Why Study / Key Benefits

• The Master of Illustration (MIllust) develops advanced illustration skills across traditional and digital media.
• The programme focuses on visual storytelling, narrative development, characters, scenes, symbolism and visual communication.
• Students develop a distinct visual language and authorial voice while critically considering cultural and ethical questions surrounding illustration.
• The programme combines creative practice with practical business skills, industry connections, portfolio development and an internship.
• The final semester includes both an industry/community internship and an independent research project.
• The programme can prepare students for illustration-related careers across publishing, entertainment, design, digital media, education and science communication.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The 180-point Master of Illustration consists of four foundation courses followed by a final internship and research project.

Semester/coursework areas include:

• FINA630 – Business of Illustration: develops professional and business aspects of illustration practice.
• FINA631 – Illustration Mediums: explores traditional and digital illustration mediums.
• FINA632 – Language of Illustration: focuses on the ways illustration communicates meaning.
• FINA633 – Narrative Illustration: develops storytelling and narrative approaches.
• FINA634 – Illustration Research Project: independent research and creative practice.
• FINA635 – Illustration Internship: supervised practical/industry experience.

Disciplines / Specialisations

There is no separately named formal specialisation listed within the Master of Illustration.

Students can develop their individual area of specialisation through their creative practice, portfolio, research project and professional interests.

Potential areas include:

• Children's book illustration
• Editorial illustration
• Graphic novels
• Character design
• Concept art
• Picture books
• Educational illustration
• Science communication
• Marketing and brand illustration
• Digital illustration
• Visual storytelling
• Illustration for games and screen media.

Programme Highlights

• 180-point master's degree
• 1.5 years full-time
• Up to 5 years part-time
• February and July intakes
• On-campus and distance-study options
• Traditional and digital illustration
• Visual storytelling and narrative development
• Portfolio-focused creative practice
• Business and professional development
• Industry internship
• Independent research project
• 6,000-word research summary
• Opportunity to progress to a PhD in Creative Practice.

Career Outcomes

UC identifies career opportunities in:

• Publishing
• Entertainment
• Design
• Digital media
• Education
• Science communications

Potential job pathways include:

• Illustrator for comics, novels and educational publishing
• Concept artist for games and screen media
• Brand designer
• Art director
• Creative lead.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

The latest UC programme information currently confirms:

• The qualification remains available for 2026/2027 study.
• It is a 180-point master's degree.
• February and July starts are available.
• The full-time duration is 1.5 years.
• Distance study is available alongside on-campus study.
• Entry is limited and portfolio selection applies.
• Applicants must submit a 12-page image-based portfolio plus artist's statement.
• The final semester includes both the internship and research project.
• UC's 2027 Postgraduate Prospectus and International Prospectus are currently available. 

International Student Visa Requirements

An international student coming to New Zealand to study the on-campus Master of Illustration would generally apply for a Fee Paying Student Visa.

Immigration New Zealand currently requires students to have:

• An Offer of Place from an approved education provider
• Evidence of tuition-fee payment, or an approved arrangement for payment
• Evidence of sufficient living funds
• Evidence of health and travel insurance
• Evidence of funds or a ticket for onward travel
• Evidence of health and character requirements where applicable
• A genuine intention to study
• A valid passport and required visa documentation.