Illustrations are seen in many settings, giving an extremely wide choice of subjects and methods to work with. Imagery illuminates all manner of printed material: advertising, graphic and web design, periodicals, books and more. Contemporary practice extends its scope into theatre, music, television, museum-related work and exhibitions.

Collaboration with writers and publishers strongly underpins our Illustration programme. Illustrations by our postgraduates have been published as children's books, and used widely in other publications. Students take part in national and international competitions, and have exhibited and won prizes such as Image Nation, the Association of Illustrators and the V&A Student Illustration Awards.

The curriculum is student-led. With tutorial guidance, you will negotiate and develop a programme of study based on personal areas of practice and research.

The highly stimulating environment at the College is enhanced by visiting lecturers and practitioners, including artists, curators, scientists, musicians, writers and poets, giving students an invaluable insight into the processes and concerns of other disciplines. In addition, there is a vibrant network of galleries in Edinburgh for more exhibition-oriented work.

The MA and MFA programmes offer graduates an excellent opportunity for independent and focused study.

We have excellent resources and studio space in which to extend your ideas and develop your work, including a well-appointed life drawing studio and extensive printmaking facilities offering screen print, relief print, etching, lithography, digital print and printmaking, monoprint and calligraphy. Students can also take advantage of tuition in bookbinding, Book Arts, digital technologies and web publishing.

Graduates of our Illustration programme explore an exciting and diverse range of careers, including working as picture book illustrators, designers, freelance illustrators, artists and craftsmen or in leading agencies.