BA (Hons) Comics (with Foundation Year)

What you will study

YEAR 1 (FOUNDATION YEAR)

The foundation year will introduce you to the key elements of art and design, including graphic design, animation, illustration, photography, and film, applied and fine art.  You will explore the creative thought process relating to various art and design disciplines, developing your ability to put ideas down on paper quickly.  There will be a range of practice assignments that will increase your recognition of strong ideas and original concepts.

MODULES

• Visual Investigation
• Materials and Methods
• Creative Processes
• Progression Project
• The Skills You Need
• Contextual Studies

YEAR 1 (LEVEL 4) - Core skills

The first year introduces students to the fundamental principles of illustration that will help you develop your illustrative style. This includes developing an understanding of the tools and creative techniques you will be using, the historical contexts and theories of comics, creative writing, print, production, bookbinding techniques, an understanding of the industry and newer digital applications.

MODULES

Semester 1

• History & Context
• Visual Communication
• Digital Communication

Semester 2

• Social Design
• Story Telling: Theory and Practice
• Interactive Design

YEAR 2 (LEVEL 5) - Advanced skills

The second year enables you to develop your individual approach to character design, scriptwriting and visual storytelling, the practical aspects of making comics as well as exploring the basics of running a business as a freelancer.

MODULES

Semester 1

• Motion Design
• Print and Production
• Critical Thinking 

Semester 2

• Creative Futures: Making a Living
• Design Project: Comics

YEAR 3 (LEVEL 6) - Specialism

The third year is focused on your specialism. You will work with staff to pitch the projects that demonstrate your flair for storytelling, your skills and abilities, your ambition, and your understanding of the comics industry.

MODULES

Semester 1

• Specialist Project: Comics

Semester 2

• Creative Futures: Professional Practice
• Live Brief

The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the programme that will take the form of either core or option modules. Modules are designated as core or option in accordance with professional body requirements and internal academic framework review, so may be subject to change.

Entry requirements & applying

The academic requirements for the course are 48-72 UCAS tariff points but all applications are considered individually and we consider work experience, vocational training/qualifications, as well as motivation and potential to succeed.

The programme welcomes 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.

Candidates may 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 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.

Progression from HND / FDA

Applicants with relevant HND qualifications, or a foundation degree in a relevant Art and Design subject area may progress onto Level 6 of a BA subject to Wrexham University’s RP(E)L procedures.

Teaching & Assessment

There are no set exams. Assessment is continuous and relates to all aspects of the programme, providing more carefully defined emphasis on formative assessment and feedback on your coursework throughout the academic year. We will advise you on your level of attainment and direct you towards a strategy for further progression as assignments and modules are completed.

There are varied formats of assessment to encourage your learning through group seminars, critiques, and tutorials. This can be through group interaction with critical analysis where you will submit a range of work including sketchbooks, design sheets, finished artwork, screen-based work, technical/ production files, journals, essays, and audio-visual presentations. There are reviews of work at key points before Christmas and before Easter and this provides time for you to reflect on your progress prior to a final or summative year end assessment.

TEACHING AND LEARNING

The majority of the active teaching and learning is studio/workshop based and practical in nature supported with lectures, demonstrations, tutorials, seminars and critiques and talks by specialist guest speakers

Wrexham University is committed to supporting our students to maximise their academic potential.

We offer workshops and support sessions in areas such as academic writing, effective note-making and preparing for assignments. Students can book appointments with academic skills tutors dedicated to helping deal with the practicalities of university work. Our student support section has more information on the help available.

In terms of particular needs, the University’s Inclusion Services can provide appropriate guidance and support should any students require reasonable adjustments to be made because of a recognised prevailing disability, medical condition, or specific learning difference.

Career prospects

Emphasis is placed on your personal and professional development, communication, and entrepreneurial skills, so that you are well equipped to enter a diverse and rapidly changing industry. Students studying Comics have gone on to working in a variety of jobs including: 

• Freelance illustrators  
• Book designers 
• Comic artists 
• Storyboard artists 
• Character designers  
• Roles in the animation and games industry 

This degree also allows you to gain a range of transferable skills that can lead to a variety of employment opportunities. Further study opportunities are also available at MA or PGCE level.

Our Careers & Employability service is there to help you make decisions and plan the next steps towards a bright future. From finding work or further study to working out your interests, skills and aspirations, they can provide you with the expert information, advice and guidance you need.

Fees & funding

You do not have to pay your tuition fees upfront.

The fees you pay and the support available will depend on a number of different factors. Full information can be found on our fees & finance pages. You will also find information about what your fees include in the fee FAQs.

All fees are subject to any changes in government policy, view our undergraduate fees.

Programme specification

View the full programme specification here

Accommodation

If you’re looking for a place to stay while you study then take a look at our accommodation pages to get more information on your options, including our on-campus halls of residence Wrexham Village.