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Illustration with Graphic Novel at Leeds Arts University - UCAS

Course options

There are other course options available which may have a different vacancy status or entry requirements – view the full list of options

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

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6.5No individual component below 5.5.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

EU £18000* Whole course
England £9700* Whole course
Northern Ireland £9700* Whole course
Scotland £9700* Whole course
Wales £9700* Whole course
International £18000* Whole course

*This is a provisional fee and subject to change.

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

Home graduates progressing from BA (Hons) at Leeds Arts University within the last three years will qualify for a £1,000 alumni discount. International fee-paying students directly progressing from a Leeds Arts University undergraduate degree course to a Leeds Arts University postgraduate degree course will qualify for the International Progression Award. This is a tuition fee reduction of 10% per year.
Illustration with Graphic Novel at Leeds Arts University - UCAS