MA Illustration
- Entry year:
- 2026/27
- Start date:
- September
- Study mode:
- Full-time
- Course duration:
- 1 year
- Campus:
- Mount Pleasant
Why study this course with LJMU?
About this course
MA Illustration is a place where you can develop, test and discuss your work within a community of dedicated staff and a highly motivated and diverse community of practitioners, and with the support of state-of-the-art technical facilities, space to work amongst like-minded, creative people.
- drawing and printmaking
- using lens and time-based media
- 3D and 2D working with ideas and concepts that might finally be realised through exhibition, publication or any number of exciting new hybrid forms
Illustration is considered to be a function of an image making practice and as such can be viewed as a means to intervene in a wide range of conversations and subjects.
The process of disseminating or publishing your work is as important to us as the means of production. Audience and reception and the management of this is also a formative part of the wider circle of illustration practice. We recognise an expanded understanding of contemporary illustration through the exploration of relationships between illustrator as author, audience and context and the responsibility of being public actors engaging in social and cultural production.
Hear from our students
Graduate student
I was challenged to develop and rethink, to reassess old habits and ways of working, and to explore some new ways - 3D paper engineering, and the mechanics of book making production - further than ever before.
Current student
Really exciting prospect. I'm biased as an illustrator but I really like the idea of more specialism at MA.
Course modules
Discover the building blocks of your programme
Further guidance on modules
Modules are designated core or optional in accordance with professional body requirements, as applicable, and LJMU’s Academic Framework Regulations. Whilst you are required to study core modules, optional modules provide you with an element of choice. Their availability may vary and will be subject to meeting minimum student numbers.
Where changes to modules are necessary these will be communicated as appropriate.
Core modules
Transdisciplinary Practice
30 credits
30 credits
The Transdisciplinary Practice module concerns the development of your individual practice. It sees you consider, adopt and implement a range of interdisciplinary, multidisciplinary or transdisciplinary methods, to refine, extend, develop and critically reflect upon your own practice. This enables a deeper relationship to one's own practice by seeing it through the lens of other disciplines, and cultivates more sympathetic understanding of the contingencies of other practices and disciplines through the same process.
You will work as individuals or in groups, or establish new relationships and collaborations to produce innovative, visionary and speculative practical outcomes in the context of one or more disciplinary contexts.
The module enables you to propose, plan, organise, publish or promote your work and research. Outcomes could include proposals for applied creative projects, documentary of work in progress, exhibition of work(s), public presentations in symposiums, websites or printed publications.
Learning is predominantly through lectures, reading groups and seminars. You will be introduced to ongoing inter-multi-transdisciplinary projects in the Institute of Art and Technology (IAT) and in the Liverpool City region through guest speakers who will expose you to new ways of working.
Peer review is a crucial part of the practice-based research experience and this is facilitated through student-led and tutor guided studio activities and critical reviews. At this level it is expected that you will show a high degree of motivation and ability to engage in self-directed study, demonstrating a level of scholarship, initiative and problem solving appropriate to Master's degree study.
Research Inquiry
30 credits
30 credits
This module aims to develop and improve your research and analytical skills. Analysis and problem-solving skills are critical to student employability and subsequent success in most types of careers post MA.
Students are immersed in a range of methodological approaches across the arts and social sciences, and will develop and in-depth understanding and knowledge of contemporary approaches to research in their field of study. This will be crucial in laying the foundation for developing their own subsequent projects.
A series of lectures and seminars will introduce you to current and emerging practice in relation to a diverse range of historical, theoretical and critical principles. Seminars will require you to share, discuss and evaluate ideas and practice with others.
You will read and discuss a range of primary and secondary texts in your chosen field(s) to develop critical thinking together with historical and theoretical knowledge.
The module culminates in the successful preparation and delivery of a professional project proposal and pitch presentation.
Studio Practice - Illustration
30 credits
30 credits
The Studio Practice module is an opportunity to take a critical look at your prior experience within the field, take what works and remains relevant, and apply it to an entirely new set of work. The common starting point is a trigger for very differentiated sets of practice and the outcomes should feel wholly authored by the practitioner. The module is an introduction to Masters level study and to a discursive, critical approach to practice. It includes induction into the technical areas and the studio culture of the school
Critical Discourses - Illustration
30 credits
30 credits
This module requires students to produce an illustrated and designed written project of 6000-8000 words (or equivalent) relating to your specific research interests and/or relevant to a specific area of design.
This module is the equivalent of a dissertation and is constructed in a similar way. The emphasis here is to produce a situated research project from within the discipline, but one that looks outwards towards the edges of the critical discourse around the discipline. The notion being that the shortcomings of a solely disciplinary approach can be addressed and that graduates are able to develop a singular trajectory for their ideas around their own practice and its relation to the subject area. Ideas are developed through examining the relations between critical discourses learned and generated, the students practical concern, and the current needs for development of the subject or discipline.
Major Project - Illustration
60 credits
60 credits
This is the module where you bring together all the skills you have acquired on the programme. It aims to foster the highest level of the students practice. Regular taught sessions and group contact points are augmented by personal tutor support. The main structure of the module follows from Ideation workshopping through tutorials and crit presentation to develop a reflective and critical take on the progression of the idea. The project will be the substance of a public facing outcome that acts as a manifestation of the student’s individual practice. The public facing element will be as presentation and also through exhibition, print or web publication or other practice related mode of dissemination. The main teaching of the module takes place in Semester One and then again during the Summer alongside the Full Time cohort.
Your Learning Experience
An insight into teaching on your course
How learning is monitored on your programme
To cater for the wide-ranging content of our courses and the varied learning preferences of our students, we offer a range of assessment methods on each programme.
Assessment is by portfolio and presentation of work, with a written critical reflection submitted usually after the presentation and submission. The core of teaching will be studio based with tutorials, seminars, supporting lectures and workshops. Seminars provide the opportunity for discussion and the development of communication / verbal skills.
Learning on the programme integrates experiential elements with more formal lecture and seminar-based delivery. Group discussion is the primary mode of contact within the group and we actively cultivate an inclusive socially responsible partnership between staff and students within the studio sessions. Regular studio-based group presentations and critiques engage the group in challenging, enjoyable, critical discussion on and off topics relating to their work. The planning of the group crits is supported by group and individual tutorial sessions though different modes of delivery are optional for students who feel unable to present in this way. Peer group participation is actively encouraged within the parameters of individuals abilities and specific needs and wellbeing is paramount. Individual tutorials provide the opportunity for in depth discussion about developing practice and the students' motivation. All students will be assigned a personal tutor who will be responsible for their academic development and assessment.
The LJMU online platform Canvas makes teaching materials available and helps students navigate their way through the programme. A detailed and editable timetable for the year is made available as are various briefs and other materials. Assessment methods and requirements are specified on Canvas in the module pages and module proformas. Generally the assessment for each module includes some form of exegesis, written and / or presented as a viva, as well as a documentary of the presentation plus the portfolio of work.
The students receive individual feedback in reply to their submission and there are timetabled opportunities to discuss this feedback with their personal tutor. Ongoing seminar and tutorial contact allows for considerable amount of ongoing verbal / formative feedback and assessment before the summative assessment points for each module.
This is a student-centred programme that also recognises the need for you to establish a deep and particular relationship with the research methods, critical theories and wider contexts that situate your practice. The assessment of the thinking and the practice is through project work, written reflection and verbal presentation in order to capture the value of the student work
Where you will study
This programme is based in the Liverpool School of Art and Creative Industries at the John Lennon Art and Design Building, a purpose-built facility in the Mount Pleasant Campus where we encourage interaction between different disciplines and the sharing of ideas and expertise. The building houses state-of-the-art facilities, studios and workshops including a well equipped Printmaking Space and a Digital Imaging suite. You have full use of other buildings including the Student Life Building and several LJMU libraries within the city, some with 24hr access.
I think that the MA enabled me to explore new avenues and directions, using some different media and techniques than what I am used to, and then allowed me to really focus on a specific area of interest to explore in more depth.
Postgraduate research opportunities
At LJMU, you can take the next step in your academic journey with a PhD or MPhil, available on a full-time or part-time basis. International students also have the option to study remotely.
- PhD duration: Up to 4 years full-time, or up to 7 years part-time
- Funding options: Choose between funded projects (with supervisors already in place) or self-funded study
Our Doctoral Academy is here to support you every step of the way—from your first enquiry through to successful completion—working closely with Schools, Faculties, and Professional Services.
For more details on postgraduate research and full details on how to apply, visit the Doctoral Academy website.
Career paths
Further your career prospects
LJMU has an excellent employability record with 94% (HESA 2022) of our postgraduates in work or further study fifteen months after graduation. Our applied learning techniques and strong industry connections ensure our students are fully prepared for the workplace on graduation and understand how to apply their knowledge in a real world context.
All students are encouraged to identify and assess their specific work-related learning needs in support of their personal trajectory following successful completion of the programme and to formulate a strategy to realise their ambitions as part of their studio projects. This has been reported as being really successful following post graduate reports on employment.
We support the development of a professional approach to practice throughout the programme through specific focus on professional practice, freelance work, precarity, economics, technology and the current sociopolitical climate that can enable and constrain different component parts of contemporary creative practice. Working life referenced supported throughout the seminar and tutorial process.
A number of our current and previous cohort are actively engaged in professional practice during the programme and recent students publishing work in various national and international publications. In partnership with the undergraduate Graphic Design and Illustration programme we undertake an annual educational visit to London, whose relevance spans the whole programme. The undergraduate programme also engages with a broad range of professional figures and companies both locally and nationally and the MA participates in a number of extracurricular visits and events both as delegates and as presenters. The MA is a member of the professional Association of Illustrators in the UK (AOI).
Masters level students will also be able to undertake projects and collaborate with creative industry practitioners to broaden their critical understanding of their specialism. MA students collaborate with a Liverpool based design studio to design and publicise their public facing MA degree show at the end of the second year and this is planned to continue.
Tuition fees and funding
- Fee:
- £9,340
Fees
The fees quoted above cover registration, tuition, supervision, assessment and examinations as well as library membership and student IT support with access to printed, multimedia and digital resources including programme-appropriate software and on campus wifi.
Financial Support
There are many ways to fund postgraduate study for home and international students. From loans to International Scholarships and subject-specific funding, you’ll find all of the information you need on our specialist postgraduate funding pages. The University offers a range of financial support for students. You'll find all the information you need on our specialist financial support pages including details of the Student Support Fund and other activities to support with the cost of living.
Additional Costs
In addition to fees, students should also keep in mind the cost of:
- Accommodation
- Travel costs and field trips unless paid for by LJMU
- Stationery, IT equipment, professional body membership and graduation gown hire
- Fee:
- £17,750
International Scholarships and payment plans
Liverpool John Moores University is committed to supporting international students by providing a range of scholarships and flexible payment plans to help students manage their tuition fees.
Scholarships
LJMU provides a variety of postgraduate scholarships to support international students. Scholarships are available to self-funded students who have accepted their offer and met all the conditions outlined in their offer letter. Students must also demonstrate that they can cover living costs, travel, and other expenses associated to studying at the university. Postgraduate scholarships include tuition fee reductions and are often offered in partnership with external funding organisations such as the British Council and Chevening.
All self-funded international students are eligible for an automatic scholarship worth up to £4,000. For more details and to view our full list of scholarships, visit the international scholarship webpages.
Deposit
All students must pay a £5,000 deposit before they can receive their CAS letter.
For more information view our deposit page.
Tuition Fee Payment Plan
After paying their £5,000 deposit, students have the option to pay their fees in full or in three equal instalments minus any internal scholarships and discounts. There are two payment options available for international students. You can either pay your tuition fees in full before enrolment or opt for a payment plan. With the payment plan, you can pay your fees in three instalments after making your £5,000 deposit. The first instalment is due before enrolment.
All payments should be made through Flywire. Full details can be found in the How to Pay Guide.
Entry requirements
You will need:
Qualification requirements
Undergraduate degree
We require candidates to have a 2:1 degree Illustration or a related discipline.
In exceptional circumstances applications by mature graphic designers, illustrators and artists without sufficient academic qualifications but with the requisite aptitude and focus will be considered.
Additional requirements
-
Interview required
All applicants who meet the portfolio requirements (see below) will be invited to attend an interview.
Further information
-
Extra Requirements
Digital Portfolio / web URL
We ask you to submit a simple PDF file with your most recent or relevant work. You can include short captions or titles but the work should be allowed to show itself. Make sure that you have compressed the file before uploading.
The digital PDF portfolio should include some or most of the following;
+ a range of work that may include including undergraduate work, self-directed work, commissions, work in progress, experimental work.
+ evidence of problem solving and idea development
+ evidence of your personal practice and some direction for future practice
+ visual literacy, professionalism and technical ability
+ research and preparatory work
+ sketchbooks showing drawing, collecting, lists, ideas, starts, sketches, interesting things.
+ evidence of wider practice, research projects or other stuff that may be relevant.
+ show you have thought about the ordering and presentation of the work.
On the whole the digital portfolio should in part be evidence that you have the aptitude to succeed on the course, but also that you are willing to learn and develop. It should be enough to trigger a conversation at the interview, and it should be interesting to you and give you lots of things to talk about.
If you submit a URL make sure that it is public domain and accessible to the interviewer.
-
RPL
RPL is accepted on this programme
International requirements
IELTS
IELTS English language requirement: 6.5 (minimum 5.5 in each component)
Further information
-
Extra Requirements
Digital Portfolio / web URL
We ask you to submit a simple PDF file with your most recent or relevant work. You can include short captions or titles but the work should be allowed to show itself. Make sure that you have compressed the file before uploading.
The digital PDF portfolio should include some or most of the following;
+ a range of work that may include including undergraduate work, self-directed work, commissions, work in progress, experimental work.
+ evidence of problem solving and idea development
+ evidence of your personal practice and some direction for future practice
+ visual literacy, professionalism and technical ability
+ research and preparatory work
+ sketchbooks showing drawing, collecting, lists, ideas, starts, sketches, interesting things.
+ evidence of wider practice, research projects or other stuff that may be relevant.
+ show you have thought about the ordering and presentation of the work.
On the whole the digital portfolio should in part be evidence that you have the aptitude to succeed on the course, but also that you are willing to learn and develop. It should be enough to trigger a conversation at the interview, and it should be interesting to you and give you lots of things to talk about.
If you submit a URL make sure that it is public domain and accessible to the interviewer.
-
RPL
RPL is accepted on this programme
Please Note: All international qualifications are subject to a qualification equivalency check.
How to apply
Securing your place at LJMU
To apply for this programme, you are required to complete an LJMU online application form. You will need to provide details of previous qualifications and a personal statement outlining why you wish to study this programme.
Digital Portfolio / web URL: We ask you to submit a simple PDF file with your most recent or relevant work. You can include short captions or titles but the work should be allowed to show itself. Make sure that you have compressed the file before uploading.
The digital PDF portfolio should include some or most of the following:
- a range of work that may include including undergraduate work, self-directed work, commissions, work in progress, experimental work
- evidence of problem solving and idea development + evidence of your personal practice and some direction for future practice
- visual literacy, professionalism and technical ability
- research and preparatory work + sketchbooks showing drawing, collecting, lists, ideas, starts, sketches, interesting things
- evidence of wider practice, research projects or other stuff that may be relevant + show you have thought about the ordering and presentation of the work.
On the whole the digital portfolio should in part be evidence that you have the aptitude to succeed on the course, but also that you are willing to learn and develop. It should be enough to trigger a conversation at the interview, and it should be interesting to you and give you lots of things to talk about. If you submit a URL make sure that it is public domain and accessible to the interviewer.
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