MSc International Management
The University of Worcester, located in the heart of the United Kingdom, is renowned fo...
BA (Hons) Creative Writing and Illustration
Worcester
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The BA (Hons) Creative Writing and Illustration program provides a balanced and interconnected study of the craft of writing and the art of visual storytelling. It emphasizes a hands-on approach to both disciplines, encouraging students to develop their individual creative voices in writing and their unique visual styles in illustration. The program fosters an understanding of how narrative principles can inform visual storytelling and how illustrations can enhance and interpret written narratives. Through a combination of workshops, seminars, studio practice, and independent study, students develop both their written and visual communication skills.
Curriculum: The curriculum is structured to provide a progressive learning experience, starting with foundational modules that introduce key concepts in both creative writing and illustration. In creative writing, students explore narrative techniques, character development, setting, and style across different genres. In illustration, they develop core drawing skills, visual communication principles, and explore various media and techniques. As students advance, they engage with more specialized modules, such as advanced fiction writing, poetry workshop, screenwriting, character design, sequential art, children's book illustration, and visual narrative. The program encourages students to explore the dynamic interplay between writing and illustration, understanding how to create picture books, graphic novels, illustrated stories, and other multimodal forms of storytelling. A significant component involves practical writing exercises, workshops for peer feedback, and the development of a writing portfolio, alongside studio-based illustration projects and the creation of a visual portfolio.
Research Focus: The University of Worcester fosters a research-informed teaching environment within its School of Arts and Creative Industries, which directly benefits the BA (Hons) Creative Writing and Illustration program. Faculty members are actively engaged in research across various areas of creative writing and illustration, including contemporary literature, poetry, screenwriting, visual narrative theory, illustration history, and the role of visual communication in storytelling. Students benefit from being taught by academics who are actively contributing to their fields and may have opportunities to engage with research through their studies and final-year projects. The program aims to cultivate a research-oriented mindset, encouraging students to critically analyze both literary and visual texts and to explore innovative ways of combining words and images in their own creative practice.
Industry Engagement: The BA (Hons) Creative Writing and Illustration program recognizes the importance of preparing students for successful careers in the creative industries. The curriculum often incorporates guest lectures from writers, illustrators, editors, and publishers, providing students with insights into the professional world. The University of Worcester actively seeks to build and maintain links with literary organizations, publishing houses, design studios, and illustration agencies. This engagement may include opportunities for workshops, portfolio reviews, internships, and networking events, providing students with valuable practical experience and industry connections. The aim is to ensure that graduates possess the skills and knowledge that are highly valued by employers in fields that require strong visual and narrative communication abilities.
Global Perspective: The University of Worcester welcomes a diverse international student body, enriching the learning experience within the BA (Hons) Creative Writing and Illustration program. Storytelling and visual communication are universal human endeavors, transcending cultural boundaries. The program encourages students to explore diverse narrative traditions and visual styles from around the world, fostering an understanding of how culture shapes both written and visual expression. Discussions and projects often incorporate international examples, and students have opportunities to interact with peers from various cultural backgrounds, fostering a global perspective essential for navigating the diverse and interconnected world of creative communication.
Location
Worcester
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
£ 16700
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed their secondary education with a minimum overall score of 60% or equivalent in their respective country's grading system.
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 76.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 59.
- Some programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
The University of Worcester offers a range of scholarships for international students to support them financially during their studies. These scholarships are designed to reward academic excellence, help with tuition costs, and make studying in the UK more affordable for students from various backgrounds.
International Scholarships: The university provides a specific International Scholarship which offers a reduction in tuition fees for international students enrolling in undergraduate and postgraduate courses. The value of the scholarship varies depending on the student's academic profile and the course they are enrolling in.
Merit-Based Scholarships: These scholarships are awarded based on academic performance. International students who demonstrate strong academic achievements may be eligible for merit-based reductions in their tuition fees.
Country-Specific Scholarships: The University of Worcester also offers country-specific scholarships for students from certain regions. These scholarships are aimed at making higher education more accessible to students from these countries, with discounts or financial assistance provided to support their studies.
Graduates from the BA (Hons) Creative Writing and Illustration program at the University of Worcester acquire a unique and powerful combination of skills, making them highly adaptable and sought after in a variety of creative industries that value both compelling narratives and engaging visuals. Their ability to tell stories through words and images opens doors to diverse career paths.
Children's Book Author/Illustrator: Creating and illustrating picture books and other forms of children's literature, combining their writing and visual storytelling skills.
Graphic Novelist: Writing and illustrating long-form sequential narratives, blending literary and visual elements to create immersive storytelling experiences.
Illustrator (Editorial/Publishing): Creating illustrations for books, magazines, and online publications, often working collaboratively with writers and editors.
Storyboard Artist: Visually planning the sequence of scenes for films, animations, or video games, translating written scripts into visual narratives.
Character Designer: Developing the visual appearance and personality of characters for animation, games, and illustrated stories.
Concept Artist: Creating initial visual designs for characters, environments, and props for various creative projects, often working from written descriptions.
Surface Pattern Designer (Narrative Focus): Designing repeating patterns for textiles, wallpaper, and other products, incorporating narrative elements or visual storytelling.
Greeting Card Designer/Illustrator: Creating visually appealing and emotionally resonant designs and accompanying text for greeting cards and stationery.
Freelance Writer and Illustrator: Offering a diverse range of creative services to clients across various industries, leveraging both their writing and visual communication skills.
Content Creator (Visual & Textual): Developing engaging content for online platforms, social media, and marketing materials, combining written narratives with compelling visuals.
