Summary
IntroductionDevelop technical skills across a range of traditional and digital media with UC’s Master of Illustration (MIllust).
This degree enables you to adapt your practice to a wide range of illustration contexts. An emphasis on visual storytelling and narrative development prepares you to communicate powerfully in your chosen profession, whether for picture books, editorial, animation and games, education, marketing, science, or other mediums.
You will be encouraged to think critically, engage with cultural and ethical questions, and reflect meaningfully on your creative practice and the role of illustration in the world to grow your skills to become a creative leader with a distinct visual language and developed authorial voice.
The Master of Illustration is available both on campus and by distance study, full-time and part-time. You also have the option to undertake the programme as a Postgraduate Certificate or as a Postgraduate Diploma.
Applications are accepted through to the beginning of each semester, and applicants are selected based on their portfolio of work. Please see ‘Entry requirements’ below for further details.
Entry criteria
Entry requirementsTo apply for the Master of Illustration, you will need to have one of the following from your previous studies:
- a bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject, with at least a B grade average in your 300-level courses
- any bachelor’s degree and relevant professional or other work experience
- a Postgraduate Certificate in Illustration with at least a B grade average
- a Postgraduate Diploma in Illustration with at least a B grade average
- other qualifications of an equivalent standard.
All applicants need to submit a portfolio of relevant work.
If English is not your first language, you are also required to meet UC's Postgraduate language requirements. See how to provide your English language evidence to UC. If you need help meeting these requirements, or would like to practise your English skills before studying, UC offers English for Academic Purposes (EAP) language programmes.
For the full entry requirements, see the Regulations for the Master of Illustration or use the admission requirements checker.
How to applyEntry to the Master of Illustration is limited. You will need to submit the following:
- a letter of introduction
- a portfolio of work, including a written statement.
Please email your application materials to creativeartsadmin@canterbury.ac.nz
You are encouraged to apply as early as possible. Applications are accepted through to the beginning of each semester. Late enrolments and portfolios will continue to be reviewed until close to the start of the programme.
Illustration Portfolio requirements
The portfolio must include 12 image-based pages plus a written artist's statement.
The portfolio is your opportunity to demonstrate three important areas:
- the level of your competency and ability in illustration. Please make sure you include your best work.
- aspects of your methodology to demonstrate how you arrived at your final work. Examples of preliminary sketches and roughs are important.
- evidence of skill and development in your key subjects of interest, for example imagery relevant to children's book illustration, magazine editorial, graphic novel, character design and concept art, science communications, etc.
We would like to see your work presented to us in the best possible way. The work should be well scanned (if traditionally made), cleaned up and formatted into a clean and professional document. You can search for information online regarding preparation of illustration portfolios.
Please submit your portfolio as a single 12-page PDF document.
Your artist's statement should demonstrate your ability to express in writing a critical understanding of your interest and intent with illustration, the tools and techniques you work with, and where you hope to engage your craft as an illustrator in your studies within this programme and onwards into the future.
This should be submitted with your portfolio as no more than one A4 sheet.
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