MBA Business Administration
Staffordshire University's MBA Business Administration course offers a comprehensiv...
BA (Hons) Cartoon and Comic Arts
Stoke-on-Trent campus
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The BA (Hons) Cartoon and Comic Arts program at Staffordshire University, UK, is designed for students passionate about visual storytelling, illustration, and sequential art. This dynamic program offers students the opportunity to develop their artistic skills and narrative abilities within the context of cartooning and comic artistry. Through a combination of practical studio work, theoretical study, and professional practice, students explore various aspects of cartooning, comic book creation, character design, and visual storytelling techniques. The program aims to foster creativity, critical thinking, and technical proficiency, preparing graduates for careers in the vibrant and diverse field of cartoon and comic arts.
Curriculum: The curriculum of the BA (Hons) Cartoon and Comic Arts program encompasses a wide range of topics related to cartooning, comic book creation, and visual storytelling. Students study subjects such as drawing fundamentals, character design, storyboarding, sequential art theory, and digital illustration techniques. They also explore the history and cultural significance of cartoons and comics, analyzing works from various genres and traditions. Through practical projects and assignments, students develop their artistic style, narrative voice, and storytelling abilities, culminating in the creation of original comic book projects or graphic novels.
Research Focus: Staffordshire University emphasizes research within its BA (Hons) Cartoon and Comic Arts program, encouraging students to explore theoretical concepts, historical influences, and contemporary trends in cartooning and comic art. Faculty members are actively engaged in research projects related to visual storytelling, graphic narrative theory, and comic book studies. Students have the opportunity to conduct independent research, write critical analyses, and contribute to scholarly discussions within the field of cartoon and comic arts. Research-focused modules may explore topics such as visual semiotics, cultural representation, and the evolution of graphic storytelling mediums.
Industry Engagement: The university maintains strong connections with professionals and organizations within the cartoon and comic arts industry to provide students with valuable industry engagement opportunities. Through guest lectures, workshops, and collaborative projects, students gain insights into the practical aspects of working as cartoonists, illustrators, or comic book creators. Industry partnerships also provide students with access to networking events, portfolio reviews, and internship opportunities, enabling them to establish connections and gain real-world experience within the competitive field of cartoon and comic arts.
Global Perspective: Staffordshire University promotes a global perspective within its BA (Hons) Cartoon and Comic Arts program, recognizing the international reach and cultural diversity of cartooning and comic artistry. The curriculum integrates global influences, diverse storytelling traditions, and cross-cultural perspectives on visual narrative. Students may have the opportunity to study works from different countries and cultures, explore international comics markets, and engage with artists and creators from around the world. By embracing global perspectives, students develop a broader understanding of the universal appeal and cultural significance of cartoons and comics.
Location
Stoke-on-Trent campus
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
£ 16750
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: International students applying for undergraduate programs are typically expected to have completed their secondary education with a minimum of 65% or above in their final exams.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.0 or 6.5 with no individual component below 5.5.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 72, with at least 17 in Listening, Reading, Speaking, and Writing.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 59 with no individual score below 59.
- It is important to note that the English language requirements may vary slightly depending on the chosen program.
Students must provide:
- academic marksheets & transcripts
- letters of recommendation
- a personal statement - SOP
- passport
- other supporting documents as required by the university.
It is important to note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as availability of places and competition for the program. Additionally, some courses may have higher entry requirements or additional selection criteria, such as interviews or portfolio submissions.
Staffordshire University values diversity and aims to support international students in their academic journey. To make education more accessible and affordable, the university offers a range of scholarships specifically designed for international students. These scholarships recognize academic excellence, promote diversity, and provide financial assistance to deserving students.
Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarship: This prestigious scholarship is awarded to exceptional international students who demonstrate academic excellence and outstanding achievements. The scholarship covers a significant portion of the tuition fees and is available for both undergraduate and postgraduate students.
International Merit Scholarship: Staffordshire University offers the International Merit Scholarship to high-achieving international students. The scholarship provides a reduction in tuition fees and is available for both undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Eligibility criteria are based on academic performance and other achievements.
GREAT Scholarships: Staffordshire University is part of the GREAT Scholarships program, which is funded by the UK government's GREAT Britain Campaign. The program offers scholarships to students from selected countries, supporting them in pursuing their studies at UK universities. The scholarships cover a portion of the tuition fees for specific programs.
International Sports Scholarship: Staffordshire University recognizes the talent and achievements of international students in sports. The International Sports Scholarship is awarded to outstanding student-athletes who have represented their country at the national or international level. The scholarship provides financial support and other benefits to help students balance their academic and sporting commitments.
Country-Specific Scholarships: Staffordshire University also offers scholarships specifically tailored to students from certain countries. These scholarships aim to promote cultural diversity and strengthen ties with partner institutions. Eligibility criteria, application procedures, and scholarship amounts may vary depending on the country-specific scholarships available.
It is important to note that scholarship availability, eligibility criteria, and application deadlines may vary each year.
Graduates of Staffordshire University's BA (Hons) Cartoon and Comic Arts program possess a unique skill set and creative vision that prepares them for a variety of exciting career opportunities within the field of cartooning and comic arts. With their proficiency in visual storytelling, illustration techniques, and narrative development, graduates can pursue diverse paths in both traditional and digital media, contributing to the dynamic and ever-evolving world of cartoons and comics.
Comic Book Artist/Writer: One of the most common career paths for graduates of the BA (Hons) Cartoon and Comic Arts program is to become a comic book artist or writer. Comic book artists create visual narratives using sequential art, character design, and storytelling techniques, while writers craft engaging plots, dialogue, and narratives for comic book scripts. Graduates may work independently as freelance creators, contributing to comic book series, graphic novels, webcomics, or self-published projects. They collaborate with publishers, editors, and other creative professionals to bring their stories to life and connect with audiences through the medium of comics.
Illustrator/Storyboard Artist: Graduates with strong illustration skills and a background in cartooning may pursue careers as illustrators or storyboard artists. Illustrators create visual artwork for various applications, including editorial illustrations, children's books, advertising campaigns, and merchandise design. Storyboard artists specialize in creating visual sequences that depict key scenes and actions in films, animation, television, or video games. They work closely with directors, producers, and design teams to visualize story concepts, plan camera angles, and convey narrative flow through sequential imagery.
Animator/Character Designer: Another career option for graduates is to work in the field of animation as animators or character designers. Animators create moving images and visual effects using traditional hand-drawn techniques or digital animation software. They may work on animated films, television series, commercials, or video game projects, bringing characters and environments to life through motion and expression. Character designers specialize in creating original characters, developing their appearance, personality, and visual identity for use in various media formats.
Concept Artist/Game Designer: Graduates interested in the intersection of art and entertainment may pursue careers as concept artists or game designers within the video game industry. Concept artists visualize and design characters, environments, and assets for video games, contributing to the initial concept phase of game development. Game designers create game mechanics, level layouts, and interactive experiences that engage players and enhance gameplay. They collaborate with development teams to create compelling game worlds and experiences that captivate audiences and push the boundaries of interactive storytelling.
Editor/Publisher/Art Director: Graduates with strong organizational and leadership skills may explore careers in editorial, publishing, or art direction within the comics industry. Editors oversee the production process of comic book projects, coordinating with creators, managing deadlines, and ensuring quality standards are met. Publishers acquire, market, and distribute comic book titles, guiding projects from inception to publication. Art directors provide creative direction and visual guidance for comic book publications, overseeing the artistic direction, style, and tone of comic book series or graphic novels.
