Skip navigation
You are viewing our beta course page.

Design Communication: Illustration (Taught)

Course details
  • MA
  • 1 Years
  • Full-time
  • 09/2026
  • Postgraduate
Course location
Arnolfini
Awarded by:
University of the West of England, Bristol

Course summary

UWE Bristol's MA Illustration course builds on our reputation for postgraduate study in design communication. If you want to tell bold visual stories to contemporary audiences in new and dynamic ways, this future-focused course is the ideal collaborative space to push your practice.

Why study study Design Communication: Illustration?
In our increasingly visual society we're discovering innovative, radical ways to engage with both established and emerging audiences. In this context, illustration is being redefined and reimagined.

On our MA Design Communication: Illustration, you'll consider the value of authentic visual narrative in the age of artificial intelligence, establishing sustainable new futures for the field.

Developed over decades, our interdisciplinary approach has built a profile for pushing the discipline. With a curriculum that encourages both conventional and unconventional means of creative inquiry, collaboration, and critical reflection, you'll establish your place in this exciting interdisciplinary and contemporary field.

Why UWE Bristol?
Based on Bristol's historic waterfront at the Arnolfini, you'll hone your practice at this international centre for contemporary arts. You'll be at the heart of Bristol's creative and cultural hub, with access to UWE Bristol's City Campus.

As a MA Design Communication: Illustration student, you'll be perfectly placed studying in this socially and politically progressive city. Bristol is widely recognised as one of the most creatively influential settings in the UK. Our strong partnerships with local organisations mean you'll benefit from their input, along with valuable networking opportunities in this thriving creative environment.

Where can it take me?
Whether you're a recent graduate or mid-career illustration creative, you'll benefit from the University's strong connections with the publishing and media industries as a MA Design Communication: Illustration student. You'll gain invaluable real-world knowledge, experience and exposure through guest speakers, live brief projects and opportunities to enter awards and competitions.

You'll graduate with a recognised qualification and have a broad range of exciting career options.

Open days

Entry requirements

We're seeking highly motivated students from any background, committed to creative growth in our supportive School of Arts community. Most applicants would have an honours degree in the arts, but those with qualifications in other disciplines or prior professional experience are also encouraged to apply.

While some students enter the course after years of independent work, we also welcome entries from ambitious applicants directly from undergraduate courses.

International applicants
For country specific entry requirements please find your country on our country information pages https://www.uwe.ac.uk/courses/international-study
How to apply
We accept applications throughout the year but if you're working to a funding deadline, you should build this into your application process.
Read more about postgraduate applications: https://www.uwe.ac.uk/courses/applying/postgraduate-applications
Read more about international applications and key international deadline dates: https://www.uwe.ac.uk/courses/applying/international-applications

English language requirements

International and EU applicants are required to have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 with 5.5 in each component (or approved equivalent*). *The University accepts a large number of UK and international qualifications in place of IELTS. To find details of acceptable tests and the required grades, Visit our English Language requirements pages: https://www.uwe.ac.uk/courses/applying/international-applications/english-language-requirements English language support If you meet the academic requirements but require additional support to take your language skills to the required level, you may be able to attend one of our pre-sessional English courses. Students who successfully complete the pre-sessional course can progress onto their chosen degree course without retaking an IELTS or equivalent. Read more about our pre-sessional English programme: https://courses.uwe.ac.uk/YQ33

Visit our English Language Requirements pages https://www.uwe.ac.uk/courses/applying/international-applications/english-language-requirements

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this course

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

Fee information is to be confirmed. All fees are subject to final approval. Please visit our website for further information.

Like this page