Communication Design: Illustration (MA)

The Communication Design Illustration MA course is structured to challenge you and your preconceptions about both illustration and design. The course place an emphasis on the patterns of research you develop and the visual methods you employ to explore and unravel briefs. You will be expected to demonstrate how you research and develop your ideas. In this context, research is not only a working process it can also be considered an outcome in its own right. This programme asks you to examine: what, how, why and who as key factors in design thinking. This represents a shift from the traditional definition of design and illustration as a problem solving activity to a placing the focus on problem finding. The course encourages the exploration and understanding of the methods and processes at work in contemporary illustration.

Kingston University is the top university in the UK for design and crafts* (Guardian University Guide league tables 2020). 

Key features

• This award winning course has been designed to enhance students long-term employment possibilities through an appreciation of the changing global, technological and social context of illustration and design.
• The course is taught by academics who are also practising illustrators, designers and researchers in design. This is supported by studio visits and visiting tutors from industry, live projects, competitions, lectures and workshops.

What will you study?

Project work will challenge you to develop and enhance your existing ways of working. You will explore the importance of research in underpinning your practice and will be encouraged to build your own visual language and ‘tools' in response to set briefs within each module. In the final stage of the course, you will propose and develop your independent major project. You will be taught by experienced academics and specialist tutors from industry who encourage you to develop your understanding of the relationship between illustration, words, pictures and their means of communication and transmission.

Visit the Communication Design: Illustration (MA) page on the Kingston University website for more details!