MA Design (Illustration) at Sheffield Hallam University

Think differently about design and creatively push boundaries, whilst developing the skills needed to become an imaginative and versatile illustrator.

Course summary

• Be part of an interdisciplinary design programme which promotes social and cultural innovation.
• Develop your specialist skills and knowledge in a collaborative studio environment.
• Innovate with materials, technology and conceptual thinking.
• Extend existing material practices in response to the needs of our rapidly changing world.

Placing emphasis on personal research, this course gives you the chance to develop your own interests and ideas in a challenging and supportive environment. Academic staff are design specialists, researchers and practitioners who will support you to expand your practice and develop an independent, autonomous approach.

Applied learning

Live projects

We embed an understanding of, and dialogue with, the creative industries and the world of professional practice beyond the postgraduate studio. Live projects are embedded into specific modules, and you're encouraged to seek industrial sponsors or collaborators for individual projects. The long-established link with our Art and Design Research Centre (ADRC) supports a continuing tradition of graduates from the Masters courses working as research assistants and/or continuing their studies to PhD.

Field trips

There are opportunities to participate in study trips and visits to design conferences and debates.

Networking opportunities

You benefit from studying within a cross-disciplinary, vibrant, international, collaborative and supportive postgraduate environment. You can work alongside our Design Futures consultancy, and with researchers from the ADRC. We also have contacts with leading design agencies and organisations, museums and practitioners, and encourage you to work collaboratively with them.

Your Illustration tutors have connections and experience in areas as diverse as narrative book design, motion and interaction, printmaking and digital publishing.

Future careers

This course prepares you for a career as a

• independent design practitioner
• designer
• design manager
• maker or manufacturer
• company-employed designer
• postgraduate student at PhD level

The aim of this course is for you to achieve your personal employment ambitions — whether as a design professional in the creative industries, or in related areas such as research, retail, marketing, and education.

Previous graduates of this course have gone on to work for international design companies and consultancies as well as gaining PhD scholarships.