Concept and Comic Arts BA (Hons)

Program Overview

Through hands-on learning, industry interaction, and a final-year personal project, students develop a diverse skill set and prepare for careers in the creative industries. The program fosters a vibrant learning environment with block teaching, guest lectures, and access to professional facilities and support services.

Program Outline

This three-year (full-time) or four-year (with placement) program combines two distinct areas:

1) Concept Art:

Mastering industry-specific tools for pre-production, production, and post-production of art in film and game industries.

2) Comic Art:

Developing practical knowledge for idea generation, visual storytelling, and communication.

Objectives:

• Equip students with a diverse skill set through hands-on learning and industry interaction.
• Provide opportunities to build portfolios through a final-year personal project and professional development module.
• Offer an immersive international experience with DMU's Global programme.
• Cultivate artistic talent through the support of the Leicester Media School Drawing Centre.
• Enhance employability skills and industry preparation.

Program Description:

The course curriculum blends practical activity, guest lectures from film/game industry professionals, and studio culture to foster a vibrant learning environment. Students explore the theoretical and historical contexts of comics, graphic novels, visual communication, and related fields.

Outline:

Course Content:

• Focuses on both traditional art skills and contemporary digital techniques.
• Covers concept and comic art themes, with each area encompassing specific tools, processes, and applications.

Structure & Course Schedule:

• Utilizes block teaching with an innovative approach, allowing students to focus on one module at a time and receive regular assessments and feedback alongside a straightforward timetable.
• Each block is seven weeks in duration and covers one module, contributing 30 credits to the program.
• Independent studies are encouraged to enhance learning outside scheduled classes.

Modules:

Year One:

• Block 1: Visualisation
• Block 2: Design Thinking
• Block 3: Making Comics
• Block 4: Concept Art

Year Two:

• Block 1: Visual Narrative
• Block 2: World Building
• Block 3: Professional Practice Comics
• Block 4: Character Building

Year Three:

• Block 1: Professional Practice
• Block 2: Dissertation
• Block 3: Personal Project: Planning and Pre-Production
• Block 4: Personal Project: Production and Post-Production

Assessment

• Methods:
• Regular progress presentations
• Portfolio-based summative assessment with reflective practice.
• Final year:
• Developing professional standard portfolio guided by industry artists and faculty.

Teaching:

• Teaching format: Primarily involves in-person classes.
• Flexibility: The course utilizes DMU Replay for access to lectures in audio/visual formats, supporting student revision and accommodation of different learning styles.
• Faculty: Experienced academics and industry professionals provide expert knowledge and guidance.
• Studio Culture: Encourages collaboration, networking with professionals and development of artistic identity.

Careers

• Potential career pathways include: 3D artists, visual effects and VR artists, environment artists, character artists, concept artists, technical artists, team leads, studio managers, producers and directors.
• Placements program offers work experience opportunities to boost employability.

Other:

UK

EU/International Institution code: D26 UCAS course code: W223 Duration: Three years full-time, four years with placement Fees and funding: 2024/25 tuition fees for UK students: £9,250 How to apply Order a prospectus Book an Open Day Submit a study-related enquiry Institution code: D26 UCAS course code: W223 Duration: Three years full-time, four years with placement Fees and funding: 2024/25 tuition fees for international students: £16,250 Find out more about available funding for international students. How to apply Order a prospectus Application guidance document Submit a study-related enquiry