Master Scientific Illustration
In short
In this international programme, you will learn to create accurate visualisations of subjects from the clinical, medical and biological fields. You will acquire the skills to use a wide range of traditional and digital visualisation techniques. This programme is unique in Europe!
Is it right for you?
This master's program is perfect for those who want to bridge the gap between art and science. Think of artists interested in biology or medicine, or medical professionals with strong visual talents. Do you want to use your creative skills for scientific communication or patient education? Then this is the program for you.
Competencies to be improved
Becoming a Scientific Storyteller
To create a scientifically accurate image, you must not only be a skilled professional but also an excellent storyteller and communicator. You must be able to communicate with specialists from various scientific fields, understand the scientific problem, and then translate this into visualizations for a specific target audience. Creating images for patient education requires a different approach than creating images for a group of medical specialists. Therefore, you will not only be trained in anatomy and medical nomenclature but also receive guidance in communication. Furthermore, through practical assignments (including illustrating a surgical procedure), you will gain experience in creating abstractions and schematizations of reality to create an image that best tells the scientific story.
Is it right for you?
Is it right for you?
This master's program is perfect for those who want to bridge the gap between art and science. Think of artists interested in biology or medicine, or medical professionals with strong visual talents. Do you want to use your creative skills for scientific communication or patient education? Then this is the program for you.
Competencies to be improved
Competencies to be improved
Becoming a Scientific Storyteller
To create a scientifically accurate image, you must not only be a skilled professional but also an excellent storyteller and communicator. You must be able to communicate with specialists from various scientific fields, understand the scientific problem, and then translate this into visualizations for a specific target audience. Creating images for patient education requires a different approach than creating images for a group of medical specialists. Therefore, you will not only be trained in anatomy and medical nomenclature but also receive guidance in communication. Furthermore, through practical assignments (including illustrating a surgical procedure), you will gain experience in creating abstractions and schematizations of reality to create an image that best tells the scientific story.
Structure and content
Curious about what to expect? Here you'll find out how the master's program is structured, which topics are covered, and how it balances work and personal life. This way, you'll immediately know if it's a good fit for your schedule and ambitions.
About the master
Study program
The study program consists of three themes:
- Human
- Animal
- Surgical interventions in humans and animals
Each theme consists of three to five components, each comprising one or more assignments addressing different aspects of scientific illustration and practicing and applying various traditional visualization techniques. The assignments are graded on complexity, leading to the level required for professional practice. Read more about the study program (pdf).
A picture tells a thousand words
It is not surprising that, traditionally, illustrations in the biomedical sciences are created to facilitate communication between scientist and author, teacher and student, or doctor and patient. Art and science converge in scientific illustration.
The best of both worlds
The Master in Scientific Illustration is an international study program in which you meet students from European countries and beyond. It is a collaboration between Zuyd University of Applied Sciences and the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences at Maastricht University.
Technical skills training
Your training emphasizes the application of conventional imaging techniques combined with photography, video, and computer technology for accurate two-dimensional representation of three-dimensional structures. Additional training in digital three-dimensional reconstruction and modeling is provided in workshops. You will gain a broad theoretical foundation and practical experience working with medical techniques such as dissection, processing microscopic and macroscopic serial sections, and working with medical imaging techniques such as Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).
Graduation
The program concludes with a final exam consisting of two parts:
- A graduation project in which you write, illustrate, and design a publication.
- An oral exam.
You will also exhibit your work in a graduation exhibition and compile a portfolio of representative artworks created during the program. The publication and portfolio serve as a masterpiece that will help you find professional employment.
Study load
Typically, you'll study and work at university for about 20 hours a week. In addition, you'll need to study at home for about 20 hours a week.
Education and Examination Regulations
The Education and Examination Regulations contain all the information you need about the program's content, study guidance, and exam organization. See the EER.
Practical information
Before you start your master's program, you'll naturally want to know how everything works. This section provides all the practical information you need: from admission requirements to costs and grant options. You'll also find information on how to apply and answers to frequently asked questions.
Language
This program is taught in English. The instructors also speak Dutch and German.
Duration
Full-time, for the duration of two academic years from September to July.
Location
Scientific Illustration is located in the attic of a beautifully restored former mansion in the center of Maastricht. You will also regularly attend lectures and workshops at the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences of Maastricht University.
Tuition fees
The tuition fee for this Master's program differs from the usual institutional tuition fee, as it is a non-subsidized program. The fees are based on actual costs. Read more about tuition.
To enrol
There is an application deadline for this English-language master's program. Check the Application deadlines page for more information.
Language
Language
This program is taught in English. The instructors also speak Dutch and German.
Duration
Duration
Full-time, for the duration of two academic years from September to July.
Location
Location
Scientific Illustration is located in the attic of a beautifully restored former mansion in the center of Maastricht. You will also regularly attend lectures and workshops at the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences of Maastricht University.
Tuition fees
Tuition fees
The tuition fee for this Master's program differs from the usual institutional tuition fee, as it is a non-subsidized program. The fees are based on actual costs. Read more about tuition.
To enrol
To enrol
There is an application deadline for this English-language master's program. Check the Application deadlines page for more information.