MA Worldbuilding with Creature Design

Program Overview

The MA Worldbuilding with Creature Design program at Leeds Arts University offers a unique and immersive postgraduate experience for individuals passionate about crafting intricate fictional worlds and the fascinating creatures that inhabit them. This program is specifically designed to equip students with advanced skills in concept development, narrative design, environmental design, creature anatomy, digital sculpting, and visual storytelling. It encourages a deep exploration of the interconnectedness between world and inhabitant, fostering imaginative and coherent design solutions for a variety of media, including film, games, animation, and illustration. The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical understanding and practical application, challenging students to develop innovative and believable worlds and creatures through rigorous research, design iteration, and technical proficiency. Students are supported in developing a substantial portfolio that showcases their worldbuilding capabilities and creature design expertise, demonstrating their readiness for careers in the entertainment and creative industries.

Curriculum: The curriculum of the MA Worldbuilding with Creature Design program at Leeds Arts University is structured to provide a comprehensive and specialized understanding of both disciplines. It typically includes core modules focusing on the principles of worldbuilding (including history, culture, ecology, and magic systems), creature anatomy and biomechanics, concept art and illustration for creatures and environments, digital sculpting and modeling, narrative design for immersive worlds, and visual communication for presentation. Students will explore industry-standard software and techniques for 2D and 3D design, learning to create detailed world maps, architectural designs, creature concepts, and 3D models. The program often incorporates project-based learning, allowing students to develop their own fictional worlds and populate them with original creatures through iterative design processes. Critical analysis of existing fictional worlds and creature designs forms an important part of the curriculum, fostering a deeper understanding of effective worldbuilding and creature design principles.

Research Focus: The MA Worldbuilding with Creature Design program at Leeds Arts University encourages a research-led approach to creative practice, prompting students to delve deeply into the theoretical and practical aspects of their chosen fields. Research within the program often involves investigating real-world biology, anatomy, mythology, history, and cultural influences to inform the design of believable and engaging fictional worlds and creatures. Students are supported in developing their own research methodologies and using their creative practice as a form of inquiry. This might involve studying animal locomotion for creature movement, researching historical architecture for world design, or exploring folklore for narrative inspiration. Practice-based research is central, with students using their developing world and creature designs as a means of generating new knowledge and understanding. The program may also encourage research into the impact of worldbuilding and creature design on audience engagement and the broader cultural landscape of fantasy and science fiction.

Industry Engagement: Industry engagement is a crucial aspect of the MA Worldbuilding with Creature Design program at Leeds Arts University, providing students with invaluable connections to the professional entertainment and creative industries. The university actively fosters relationships with game development studios, film and television production companies, animation studios, and concept art agencies. Students may have opportunities to participate in industry-led workshops, portfolio reviews with professionals, and guest lectures from established worldbuilders, creature designers, and concept artists. The program often includes guidance on pitching ideas, understanding industry workflows, and building a professional network. Networking opportunities with industry contacts can be instrumental in facilitating future employment and collaborations. Students may also have the chance to showcase their work at relevant industry events and competitions, gaining exposure and feedback from professionals in the field.

Global Perspective: The MA Worldbuilding with Creature Design program at Leeds Arts University incorporates a global perspective by examining diverse cultural myths, legends, and worldviews that have influenced the creation of fictional worlds and creatures across different societies. The curriculum often explores global folklore, mythology, and artistic traditions, encouraging students to draw inspiration from a wide range of cultural sources. Students may analyze how different cultures have imagined fantastical creatures and constructed their cosmologies, fostering a broader understanding of the human imagination and its capacity for world creation. The program encourages students to consider the global audience for their work and to develop worlds and creatures that resonate across cultural boundaries. The presence of international students and faculty contributes to a rich and cross-cultural learning environment, fostering the exchange of global perspectives and ideas within the context of imaginative design.