Program Structure

Field Studies

Observation of specimens in the field is fundamental to natural history illustration, and you will be undertaking fieldwork as a major component of your studies. Whether you are sketching orchids in the rainforest near Barrington Tops or rare egrets in the Hunter wetlands at Shortland, you will be able to take advantage of the diversity of habitats and natural environments that surround our campus. You can see some of our students in the field in our photo gallery.

Studio Studies

You will combine your field observations and data collection with studies in our studio, where you will learn traditional and digital illustration techniques as well as specialised laboratory applications and project skills. These skills form the basis of those required for professional practice as an illustrator.

What will I Study?

First and Second Year

In the first year of the program, you will study core courses in Natural History Illustration, as well as technology, photography and drawing courses through the Visual Communication program. From second year onwards, you can undertake 40 units of electives from a broad range of disciplines, including earth sciences, design, creative writing and fine art. This diversity of electives is a distinctive feature of the program and we encourage students to pursue individual areas of interest.

Third Year Project

In third year, you will be able to complement your core field and studio studies with a major project in your area of interest. Students undertake projects with external organisations such as the Australian Museum, Australian Reptile Park, Royal Botanic Gardens and the Wetlands Centre. Past projects have included illustrations for field guides, children's books, museum exhibits, archaeological reconstructions and scientific publications.

The project allows you to develop professional links with organisations and gain access to specialist collections and expert personnel. For a number of our students, the third year project is a gateway to further study at Honours, Masters and PhD level.