Program Overview
The MA Illustration with Graphic Novel program at Leeds Arts University offers a comprehensive exploration of contemporary illustration and graphic novels. It emphasizes authorial storytelling, multidisciplinary methods, and collaborative practices. Students develop skills in various book forms, including picture books, zines, and visual diaries, preparing them for careers in publishing, design, education, and freelance work.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Overview:
The MA Illustration with Graphic Novel program at Leeds Arts University provides a comprehensive understanding of contemporary illustration through an explorative and inquisitive program of study focused on authorial storytelling. It explores multidisciplinary methods of working that expand the concepts of communication, sequential narrative, and visualization through research, practice, and critical discourse.
Objectives:
- Expand students' boundaries of illustration and graphic novels.
- Offer opportunities to explore the specific mechanisms of authorial practice, graphic novel construction, and other book forms (e.g., picture books, zines, visual diaries).
- Encourage exploration of co-designed and collaborative narrative practices, autobiographical approaches, and other lived-experience-based methods.
Program Description:
This program provides a stimulating environment for students to explore the boundaries of illustration and graphic novels. It delves into the specific mechanisms of authorial practice, graphic novel construction, and other book forms and publishing approaches, including picture books, zines, visual diaries, and other illustrative storytelling methods. Students will have the opportunity to explore works of fiction and non-fiction, reportage, graphic journalism, and stories for both adults and children. The program encourages students to consider co-designed and collaborative methods of narrative practice, as well as autobiographical, autofiction, and other approaches derived from the lived experience.
Outline:
Program Content:
- Authorial storytelling
- Graphic novel construction
- Picture books
- Zines
- Visual diaries
- Illustration story play
- Fiction and non-fiction
- Reportage
- Graphic journalism
- Adult and children's stories
- Co-designed and collaborative narrative practice
- Autobiographical, autofiction, and lived-experience-based approaches
Structure:
- One year full-time / two years part-time
- Specialist subject modules and transdisciplinary core modules
- Independent learning
- Individual supervision
- Group tutorials
- Live briefs and project proposals
- Collaboration with students from other postgraduate courses
- Contemporary practice in specialism
- Research methods and business-related modules
- Mac computers with graphics tablets and software for tradigital drawing methods
- Traditional printmaking resources
- Professional standard digital print facilities
- Risograph machine
Course Schedule:
Teaching:
Teaching Methods:
- Individual supervision
- Group tutorials
- Live briefs and project proposals
- Collaboration with students from other postgraduate courses
Faculty:
- Diverse research and practical interests from the fields of illustration, print, graphic novel, and its broader visual cultures.
- Engaged in contemporary practice in their specialism.
Unique Approaches:
- In-depth examination and experimentation of interdisciplinary practical and theoretical research methods through simple, hands-on, and playful approaches.
Careers:
Potential Career Paths:
- Illustrator
- Graphic novelist
- Picture book creator
- Zine maker
- Visual diarist
- Storyteller
- Author
- Journalist
- Educator
Career Opportunities:
- Publishing houses
- Design agencies
- Educational institutions
- Freelance work
- Self-publishing
Career Outcomes:
- Students will be prepared for successful careers in various creative industries.
Additional Information:
- The program celebrates analogue approaches to working that complement contemporary and digital practice.
- Students are encouraged to undertake in-depth examination and experimentation of interdisciplinary practical and theoretical research methods through simple, hands-on, and playful approaches.
- The program has a dedicated Instagram page.
Leeds Arts University
Overview:
Leeds Arts University is the only specialist arts university in the North of England, with award-winning facilities and expert tutors dedicated to the study of creative arts subjects. Students study in a close-knit, diverse and creative community and prepare for a successful career in the creative industries.
Founded in 1846 as the Leeds Government School of Art and Design, the university has contributed significantly to the development of arts education in Britain and across the world. Leeds Arts University invests heavily in its award-winning, industry-standard facilities, and in 2021, the University appointed acclaimed musician Skin to the role of Chancellor. Ten percent of our students are international, representing over 70 different nationalities globally.
Student Life:
Leeds is one of the UK's fastest-growing cities in the UK, with a safe and friendly feel. International students are warmly welcomed, bringing new ideas and wider perspectives into the vibrant student community.
The city has a thriving arts scene with major galleries e.g. The Henry Moore Institute and Leeds Arts Gallery existing alongside numerous independent creative spaces. In addition, there are several parks and green spaces including the beautiful Hyde Park and a thriving nightlife including many bars and cinemas.
Leeds is famous for its variety of shops and markets, from leading designer shops, the Grade I listed Kirkgate Market, the Corn Exchange which is full of independent brands, to the stunning Victorian arcades.
The University’s Students’ Union team works hard to ensure that every student gets the most from their time at Leeds Arts University. They host various events throughout the year making sure everyone has every opportunity to relax and have fun including activities, campaigns, events and fundraising, run our student magazine as well as supporting societies, sports teams and the Student Representatives.
Student Support:
The University supports students throughout their degree to maximise their chances of success after graduation. Opportunities are available to connect with industry, attend specialist workshops, access support for freelancers, and meet 1:1 with a careers consultant who has specialist knowledge of the creative industries.
Access to the Careers, Employability and Enterprise team is available for up five years following your graduation, with a range of activities and guidance to suit alumni including the Freelancer Summer School, alumni workshops, and 1-2-1 careers guidance. Alumni can also apply to the Creatives in Residence scheme on campus, or for a residency in a funded studio space.
The University’s support teams include Student Advice and Wellbeing and Academic Support. The Student Advice and Wellbeing team provides inclusive support to the diverse student community. They work directly with individuals to find the best support for you. Academic Support provides a hub of support for students with learning differences, conditions, and disabilities. Leeds Arts University has a diverse mix of creative students with a variety of learning styles and differences which enriches both our student population and the learning environment.
University Facilities:
Leeds Arts University prides itself on its state-of-the-art resources and libraries. All buildings have been designed and built for specialist arts education, whether this was the Vernon Street art school in 1903 or Blenheim Walk which was completed in January 2019.
There are dedicated course studios for specialist disciplines and open working areas for students across courses to meet up, work and socialise together.
Resources are equipped to industry standards and are run by highly skilled staff who contribute significantly to teaching. Resources have a drop-in facility so students can carry on working in their own time.
An 800m² extension of the Blenheim Walk building opened in September 2024, providing a roof-top garden, more studios, informal working spaces and café facilities, and a 24-hour student hub.
Course and Lecturers:
Leeds Arts University offers 19 undergraduate and seven postgraduate courses, all taught by tutors who are highly experienced in their disciplines. Many are still actively working within the creative industries, ensuring students can access the most up-to-date practice and excellent industry links. Students are further supported by professional instructors.
Students learn through a combination of theory and application of practical skills, using specialist equipment and facilities supervised by expert technicians. Live industry briefs are incorporated into course modules when possible to set students up for working in industry.
Leeds Arts University’s strong links mean industry speakers visit throughout the year to give guest lectures and talk to students.
Entry Requirements:
UK and EU Applicants:
- A good honours degree (normally a 2:1 or above) in Illustration, Fine Art, Graphic Design or related field.
- A strong portfolio demonstrating your creative ability, technical skills, and potential for independent research.
- Applicants with professional experience in the creative industries or a relevant postgraduate qualification may also be considered.
- A personal statement outlining your ambitions and motivation for studying this course.
- Two academic references.
International Students (Non-EU):
- An equivalent qualification to a UK honours degree.
- Good grades in relevant subjects.
- Evidence of English language proficiency, such as IELTS 6.5 or equivalent.
- A portfolio demonstrating your creative ability and potential.
- A personal statement outlining your reasons for applying to the course.
- Two academic references.
Additional Requirements:
- All applicants are encouraged to attend an interview, either in person or via video conferencing.
Please note:
- Entry requirements may vary depending on your nationality and academic background.
- It is recommended to check the university website for the most up-to-date information on entry requirements.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
- Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate English language proficiency at the required level.
- Typically, this means achieving a minimum score of 6.5 on the IELTS academic test, with no individual band score below 5.5.
- Other equivalent English language qualifications may be accepted.
Please note:
- Language proficiency requirements may vary depending on the university and the specific course you are applying to.
- It is recommended to check the university website for the most up-to-date information on language proficiency requirements.
