BA (Hons) Comics and Concept Art

What's the course about?

We deliver a mix of teaching methods, from project work to software and art-based workshops and lectures. You’ll be assessed on group and individual project work. We’ll ask you to submit portfolio submissions, sketches, storyboards, digital artwork and presentations. Plus, you’ll develop your analytical thinking, critical curiosity and easy writing skills.

In your first year, you’ll benefit from common modules within the wider animation programme, gaining valuable knowledge of the digital media industry. You’ll study alongside peers on 2D and 3D animation, games and visual effects, expanding your network from day one. We’ll teach you digital illustration techniques. You’ll practice life drawing, designing characters and environments. You’ll explore comics, animation and film history, bringing cultural context to your craft. At the end of this year you’ll have the choice to switch to a different animation degree course if your passion has led you in a new direction.

In your second year you’ll develop your illustrative style. You’ll use your design skills to create characters, creatures, props and environments. You’ll produce comic narratives, tailoring your approach to match the needs of print and digital publications. At the end of the year, you’ll show your individual flare and design expertise in a major comic or concept art project, collaborating with students across the digital animation programme.

In your third year, you’ll write your dissertation on an area of popular culture linked to comics and concept art that fascinates you. You’ll develop an ambitious project. Your expert design techniques and your fluency with digital illustration and 3D software will bring your original ideas to life. Be authentic. Be brave. You’ll take a project through from initial concept to production, proving your project management and leadership qualities. You’ll graduate with an impressive professional portfolio, showreel and website to launch your career.

Your main campus is College Lane 

This is where the creative arts, science and health-related subjects are based. This means you’ll share the campus with future nurses, scientists, artists and more. You can use the common rooms to relax with friends, work out in the 24-hour gym or have a drink in our on-campus pub or cafes. We also have restaurants for you to eat in or grab something on the go. Our Learning Resources Centres are open 24/7, which means you can study whenever suits you best. Want to pop over to the other campus? You can take the free shuttle bus or walk there in just 15 minutes.   

What will I study?

Degree programmes are structured into levels, 4, 5 and 6. These correspond to your first, second and third/final year of study. Below you can see what modules you’ll be studying in each.

Level 4

Module

• Introduction to CG
• Applying CG
• Creativity, Concept & Story
• Animated Thinking
• Introduction to CG - HIC
• Applying CG - HIC
• Creativity, Concept & Story - HIC
• Animated Thinking - HIC

Level 5

Module

• Progressing Character & Concept Art
• Creative Project
• Comics & Professional Practices
• Moving Visions

Level 6

Module

• Pre-Production for Comics and Concept Art
• Professional Practices & Degree Project
• Concepts in Motion: Articulated Research & Writing