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MA Illustration and Digital Design

Start Date: 7th September 2026

Length 1 year
Study Full-Time
Location Rye Hill Campus

Qualification Gained

MA Illustration and Digital Design (awarded by NCG)

Levels Explained

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More about the course

Are you ready to take your creative skills to the next level? Step into the future with MA Illustration and Digital Design which has been designed to equip you with the expertise you need to thrive in today’s fast-changing creative industry.

This dynamic postgraduate degree covers key areas such as illustration, graphic design, UX/UI design, animation, and immersive technologies, giving you hands-on experience with the latest digital tech innovations and digital art advances. You'll develop your ideas from concept to completion in a supportive and inspiring environment.

Whether you’re a recent graduate or have industry experience in art, design, or digital technologies, this course is perfect for you. Upon completion, you’ll be ready to embark on a career in the creative and digital sectors, or you can choose to further your studies with a Doctorate.

This intensive 12-month course will prepare you to tackle the challenges and seize the opportunities within the immersive technologies industries.

Entry requirements

You should have a relevant undergraduate qualification (BSc/BA) in a related subject at 2:2.

Applicants are normally expected to have achieved grade 4/C in GCSE Maths and English Language or the Level 2 equivalents.

Mature students without qualifications (aged 21+) will be considered based on relevant industry experience.

Applicants for whom English is not their first language are expected to achieve a minimum IELTS Score of 6.0 or the nationally recognised equivalent.

Further details on our entry requirements can be found here.

What will I learn?

Process and Practice
Narrative and Storytelling
Design and Branding
Immersive and Interactive
Project and Outcome.

How is the course taught?

Lectures
Seminars
Demonstrations
Self-directed study.

How am I assessed?

Assignments
Practical work
Presentations
Case studies
Production portfolios.

Where can I progress?

Upon completion of the degree, you should have a portfolio suitable for employment within the creative or digital industries or the skills to set up your own freelance business.

For those wishing to continue their studies, opportunities include progression to a suitable Doctorate (PhD). The skills gained from this programme will also allow you to work in a range of industries, including the illustration, graphic design, animation, UI/UX design or motion graphics industries.

Course costs and information

Tuition fees vary depending on the course and mode of study. Read more about tuition fees and financial support.

Fees for international students vary depending on the course. Find out more about international fees and payments.

It's important that you know what your tuition fee includes and what other costs you'll need to plan for. Read what your fee includes here.

Alfie Flounders

Level 6 Photography

"I love the independence of the course and being able to reflect back on the development of my skills since I started here."

Paul Smyth

Lecturer | Digital Arts

"I run my own 3D animation company and I'm one of the lecturers on the BA (Hons) Animation course. I try to not only bring in industry skills, but also push experimentation with new technologies to further our students' skills."

Alessio Pesci

Level 6 Creative Digital Design Professional Degree Apprentice

"The tutors were really supportive and I think the whole class would agree with that. We felt really welcomed and really calm, and I feel that support was always there throughout. I’d 100% recommend an apprenticeship with Newcastle College University Centre."