BA (Hons) Design: Illustration, Graphic Novels and Children’s Publishing (4 years including foundation year)

A unique course combining illustration with creative writing, storytelling and narrative imagery.

Key facts

    Organised study trips to book fairs in Bologna, Paris, Frankfurt and London, as well as guest speakers/ lecturers, provide a broader appreciation of the subject area and aid discussion and lateral thinking
    Take advantage of well-established links with companies and publishing houses, which set briefs and visit students to view their work, with a view to future employment
    Links with local primary schools, where you can study the development and needs of children
    Be part of our North Wales School of Art and Design

Modules Level 4

Design Principles (20 credits)
Design Language (20 credits)
Design Practice (20 credits)
Ideas and Concepts (20 credits)
Creative Media Production (20 credits)
Creative Futures 1 (Elective)(20 credits)

Level 5

Contextualising Design (20 credits)
The Message (20 credits)
Design for Society (20 credits)
Research Methods (20 credits)
Design Directions (20 credits)
Creative Futures 2 (Elective)(20 credits)

Level 6

Dissertation (20 credits)
Research Project Module (Negotiated Study 1) (40 credits)
Negotiated Study 2 (40 credits)
Creative Futures 3 (Elective)(20 credits)

Career opportunities

Career opportunities include; general freelance, artists agents, stylists, concept artists, character designers, environment/background artists, creative writers, comic book artists, designers and visualisers. Further study opportunities are also available at MA or PGCE level.

Illustration graduate Philip Evans said: "The emphasis on the course here is very much on professional working - doing work which people will see, and getting it produced commercially."

Entry Requirements

240 UCAS Tariff points at GCE A Level or equivalent

Relevant talent and experience will also be considered. Appropriate AS-Level and Level 3 Key Skills qualifications will also be taken into account. These entry requirements given are for guidance and reflect the general level of applicants to whom offers are made. All candidates will be interviewed and asked to display a portfolio of their work.

The BA (Hons) Design programmes that include a foundation year welcome applications from anyone who can demonstrate a commitment to the subject and the potential to complete their chosen programme successfully. This can be established by showing appropriate academic achievements or by demonstrating that they possess the knowledge and ability equivalent to the academic qualifications. All candidates will be interviewed and asked to display a portfolio of their work. Experience may also be taken into consideration depending on the extent and depth of such subject knowledge. Students from overseas, or who are unable to attend an interview, are asked to send their portfolio of work digitally for consideration. An admissions tutor considers each application individually. Different formal qualifications are considered, including Scottish Higher, Irish Leaving Certificate, the Welsh Baccalaureate, the International Baccalaureate, Access courses, BTEC, VCE, GNVQ, A and AS levels as well as other overseas qualifications. A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance (previously known as CRB) is needed for this course.

Four-year degree including foundation year

This is a new option. If you do not meet the entry requirements for the three-year honours degree you should consider this option. The creative industries’ departments and the University have created a “kick-start year” for students to study for one year before joining the honours degree.

Students have the opportunity to study these courses as a four-year degree including a foundation year. If you do not meet the entry requirements for the three-year bachelors degree you should consider this degree. By incorporating a foundation year, we can bring you up to speed for the demands of a full three-year degree.