Comics and Graphic Novels BA (Hons) course

Program Overview

The BA (Hons) Comics and Graphic Novels program at Teesside University equips students with the skills and knowledge to pursue a career in the comics and graphic novel industry. The program emphasizes creative expression, technical proficiency, and critical thinking, providing a comprehensive understanding of the medium's history, theory, and practice. Students benefit from industry professionals as instructors, real-world projects, and opportunities to engage with the local comics community.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Objectives:

• The BA (Hons) Comics and Graphic Novels program aims to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to pursue a successful career in the comics and graphic novel industry.
• The program emphasizes the development of students' creative voices, technical skills, and critical thinking abilities.
• Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the comics and graphic novel medium, including its history, theory, and practice.
• The program also aims to prepare students for the challenges of working in the professional comics and graphic novel industry.

Description:

• This program is designed for students who are passionate about comics and graphic novels and who want to learn the skills necessary to create their own work.
• The program is taught by experienced professionals who are active in the comics and graphic novel industry.
• Students will have the opportunity to work on real-world projects, collaborate with industry professionals, and exhibit their work.
• The program is based on the belief that comics and graphic novels are powerful mediums that can be used to tell stories, entertain, educate, and inspire.

Outline:

Content:

• The program covers a wide range of topics related to comics and graphic novels, including:
• Drawing and illustration
• Scriptwriting and storytelling
• Character design
• World-building
• Comic book history and theory
• Publishing and distribution
• Marketing and promotion

Structure:

• The program is divided into three years of full-time study.
• Each year is divided into two semesters, with each semester lasting 15 weeks.
• Students will take a combination of core modules and optional modules.
• Core modules are designed to provide students with a foundation in the key concepts and skills needed to create comics and graphic novels.
• Optional modules allow students to specialize in areas of their interest, such as digital comics, webcomics, or graphic journalism.

Course Schedule:

• The course schedule is available on the Teesside University website.
• The schedule includes information on the dates and times of classes, as well as the names of the instructors.

Individual Modules:

• The program offers a variety of modules, including:
• Collaboration Project:
This module focuses on developing teamwork and communication skills through the creation of a small-scale creative project.
• Comics Sequencing: This module introduces students to the fundamental drawing, design, communication, and narrative skills needed to create a story in comic form.
• Introduction to the Creative Industries: This module provides an overview of the creative industries sector and the various career opportunities available.
• Sequencing and Narrative: This module explores the structural dimensions of comics and graphic novels, including three-act plotting, character arcs, and story sequencing.
• Advanced Comics Storytelling: This module allows students to create an original self-directed project in collaboration with their course mates.
• Creative Research Project: This module develops students' critical thinking and analysis skills through the exploration of contemporary issues and debates in the creative industries.
• Industry Project: This module provides students with the opportunity to work on a real-world project in their chosen area of specialization.
• Working in the Creative Industries: This module examines the challenges and opportunities facing contemporary art, design, and media practices.
• Major Project: This module allows students to produce a self-managed, individual extended piece of independent investigation and/or creative production.
• Professional Practice: This module helps students plan and prepare for their transition from education to their chosen career path.

Assessment:

• Assessment methods vary depending on the module but may include:
• Essays
• Presentations
• Portfolio reviews
• Practical projects

Teaching:

• The program is taught by a team of experienced professionals who are active in the comics and graphic novel industry.
• Students will have the opportunity to learn from guest speakers, attend industry events, and visit comic book publishers and studios.
• The program also offers a number of support services to help students succeed, including academic advising, career counseling, and mental health support.

Careers:

• Graduates of the program have gone on to work in a variety of roles in the comics and graphic novel industry, including:
• Comic book artists
• Graphic novelists
• Illustrators
• Writers
• Editors
• Publishers

Other:

• The program is part of the School of Arts & Creative Industries at Teesside University.
• The program is accredited by the Association of Illustrators.
• The program is based in Middlesbrough, which is a vibrant and creative city in the northeast of England.
• The program offers a number of opportunities for students to get involved in the local comics and graphic novel community, including:
• The Teesside Comics Forum
• The Middlesbrough Comic Con
• The Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art (MIMA)
• The program also offers a number of scholarships and bursaries to help students with the cost of their studies.

Conclusion:

The BA (Hons) Comics and Graphic Novels program at Teesside University is a comprehensive and well-rounded program that provides students with the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to pursue a successful career in the comics and graphic novel industry. The program is taught by experienced professionals, offers a variety of modules, and provides students with a number of opportunities to get involved in the local comics and graphic novel community.

Tuition Fees and Payment Information:

• Full-time
• Entry to 2024/25 academic year
• Fee for UK applicants: £9,250 a year
• Fee for international applicants: £17,000 a year
• Part-time
• 2024/25 entry
• Fee for UK applicants: £4,500 (120 credits)