Children's Book Illustration MA

Experiment with methods, explore ideas and critically reflect on your practice to develop your own personal visual vocabulary. Create original children’s book projects, supported by a team of internationally-recognised illustrators.

The first course of its kind, MA Children’s Book Illustration was established at Cambridge School of Art in 2001 and is led by Course Director Shelley Jackson. Over the last twenty years, we’ve seen hundreds of graduates publish children’s books around the world, many to critical acclaim. Students and graduates often dominate national and international awards, as well as having the chance to win our own Sebastian Walker Prize, run in conjunction with Walker Books, our iSeek Prize for Interactive Books, run in conjunction with iSeek Books, our Paula Heister Illustration Prize, which celebrate outstanding portfolios or book projects presented at the graduate exhibition and our MACBI Printmaking Prize, supported by R.K. Burt & Company.

You'll also have the opportunity to apply for our Inclusivity Bursary, which is dedicated to increasing diverse voices in children’s book illustration. This bursary prioritises support for talented students from disadvantaged and under-represented backgrounds, helping to ensure that those who may otherwise face barriers can access and contribute to the field.

In addition, the Paula Heister Scholarships (UK and International) are designed to support gifted students from disadvantaged backgrounds who would not otherwise be able to undertake or complete the MA Children’s Book Illustration (CBI) course.

This taught, studio-based postgraduate degree is offered full-time or part-time. You’ll develop your practice in the art of children’s book illustration in a supportive, open and friendly studio environment with leading practitioners, including Alexis Deacon, Sophie Burrows, Birgitta Sif, Juliet Docherty, Charles Shearer, Dave Barrow, Arthur Vergani, Flavia Drago, Ella Beech and Marina Ruiz.