MA Illustration

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First or upper second-class honours degree (or equivalent non-UK qualifications) in a relevant subject, or an equivalent professional qualification in a related subject.

If you are applying directly from an undergraduate degree course without experience or professional practice, you must be able to demonstrate a good knowledge of your chosen subject area.

Non-EEA/EU

In order to be eligible for a course, you will need to be a competent speaker and writer of English. This applies if you are from the European Union (EU) or a country outside the EU.

You need to provide us with an IELTS or equivalent English language qualification, which demonstrates a minimum of 6.0 (with a minimum of 5.5 in each sub test) or CEFR Level B2 in each component.

If you are applying as a Tier 4 student, please read the English Language requirements or contact [email protected] for more detailed information.

Learn more: entry requirements per country

Applications are welcome from those who may not possess formal entry qualifications, mature students, those who have ample work experience or qualifications other than those listed above.

Such applicants should demonstrate sufficient aptitude and potential to complete the course successfully. Applicants will be assessed at interview in accordance with Ravensbourne’s Accreditation of Prior Learning Policy and Procedure.

Selection criteria

We welcome suitably qualified applicants who are able to demonstrate a good level of skills in areas associated with illustration.

To get a holistic view of your ability and aptitude to succeed on this course, we will also consider your enthusiasm and interest in the subject area, how you manage the creative process, previous study and professional skills. A PDF portfolio of visual work is required.

Whether you are a UK resident or a non-EEA/EU national, you will need to apply directly to Ravensbourne via our Online Applicant Portal. Each course and mode option has a unique link to apply. 

Simply select and click your chosen start date and mode via the 'Apply now' dropdown at the top of this page, and you will be directed to the appropriate page inside the portal. 

Learn more: how to apply for a postgraduate course

We want to know why you chose the UK as your study destination, what attracted you to Ravensbourne and the course, and how it relates to or fits in with your plans for the future. We love to hear people's motivations and aspirations, so please make your personal statement, 'personal'.

Using a minimum of 500 words, please use your personal statement to explain:

1. Why you chose the UK as your study destination (if you are an international student)
2. What attracted you to Ravensbourne University London and the specific course you are applying for
3. Your experiences and interests
4. What you hope to gain from the course
5. What you hope to do after graduating
6. Any relevant work experience

To prepare for your academic interview, please make sure you review your portfolio, CV, and personal statement. It is important that you know why you would like to study the course / programme and how this course can benefit you in the future. It is also worth doing researching a current industry that inspired you to do this course. Lastly, you should think about your aims or your area for research in both theory and practice if accepted on the Master's course. This is also a good opportunity for you to ask questions that you may have about the course.

Your portfolio can be accepted as a PDF uploaded to the applicant portal, or as a weblink. This should be a portfolio of work containing 6-8 final design solutions with accompanying research materials / sketches. We are looking for applicants that can demonstrate their creative thinking and problem-solving abilities as well as their technical skillsets within their work. Your portfolio must include only work that you have created and where any group projects are submitted you should identify your role in the project. Your portfolio should be a reflection of your journey thus far and also demonstrate your interests and your enthusiasm for your discipline.

As it crosses so many creative boundaries, there are unparalleled opportunities for contemporary illustrators to work with time-based, sequential and narrative forms including graphic design, advertising and publishing, fashion and product design, animation and games design.

You can’t learn in a vacuum, which is why industry connection is ingrained into everything we do. Ravensbourne University London will equip you for success in the creative and digital industries. Our tutors are respected academics and practitioners with substantial experience and industry links, while our suite of postgraduate courses has been designed with industry, for industry.

You will be part of a diverse community of creatives, working collaboratively to explore new professional practices. Ravensbourne have strong industry links with a range of high-profile companies, including: Apple, Barclays, the BBC, European Space Agency, Marks & Spencer, Museum of London, the Royal Shakespeare Company, Samsung and many more.

Incubation+

Incubation+ is a collaborative community of Ravensbourne graduates, local businesses and professional partners bringing new entrepreneurial business ideas, services and products to market. Incubation+ supports an ecosystem of small creative and tech start-up companies with specialist business support and mentoring from local and national experts. Providing access to funding through a pool of specialist funders.

EventsHub

The EventsHub is a flexible space designed to house various industry-facing lectures, presentations, events, launches, promotions, showcases, exhibitions and short courses for Ravensbourne, the local community and across the Design District. 

TheWorkshop

The Institute’s prototyping facilities are designed to enable and support experimentation and exploration of materials and making through hi-tech, lo-tech and no-tech facilities. This includes 3D printing, large-format digital print, laser cutting and vacuum forming, Arduino and Raspberry Pi coding and workshop hand-tools. 

CreativeLab

CreativeLab is Ravensbourne’s own in-house design and media production studio. Working across creative commercial projects, not-for-profit third-sector briefs and internal design and content requirements, CreativeLab combines professional design expertise with employment opportunities on projects for our students and graduates.

Learn more: The Institute for Creativity and Technology

For information on study routes, visa requirements, studying in England,  language and entry requirements, application requirements and access to international agents, please visit our international section.

Quick links:

• How to apply
• Student route visa admissions
• International Education Agents
• Visas and immigration
• Student route visa CAS deposit & fee refund
• International student FAQs

If you have any questions, we'd love to hear from you. 

Get in touch with a member of our admissions team:

T: +44 (0) 20 3040 3998

E: [email protected]

If you have specific queries about being an international student, contact [email protected]

For general information, call +44 (0) 20 3040 3500

You can also chat to our students 

Find specialist information hubs for:

• Prospective students
• International students
• Students with a disability
• Parents and guardians