Course structure
Core modules
Character Design
Experiment with techniques and visuals to develop your individual strengths and style to create memorable characters.
Character design lets you demonstrate an understanding of the key issues relating to character development, including research, analysis and synthesis. From this you recognise and develop your original creative approach.
You also critically reflect upon your work to help further develop your specialist skills.
Assessment is through a portfolio of project work.
Concept Art Practice
As a professional concept artist you might work in an animation or games studio or you might choose to run your own business as a freelancer. In this module you explore the different aspects of working in both of these roles. The emphasis is strongly on engagement with industry.
You primarily work on briefs supplied by professionals from animation and games studios. In the past these briefs have been supplied by Dreamworks, Ubisoft and Atomhawk.
During the module you have the opportunity to pitch your work to professionals and receive direct feedback.
We also have regular visiting lecturers from industry who give talks and provide feedback and advice on your work.
You are assessed on the portfolio of work created during the module.
Drawing for Concept Artists
Drawing skills are essential to being a successful concept artist, and this module provides you with the skills essential to supporting your artistic practice. Experimenting with materials and techniques allows you to become more confident in your work, allowing you to overcome any ‘artist’s block’ you may come up against throughout your career.
Developing your skills will encourage you to reflect and improve your artistic practice. It also helps you to develop your strengths and overcome your weaknesses to enable you to create original artwork.
Assessment is through a portfolio and an edited blog, with an emphasis upon process rather than product.
Environment Design
You have the opportunity to research and then construct an environment design within the field of concept art. The module will look at both interior and exterior environments. You will be expected to experiment with a broad range of techniques based around a given brief. Effective use of practise-based research will be encouraged and you are required to critically reflect upon the portfolio you create.
Master's Project: Concept Art
You have the opportunity to undertake a major, in-depth, individual study in an aspect of your concept art programme. These projects will be drawn from appropriate commercial, industrial, artistic or research-based problem areas. The project will involve research and investigation in relevant aspects of a very specific area of study followed by the production of a major deliverable portfolio of relevant practice based materials from the area of concept art. You will also produce a written report that contextualises and critically evaluates your final outputs.
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.
Visual Storytelling
Telling the story is what hooks your audience and we help you understand the key issues relating to visual storytelling.
You explore storytelling as it applies in various contexts such as storyboards, key moments, posters and comic strips.
The work you produce is informed by appropriate research and analysis of a range of visual storytelling contexts.
We help you demonstrate a high level of professional competence, willingness and confidence to experiment with a range of visual approaches. You critically reflect upon the work you produce.
Assessment is on your portfolio of project work.
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.
