Illustration: Authorial Practice MA

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

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 can be found on MA Illustration's own website: authorial-illustration.co.uk

Tell me more about the Illustration: Authorial Practice MA course

 MA Illustration: Authorial Practice award information form (117.16 KB)

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 2012

The ABSURD EVENT

In March 2012, MA Illustration: Authorial Practice were delighted to present the 10^thanniversary of the Falmouth Illustration Forum.

Over the past ten years the Forum has played host to over 40 internationally renowned illustrators and, as a celebration of the event, a book has been published including work by all the speakers. This year, the forum comprised a day of presentations and discussions exploring, through the work of some of the world's leading absurdist illustrators, a variety of approaches to absurdity in illustration.

Chaired by Sophie Herxheimer with guest speakers: Paul Slater, Peter Blegvad, Benoit Jacques and Adam Dant.

Event details and speaker biographies can be found here

Entry requirements and how to apply

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 can be found here

Applications should be made direct to Falmouth using the online application form

For further information about MA Illustration: Authorial Practice at University College Falmouth, please email admissions@falmouth.ac.uk or telephone Admissions on 01326 255763.

Interview and selection process

Along with your application you will need to send us a study proposal (see below) and either 12 samples of work or a link to your website or blog, if you have one.

 MA Illustration study proposal (49.21 KB)

These can either be sent with your application or separately by email to admissions@falmouth.ac.uk or by post to:

Admissions, University College Falmouth
Woodlane, Falmouth, Cornwall TR11 4RH

Once you have applied the course team will assess your application and if we think you have the potential to study at Falmouth we will invite you to an interview. We look for authorial illustration potential or capabilities, including illustration ability, graphic skills, drawing skills, creative writing/storytelling potential, ideas and concepts. We also look for a person approach to practice. We would really like to see you in person but we can hold a telephone/Skype interview if this is not possible.

Answers and advice about the course

 Postgraduate study guide 2012 (2.70 MB)

If you have any queries about the course please email admissions@falmouth.ac.uk or telephone Admissions on 01326 255763.

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.

Postgraduate Placements Cornwall

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

Postgraduate Placements Cornwall is a consultancy level business placement programme starting in September 2011 and running in Cornwall until 2014. The programme is delivered by University College Falmouth and partner institutions University of Exeter and PCMD.

For more information about the project, please contact the Placement Office in the Annexe at Tremough:

Tel: 01326 254200 or 01326 255984
Email: placementteam@falmouth.ac.uk

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.

Related courses

• Fine Art: Contemporary Practice MA