Children's Book Illustration, MA at University of Lancashire

Programme overview

A one-year MA at Preston Campus for recent graduates and professional illustrators developing ideas and techniques for the children's market. The emphasis is picture and story books, with scope for graphic novels, comics and non-fiction formats. It is a visual course that also develops the fusion of written and visual content.

Faculty: School of Arts and Media | Duration: 1 year full-time (part-time also offered) | Intake: Sep 2026, Sep 2027 | Location: Preston, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Modules include Reflective Thinking: Defining Your Own Practice, Creative Practice, Experimental Practice: External Perspectives, Studio Practice and Industry Engagement and a Children's Book Illustration Degree Show.

Career pathways

Author/illustrator for children's books, book designer or publishing roles; most illustrators freelance for UK and international publishers, and others work as character and toy designers, animators or general illustrators. Alumni have been published by Bloomsbury, Little Tiger Press, Orion, Pan Macmillan, Chronicle and Frances Lincoln.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

A 2:2 degree or equivalent professional experience or learning in a related field; applications are considered on merit. All applicants submit digital supporting material and, where possible, are invited to interview with a portfolio of recent work. English: IELTS 6.0 with no component below 5.5. Applicants from North America: minimum overall GPA 3.3 on a 4.0 scale. Ghana: general guidance lists a lower GPA plus a Postgraduate Diploma (Ghanaian Pre-Masters), or a Higher National Diploma plus a Postgraduate Diploma; English via IELTS 6.0 (no component below 5.5) or WAEC/WASSCE English grade C6.

Domestic applicants: GBP 10,000 a year (2026/27). Full-time Source

International applicants: GBP 19,250 a year (2026/27). Full-time Source

Intake: Sep 2026, Sep 2027

Duration: 1 year full-time (part-time also offered)

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