Course summary
This course offers an expansive understanding of contemporary illustration through an inquisitive and explorative programme of study into authorial storytelling. On this course, you will explore multidisciplinary methods of working which extend the concepts of communication, sequential narrative and visualisation through research, practice and discursive critique. The course allows students a stimulating space for exploring the boundaries of illustration and the graphic novel. It will offer the opportunity to unpick the specialist mechanisms related to both authorial practice, graphic novel construction, as well as other book forms and publishing approaches such as picturebooks, zines, visual diaries and other illustrative story play. You will explore both works of fiction and non-fiction, reportage and graphic journalism as well as stories for adults and children. The course will encourage you to consider co-designed and collaborative methods of narrative practice, as well as autobiographical, autofiction and other approaches derived from the ‘lived experience’. You will be supported by a team with diverse research and practical interests from the fields of illustration, print, graphic novel and its broader visual cultures. Research and dissemination methods will be introduced and developed with the support of visiting industry speakers, workshops, lectures and seminars with opportunity to situate work in relevant professional contexts. The course celebrates analogue approaches to working which complement contemporary and digital practice. You will be encouraged to undertake in-depth examination and experimentation of interdisciplinary practical and theoretical research methods through simple, hands-on and playful approaches.
Entry requirements
Our postgraduate minimum requirements are: • A 2:2 undergraduate UK honours degree or international equivalent or; • A degree-equivalent postgraduate diploma/professional qualification. Applicants who hold a degree from another discipline or have experiential learning in lieu of a degree may also be considered for entry via the Recognition of Prior Learning process (RPL). - Examples of work For all postgraduate courses you will need: • To set up your portal • You will then be asked to submit a maximum of six examples of work from your portfolio for consideration. The files should be no larger than 30MB in total and it is essential that no more than six examples of work are uploaded. • One reference to support your application. This may be from an academic or a creative practitioner. Applicants who meet the entry requirements above will be required to submit a personal statement outlining their intentions for MA study. - Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) If you’re over the age of 21 and don’t have traditional qualifications, we may be able to consider your relevant experience as well as your educational background through the Recognition of Prior Learning process (RPL). Where experience is being presented in lieu of academic achievement applicants must be able to demonstrate substantive experience, for example employment in a related industry. Your application form should provide as much information as possible for consideration by our admissions department. Following receipt of your application the admissions team may ask you for further information. You may also be asked to attend an informal interview.
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6.5 | No individual component below 5.5. |
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £4850* | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £4850* | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £4850* | Year 1 |
| Wales | £4850* | Year 1 |
*This is a provisional fee and subject to change.
Additional fee information
Home graduates progressing from BA (Hons) at Leeds Arts University within the last three years will qualify for a £500 alumni discount per year.
Provider information
Leeds Arts University
Blenheim Walk
Leeds
LS2 9AQ