Children’s Book Illustration at UCA

The MA in Children’s Book Illustration at UCA Farnham is a dynamic, industry-focused programme designed for illustrators eager to engage with young readers through both traditional and experimental forms of storytelling. Taught by practising children’s book illustrators with strong connections to publishers and agents across Europe and China, the course offers a unique blend of creative exploration and professional insight.

Students are encouraged to push boundaries in how stories are made and communicated—whether through print, digital platforms, or immersive formats—while developing a distinctive voice that resonates with today’s global audience of young readers.

According to Cognitive Market Research, the children’s book publishing industry reached a global market value of over $4.7 billion in 2024, with the UK contributing £237 million to that figure. Our MA programme is crafted to help illustrators confidently enter this thriving and competitive market, equipped with the skills, networks, and creative vision to succeed.

Please note: this course is subject to validation. 

Key information

Campus
UCA Farnham
Start date(s)
September 2026
Duration
1 year full-time
Jump to...
Entry requirements
Tuition fees

Upcoming webinars

We offer a range of webinars throughout the year that Children’s Book Illustration students may be interested in.


19 Nov 2025

How to write a personal statement for a creative degree

Are you looking to write a memorable personal statement and make a strong impression? In this webinar, our expert team will talk through how to approach the three questions and what to include. Book now: How to write a personal statement for a creative degree

3 Dec 2025

Creative Careers & Life After University

If you’re interested in working in the creative industries, then this webinar is a great place to start and find out why a creative degree is the perfect first step to turn your dreams into a reality.   Book now: Creative Careers & Life After University

10 Dec 2025

Supporting Students at University - Information for Parents & Guardians

Is your child thinking about applying to university? Are you unsure of how to support them through this important application? We’re here to help you and your child navigate through the UCAS application process.   Book now: Supporting Students at University - Information for Parents & Guardians

14 Jan 2026

Making an Outstanding Portfolio & Applicant Day Advice

We know that creating an outstanding portfolio can be difficult when you’re not sure where to start, so we’re here to get you started with our top tips on what to include and how to submit it.   Book now: Making an Outstanding Portfolio & Applicant Day Advice

28 Jan 2026

Postgraduate Opportunities – A focus on Masters & PhDs

At UCA, we offer a range of creative postgraduate opportunities that we’ll discuss during this webinar. Join us to learn more about our postgraduate courses and the application process.  Book now: Postgraduate Opportunities – A focus on Masters & PhDs

18 Feb 2026

How to Apply to Accommodation

Applying for accommodation can be a confusing process when you’re unsure of what to look out for, from different room options to staying in halls or in private accommodation off-campus, there’s a lot to consider. But don’t worry, we’re here to help.   Book now: How to Apply to Accommodation

This includes subject talks, masterclasses, application proccess advice and student life guides. Check out our upcoming webinars and book your place today.

What you'll study

What you'll study

The content of the course may be subject to change. Curriculum content is provided as a guide.

Module one
In this first module, you will develop sequential narratives based on themes that you propose using primary research to inform your making. You will investigate various approaches to visual storytelling, and you will be encouraged to explore diverse media and techniques for their communicative potential.

Module two
This module will encourage you to explore how children's books are shaped by our perceptions of childhood, literacy, and education. You will reflect on how cultural frameworks and psychological perspectives influence illustrators, and connect these insights with your own practice and experiences.

Module three
In this module, you will develop a practice-based project that explores the interactive possibilities of children’s book illustration. Through an emphasis on experimental processes, you will investigate a variety of methods, approaches, and media, exploring both material qualities and the potential of digital tools, to create a visual work intended for children.

Module four
This module provides the opportunity to investigate the potential for collaborative practice, You will identify and make contact with an external partner, with whom you will agree a project plan and agree outcomes. By working with an external partner, you will have the opportunity to place your work in a wider contemporary context, and engage new audiences.

Module five - Major Project
The Major Project is a culmination and celebration of your studies. It is your opportunity to demonstrate your advanced understanding and application of the research techniques, concepts, and skills that you have engaged with over the course of your MA. By applying the learning developed from previous units, you will reflect professional acumen, social awareness and contemporary context, and will deliver a portfolio of work that is industry-ready.

Course specifications

Please note, syllabus content indicated is provided as a guide. The content of the course may be subject to change in line with our Student Terms and Conditions for example, as required by external professional bodies or to improve the quality of the course.

Fees & funding

Fees & financial support

Tuition fees - Sept 2026

  • MA course: £10,800

Tuition fees - Sept 2026

  • MA course: £10,800

We offer a fee reduction to the equivalent of UK student fee for duration of the course. This is available to all applicants who are a national of an EU country and a resident in the EU or UK. The scholarship will be automatically awarded if you meet all the eligibility criteria. You do not need to complete an application form, see fee discount information.

Tuition fees - Sept 2026

  • MA course: £18,540

The fees listed here are correct for the stated academic year only, for details of previous years please see the full fee schedules.

UCA scholarships and fee discounts

At UCA we have a number of financial support information available to assist you with the cost of your studies.

Current UCA students and alumni may be eligible for a tuition fee discount.

Financial support

There are lots of ways you can access additional financial support to help you fund your studies - both from UCA and from external sources. Discover what support you might qualify for please see our scholarships and fee discounts.

Additional course costs

In addition to the tuition fees there may be other costs for your course. The things that you are likely to need to budget for to get the most out of a creative arts education will include books, printing costs, occasional or optional study trips and/or project materials.

These costs will vary according to the nature of your project work and the individual choices that you make. 

Facilities & equipment

There are dedicated illustration studios with natural lighting for workshops, independent and group working. On campus, there are digital media suites programmed with design software for high-quality print production; printmaking studio with relief and block printing, plate or stone lithography, intaglio, letterpress, photopolymer plate printing and screen-printing; and a modern library with a wealth of books, journals, special collections and online resources.

Illustration Studios, UCA Farnham

Illustration Base Rooms

Room: B123/124/125
Illustration Studios, UCA Farnham

Illustration Base Rooms

Room: B123/124/125
Equipment hung up in the Farnham Print Room

Print Workshop & Letterpress Area

Room: Y01

  • Four screenprinting tables
  • Manual etching press
  • Electric etching press
  • Columbian relief press
  • Albion relief press
  • Three direct litho presses
  • Western 4c letterpress
  • Two intaglio hot plates
  • Glass-topped workstations with inks and relevant equipment (eg rollers and palette knives)
  • Small darkroom with exposure and developing areas
  • Acid room

Room: Y02

  • 100 drawers of lead and wood type
  • Typesetting area
  • Relief/letterpress
  • Photopolymer
  • Plate maker
Interior of the Digital Print Studio

Digital Print Studio

Room: R51/53

This room contains:

  • R53/51 Duplex Printer
  • Vinyl cutting plotter
  • Epson sure colour P5000
  • Epson sure colour P8000
  • Epson sure colour T5200
  • Epson P 800
  • Epson 3880
  • Canon pro 1000
Interior of the Laser Cutting Studio

Laser Cutting Studio

Room: R07

This room contains:

  • Two universal laser machines (X660)
  • Four ultimaker 2D/3D printers
  • Two Roland MDX 540 mil CNC routers
  • Eligo Mars 2 pro resin printer
  • Lisa X sintering 3-D printer
Student in UCA Farnham library

UCA Farnham

This is our largest library space, which includes:

  • 55 iMac workstations
  • 41 PC workstations
  • 4 study pods with electrical connections and monitor
  • 2 study pods without monitor
  • 5 DSA Loanable laptops (students can borrow from the library only if approved by our Disability staff on DDA grounds, for an agreed period)
  • Large collection of LGBTQ+, Fashion, Feminist, Photography, Mental Health and Illustration Zines
  • Archives
     
Launch the Virtual Tour

Career opportunities

Many graduates will choose to work as freelance or in-house illustrators for children's book publishers, creating visuals for picture books, middle-grade novels, and young adult literature. 

Some graduates also consider perusing careers in educational publishing, such as designing illustrations for textbooks, e-learning materials and educational games. 

Other graduate roles include: 

  • Art Directors: Graduates with leadership skills and a keen eye for art direction may take on roles as art directors in publishing houses or design firms. 
  • Content Developers: Graduates may choose to work in content development roles for educational institutions or online platforms, creating educational and engaging content for children. 
  • Freelancers and Independent Artists: Many graduates will establish themselves as independent illustrators, taking on a wide range of projects and building their personal brands. 

You may want to undertake further study or research to specialise even further.

Entry & portfolio requirements

For this course we may need to see your portfolio for review. You can either submit a digital portfolio or request an in-person portfolio review with the course team.

Select your country to find the equivalent requirements

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