Find out more about studying Comics and Graphic Novels (with Advanced Practice) MA at Teesside University? We've gathered all the key details, entry requirements, modules, fees, and more. Take the next step by booking an open day to explore it for yourself.
MA - Master of Arts
Teesside University Middlesbrough
Full Time
Jan 2027
2 Year
Whether you're a recent graduate, a passionate creator, or a seasoned professional looking to step up, this course is your ultimate launchpad to success. You are taught by industry legends who have worked with Marvel Comics, DC Comics, Rebellion (2000AD), Shockdom, Dennis Publishing, and Vis Comic. This course is also designed with insights from experts behind The Walking Dead and Captain America. You gain: Career-focused modules: develop your unique style and connect with top industry professionals. Skill refinement: master the art of crafting and delivering killer pitches and presentations. Digital mastery: upgrade your technical skills and digital capabilities to stand out in the modern landscape. Audience insight: gain an advanced understanding of comic and graphic novel audiences and markets. Multimedia expertise: learn to engage audiences through print, galleries, screens and more. Deep research integration: enhance your knowledge and critical perspective with embedded research. Adobe Ninja: learn new workplace-ready creative skills with the Adobe Studio suite, included free of charge for Teesside University students. Picture yourself as a comic book artist, a script writer for film, television, comics or games, a concept artist, a book illustrator, a graphic novelist, an illustrator, a storyboard artist, a character designer, a cover artist, a teacher or lecturer. Even an interdisciplinary collaborator in fields like medicine, science, technology, and manufacturing, where visual communication is essential. Top reasons to study this course at Teesside University: Get creative: our course and campus are powered by Adobe and Apple. We’re Europe’s first Adobe Creative Campus and the only Apple-accredited University, equipping you with the digital tools and resources to hone your creative skills. Collaborative modules: our MA courses include interdisciplinary modules where you can interact with people from other MA subject areas, widening your perspectives and network. Modules are also delivered in a condensed way to help you balance your other commitments. Industry-standard facilities: develop your own personal cartooning style using the latest technology, including iMacs and Wacom digital drawing tablets. Professional memberships: we’re a member of the Association of Illustrators, giving you access to interactive talks, guidance on contracts and licensing, and your own discounted membership. This provides the tools you need to forge a successful career in industry or as a freelancer. We’re also members of Creative UK to expand your professional network. Industry experience: work on live briefs for a variety of organisations such as Streetwise Opera and the NHS, helping you build your portfolio of work. Creative UK Take advantage of our Creative UK membership and help futureproof your career, with networking events, a resource hub to support professional development, and bespoke workshops in partnership with industry leaders and mentors. Sign up for free student membership to get opportunities, events and newsletters sent directly to your inbox. Association of Illustrators We’re a member of the Association of Illustrators, giving you access to interactive talks, guidance on contracts and licensing, and your own discounted membership. This gives you the tools you need to forge a successful career in industry or as a freelancer.
You demonstrate a deep and nuanced understanding of the key issues relating to the development of sequential art created in response to provided written material. The provided written document may be in the form of a professionally formatted full scrip. You also explore a range of written material from a variety of sources. You undertake appropriate research and analysis, which is synthesised into your visual interpretation. You experiment with storytelling techniques and visual style to recognise and develop your individual strengths leading to an original creative approach. You critically reflect on your work to promote further development of specialist skills. Your assessment is a portfolio of artwork and a reflective document.
You develop your drawing skills, concentrating on observational and compositional techniques as well as imaginative interpretation and critical reflection. You carry out a variety of practical tasks including life drawing and observational drawing of objects and architecture. You experiment with materials and techniques and reflect on practice and context. You identify and reflect on your strengths and weaknesses and undertake practice based research to develop original creative approaches. Assessment is a portfolio of traditional artwork and a presentation. You are required to draw from naked models of either gender for this module.
You work for a client, as a freelancer or potentially as a creator within a larger organisation. You attend meeting and pitch to clients. You are also responsible for pricing, copyright and ownership issues. You work on briefs covering a range of subjects, depending on the client's requirements, such as the origination of comic strip work, character/creature designs, environment art, vehicles, weapons and storyboards. Wherever possible industry professionals brief assignments and hold feedback sessions. Your assessment is a portfolio of visual artwork created to a given brief, a reflective journal, and an additional industry based 'art test'.
You create a piece of sequential art to communicate an idea developed from a topic of specific interest to you. You research and analyse your area of interest and develop a range of creative responses. You can express your ideas in an original and idiosyncratic way. You demonstrate a high level of professional competence and willingness to experiment with a range of visual approaches. You explore a range of publishing venues, including small press and web comics. You critically reflect on your work to promote further development and appropriate professional skills. Your assessment is 100% ICA consisting of a finished piece of sequential art and a reflective document.
The internship options are: Vocational: spend one semester working full-time in industry or on placement in the University. We have close links with a range of national and international companies who could offer you the chance to develop your knowledge and professional skills in the workplace through an internship. Although we cannot guarantee internships, we will provide you with practical support and advice on how to find and secure your own internship position. A vocational internship is a great way to gain work experience and give your CV a competitive edge. Research: develop your research and academic skills by undertaking a research internship within the University. Experience working as part of a research team in an academic setting. Ideal for those who are interested in a career in research or academia.
You undertake a major, in-depth, individual study into a specialisation relating to the programme. You explore appropriate commercial, industrial, artistic or research-based problem areas. You research and investigate relevant aspects of a specific area of study, followed by the production of a major deliverable portfolio of relevant practice based materials from the field. You also produce a written report that contextualises and critically evaluates your final outputs. Your assessment is a report, product and viva.
You work in teams to produce a pitch for a proposed comic book, graphic novel or other form of sequential art. Mimicking the collaborative nature of the industry you work together on a joint project and have the opportunity to specialise. You collaborate closely and support each other working towards an agreed goal. Pitch presentations enable you to present your work to rest of the class and help you gain confidence and develop professionalism. Your assessment is a portfolio of individual work and your contribution to the presentations.
You research and develop an area of professional practice relating to the your personal interests. This may be a new area of investigation or a development of an existing practice. You learn how to implement and critically evaluate practice-based research outputs synthesising your findings into your own practice. You research and develop an area of professional practice relating to the your personal interests. This may be a new area of investigation or a development of an existing practice. You learn how to implement and critically evaluate practice-based research outputs synthesising your findings into your own practice.
Cost of living Fee - Maintenance/Living Costs: £1,023 per month for areas outside London, for the duration of the course as stated on your letter/CAS, for a maximum period of 9 months (£9,207)
