Master of Illustration

Entry criteria

Entry requirements

To 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, use the admission requirements checker.

How to apply

Entry 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. You should expect to be advised of acceptance by mid-December. On a case-by-case basis, we may accept late applications.

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.