Illustration: Authorial Practice MA

Why study MA Illustration: Authorial Practice at University College Falmouth?

MA Illustration: Authorial Practice - additional information (1.22 MB)

‘Authorial illustration’ is used to describe work in which the personal ‘voice’ of the illustrator plays the major role, either individually or collaboratively. We believe that an authorial focus within illustration is crucial if the discipline is to continue to develop, remain relevant and enjoy a higher cultural status.

Are you an illustrator who wants to conceive and develop your own ideas? Then apply to our MA with its academic focus on authorial illustration. Most illustration work involves the illustrator producing work to a prescribed commercial brief, with very little control over their work and its usage. At Falmouth, we encourage you to become the author, developing your own ideas and taking responsibility for your own content.

Further information about this masters degree course can be found on MA Illustration's own website: authorial-illustration.co.uk.

Tell me more about the Illustration: Authorial Practice MA course

Graduates from this course win awards. 'Smile' by Tem Doran (below) recently won one of the five awards at the ‘E3’ film competition ‘Languages Through Lenses’, organised by ELIA (The European League of Institutes of the Arts). ‘Smile’, promoting multilingualism in Europe, was shown as part of the Prix Europa film screening and workshops held in Berlin in October 08. Tem Doran runs Studio Canoe: vimeo.com/8972758

‘From Falmouth’ by Sophie Burdess (below) is a short film documenting a narrative installation in the town using multiple projection across the busy streets at night-time. The project explored the theme of ethnic minorities.

With our emphasis on personal development and independent learning that gives you the freedom to study in ways that best suit you, you’ll produce original and imaginative work, and develop vital entrepreneurial skills.

We also have a specialist publishing house, Atlantic Press, right on our doorstep, to enable you to learn about the whole publishing process, from concept to realisation – as well as the practical aspects of printing, distribution and marketing.

Article featuring MA Illustration student David Mathews (558.32 KB)

Steve Braund interview: Pressing Ahead (225 KB)

An interview with Course Leader, Steve Braund, where he talks about MA Illustration: Authorial Practice and his Falmouth-based publishing house, Atlantic Press.

"The Journal" Aug-Sep 03 (964 KB)

The attached issue of The Journal, published by the Association of Illustrators, was guest edited by Course Leader, Steve Braund.

Illustration Forum 2010

The Untamed Tiger: the illustrator and the self initiated project

MA Illustration: Authorial Practice hosted its 8^th annual Illustration Forum on Friday 12 March 2010.

Chaired by Amelia Johnstone with guest speakers Jonathon Rosen, Graham Rawle, Bill Bragg, Matthew Richardson, Anna Bhushan, Andrew Foster and David Kerr.

The 2010 Illustration Forum was day of presentations and discussions exploring enterprising initiatives and autonomies in illustration. This year's forum looked at independently-minded and enterprising illustrators; including those who generate their own projects, creating their own employment and who work on their own terms.

"It was a fantastic, amazing experience, being and speaking at the Falmouth forum... definitely one of those life changing experiences. I think what you're doing is really important, in redefining and re-validating illustration as a profession." Jonathon Rosen

Answers and advice about the course

If you have any queries about the course please visit our HelpMe Forum.

HelpMe Forum: MA Illustration: Authorial Practice

Additional information

2010 Postgraduate Prospectus (4.82 MB)

Funding your study

A Master’s degree represents a significant investment in your future, and you will rightly be concerned about funding. Our student fees & funding section outlines fees for full and part time students and has guides to introduce you to ways of funding your course at Falmouth.

Creative Enterprise Cornwall

Put your skills to use in Cornwall's dynamic business environment on a paid placement project

Creative Enterprise Cornwall is a project offering financial support to postgraduate students who live in Cornwall during their studies. It is run by University College Falmouth and part-funded by the European Social Fund. The aim of the project is to promote graduate opportunities within Cornwall - develop new business skills if you are changing your career, or use the opportunity to strengthen the skills you already have. A maximum of £1250 is available.

The placement project must meet the following criteria:

• It must take place in Cornwall or benefit a Cornish company
• It must meet your course objectives (Course Leader must agree to the placement)
• Must be a minimum of one working week in duration (maximum 3 weeks) and be confirmed by the company

More information about the project can be found here

Career opportunities

Graduates from our MA Illustration course may self-publish, engage in individual and collaborative illustration practice, or secure employment in mainstream printed and digital publishing, and in curatorial and educational environments. Or they may work in the less conventional avenues opening up to illustrators as the boundaries between illustration, photography and graphic design become more blurred and porous. Further study is also an option.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements through the university sector include Honours Degrees, Foundation Degrees and HNDs in a related subject. If you have solid professional industry experience rather than academic achievement, this may be acceptable for entry to study at this level through a process called APEL (Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning).

More information about entry requirements and applying for our postgraduate courses can be found here

For further information about MA Illustration: Authorial Practice at University College Falmouth, please email admissions@falmouth.ac.uk or telephone Admissions on 01326 214372.

Related courses

• Fine Art: Contemporary Practice MA
• Graphic Design MA