Goldsmiths, University of London,

Overview

The Master's course in Children's Literature - Children's Illustration at Goldsmiths, University of London, offers an immersive exploration into the world of children's storytelling through the lens of illustration. This one-year, full-time program focuses on the critical relationship between visual storytelling and design, equipping students with the skills needed to create compelling illustrations for children's literature. Throughout the course, you will develop a professional portfolio featuring studio-led projects and a substantial final illustrated outcome.

What you'll study

Programme Structure:

• Children’s Literature, Culture and Diversity – Engage in a critical examination of children's texts, analyzing how culture, identity, and representation influence reading experiences.
• Children’s Book Illustration Practice – Participate in studio-based development of illustration techniques, focusing on visual narratives and design tailored for children's formats.
• Children’s Publishing – Gain insights into the publishing process, including editorial workflows and the pathways through which children's books reach their audiences.
• Picture Book Writing – Learn the essentials of writing for picture books, emphasizing the collaboration between text and image.
• Children’s Book Illustration: Final Project – Create a comprehensive illustrated body of work, taking it from concept to production and presentation.

Throughout the year, you will refine your work for assessment and professional presentation, culminating in a final project that showcases your skills and creativity.

Entry requirements

• You should possess (or expect to achieve) an undergraduate degree at least at upper second class standard in a relevant area such as graphic design, illustration, art, or a closely related discipline.
• Alternatively, applicants may be considered based on equivalent professional experience.
• A portfolio showcasing your artistic work is required as part of the application process.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Children's Literature - Children's Illustration program will be well-prepared for a variety of careers in the creative industries. Potential career paths include children's book illustrator, picture book author, art director for children's publications, and roles within the wider fields of publishing and education. The skills developed during the course will enable graduates to contribute effectively to visual storytelling and engage young audiences through creative illustration.