Postgraduate study in illustration reflects the diversity of the subject and the opportunities that exist in areas such as publishing, advertising, graphic and web design, theatre, television, art galleries and museums.

The programme also includes working with writers, designers and publishers in collaboration and in live briefs. Many of University of Edinburgh's postgraduates have their work published and a number of set projects evolve from year to year. These reflect contemporary developments in illustration and the graphic arts. For example, students have made work for the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Edinburgh Filmhouse and the ECA Bookmarks symposium.