Comics and Graphic Novels (Taught)

This course covers specialist areas relevant to comics, graphic novels and manga. You focus on core drawing skills including regular life drawing classes and develop the cognitive and technical skills to equip you for enterprise, employment and further academic research. As a graduate, practising creator or mid-career professional, you can engage in reflective creative practice at an advanced level.

This course is distinctive in its focus on both the visual and textual elements of the comic medium, combining the development of an authorial voice with establishing a unique visual style. You have access to industry standard technologies and excellent facilities including specialist drawing equipment such as Cintiq Wacom Tablets, software such as Adobe Creative Suite and ClipStudio as well as more traditional facilities such as wet-spaces, scanners, drawing tables and light boxes.

Creative UK: take advantage of our Creative UK membership and help futureproof your career, with networking events, a resource hub to support professional development, and bespoke workshops in partnership with industry leaders and mentors. Sign up for free student membership to get opportunities, events and newsletters sent directly to your inbox.

Association of Illustrators: we are a member of the Association of Illustrators, giving you access to interactive talks, guidance on contracts and licensing, and your own discounted membership. This gives you the tools you need to forge a successful career in industry or as a freelancer.

Visit Teesside University’s website to apply to start in September or January. You may wish to study our two year advanced practice route which enhances your qualification by adding a vocational or research-based internship.

Access course information through Teesside University’s website using the course page link provided (or visit www.tees.ac.uk).

Various assessment methods are used throughout all of the modules and are specified in the module handbooks. These are primarily what we call in-course assessments, where you submit work during the delivery of the module, rather than sit timed examinations at the end. Arts modules are generally project-based and primarily assessed through appraisal of a portfolio of work, often accompanied by a verbal presentation. Creative work is largely developmental and you are assessed on the process by which you achieve your solutions as well as the result, so it is essential that you provide clear evidence of your development work.