Course structure
Core modules
Adaption and Interpretation
You demonstrate a deep and nuanced understanding of the key issues relating to the development of sequential art created in response to provided written material.
The provided written document may be in the form of a professionally formatted full scrip. You also explore a range of written material from a variety of sources.
You undertake appropriate research and analysis, which is synthesised into your visual interpretation.
You experiment with storytelling techniques and visual style to recognise and develop your individual strengths leading to an original creative approach.
You critically reflect on your work to promote further development of specialist skills.
Your assessment is a portfolio of artwork and a reflective document.
Advanced Drawing for Comics
You develop your drawing skills, concentrating on observational and compositional techniques as well as imaginative interpretation and critical reflection.
You carry out a variety of practical tasks including life drawing and observational drawing of objects and architecture. You experiment with materials and techniques and reflect on practice and context. You identify and reflect on your strengths and weaknesses and undertake practice based research to develop original creative approaches.
Assessment is a portfolio of traditional artwork and a presentation.
You are required to draw from naked models of either gender for this module.
Comics Practice: Engaging with Industry
You work for a client, as a freelancer or potentially as a creator within a larger organisation. You attend meeting and pitch to clients. You are also responsible for pricing, copyright and ownership issues.
You work on briefs covering a range of subjects, depending on the client’s requirements, such as the origination of comic strip work, character/creature designs, environment art, vehicles, weapons and storyboards.
Wherever possible industry professionals brief assignments and hold feedback sessions.
Your assessment is a portfolio of visual artwork created to a given brief, a reflective journal, and an additional industry based ‘art test’.
Developing a Personal Voice in Comics
You create a piece of sequential art to communicate an idea developed from a topic of specific interest to you.
You research and analyse your area of interest and develop a range of creative responses. You can express your ideas in an original and idiosyncratic way.
You demonstrate a high level of professional competence and willingness to experiment with a range of visual approaches.
You explore a range of publishing venues, including small press and web comics.
You critically reflect on your work to promote further development and appropriate professional skills.
Your assessment is 100% ICA consisting of a finished piece of sequential art and a reflective document.
Master's Project: Comics
You undertake a major, in-depth, individual study into a specialisation relating to the programme. You explore appropriate commercial, industrial, artistic or research-based problem areas. You research and investigate relevant aspects of a specific area of study, followed by the production of a major deliverable portfolio of relevant practice based materials from the field. You also produce a written report that contextualises and critically evaluates your final outputs.
Your assessment is a report, product and viva.
Pitching the Idea
You work in teams to produce a pitch for a proposed comic book, graphic novel or other form of sequential art.
Mimicking the collaborative nature of the industry you work together on a joint project and have the opportunity to specialise. You collaborate closely and support each other working towards an agreed goal.
Pitch presentations enable you to present your work to rest of the class and help you gain confidence and develop professionalism.
Your assessment is a portfolio of individual work and your contribution to the presentations.
Practice-based Research for the Visual Artist
You research and develop an area of professional practice relating to the your personal interests. This may be a new area of investigation or a development of an existing practice. You learn how to implement and critically evaluate practice-based research outputs synthesising your findings into your own practice.
Advanced practice (2 year full-time MA only)
Internship
The internship options are:
Vocational: spend one semester working full-time in industry or on placement in the University. We have close links with a range of national and international companies who could offer you the chance to develop your knowledge and professional skills in the workplace through an internship. Although we cannot guarantee internships, we will provide you with practical support and advice on how to find and secure your own internship position. A vocational internship is a great way to gain work experience and give your CV a competitive edge.
Research: develop your research and academic skills by undertaking a research internship within the University. Experience working as part of a research team in an academic setting. Ideal for those who are interested in a career in research or academia.
