Illustration for Comics BA (Hons) 2027 Entry
BA (Hons) Illustration for Comics: Craft Your Storytelling Skills
The BA (Hons) Illustration for Comics at New College Swindon University Centre is designed for students who are passionate about storytelling through illustration. This course focuses on narrative and editorial illustration, preparing you for a career in the diverse field of comics. Whether you're interested in comic strips, graphic novels, storyboarding for film and animation, or children's books, this program is about developing the skills and knowledge you need.
A Balanced and Comprehensive Curriculum
The first year of the program encourages exploration and experimentation, allowing you to develop your skills in visual development, storytelling, and print processes. You'll explore the relationship between text and image in comics, with an emphasis on both traditional and digital techniques. The second semester introduces the historical and contemporary context of comics, including the latest digital trends.
Personal and Professional Growth
In your second year, the program emphasizes personal development and collaboration. You'll refine your style, explore different formats and production techniques, and learn about the business side of comics. This year is designed to help you identify your strengths as a comic creator and prepare for a successful career in the industry.
Preparing for Your Career in the Final Year
Your final year focuses on building a professional portfolio and completing projects that showcase your skills. Alongside this, you'll work on a dissertation and engage in professional practice to ensure you're ready to enter the creative industries. The program also offers opportunities to respond to live briefs and participate in national and international competitions, giving you real-world experience.
A Supportive Creative Environment
At New College Swindon, you'll be part of a Creative Hub, surrounded by a community of artists and creative professionals. This environment fosters collaboration and helps you develop not just your artistic skills, but also critical thinking, business understanding, and entrepreneurship. The program also encourages students to connect with the wider creative community through digital and traditional platforms.
Modules
Year 1 (Level 4)
Year 2 (Level 5)
Formats, Production & Publishing - 30
Developing a personal style & defining an audience - 30
Comics & Culture - 30
Drawing for Comics 2 - 15
Collaborations &Opportunities - 15
Year 3 (Level 6)
Entry requirements
Typically, one of the L3 qualifications below would meet our academic entry requirements:
a BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Art/design/digital related subject
2 A Levels at grade A*-D (one of which should be subject related)
Access to HE Art & Design/Level 3/4
Foundation Diploma in Art, Design and Media
Additionally, you should have 3 GCSEs at grade 9-4 including English Language.
Mature applicants
Mature students without formal academic qualifications but with relevant industry/subject experience will be considered on an individual basis.
English Language requirements
If your first language is not English, we accept IELTS (Academic) at grade 6 overall with a minimum score of 5.5 in each component (Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking)
Other specific entry requirements
Applicants will also be required to provide a satisfactory portfolio of work. You may also be invited to attend an interview.
International applicants
We require evidence of international qualifications at point of application. Unfortunately, we are currently unable to consider applicants that require a Student Visa to study in the UK.
Future career and study opportunities
Comics Artist/Illustrator/Creator, Storyboard artist for Animation/Games/Film & TV, Concept Artist for Animation/Games/Film & TV, Publishing, Design, Online content, Live Illustration Artist for recording meetings & Conferences, Newspaper Cartoonist/Humourist. Character Artist/Designer.
Fees Information
Fees for 2026 entry: £7,700
Fees for 2027 entry: £8,400
Contact
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