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BA (Hons) Comics and Concept Art
Key information
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Typical offer:
Entry requirements -
Fees: See below
Full details -
UCAS code: W619
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Institute code: H36
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Study abroad option
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Work placement option
Find out more
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Professional accreditations
The digital animation programme is accredited by The Rookies, SideFX and CILECT.
Why choose this course?
- Best Concept Art School in the UK (The Rookies Top Global Creative Schools, 2024)
- Study a curriculum inspired by our award-winning 2D animation degree
- Learn from staff whose credits include Avengers, The Hobbit & Thor
You want to become a comic illustrator or concept artist
You dream of characters and worlds for them to live in. You’re constantly thinking up stories and scenarios that will intrigue, excite and engage your audience. You have a sketch book full of ideas. You want your fans to escape to a world of your creation. You may dream about becoming a freelance comic artist, an independent author or even publishing your own comics. Perhaps your desire is to run your own webcomic series online? You could even become a concept artist working within the animation, games and film industries. This degree keeps all these career options open plus many more. The design, illustration and storytelling skills you’ll gain are in high demand by the sector. Plus, you’ll learn essential transferable skills in pitching ideas, project management, self-promotion and problem solving. Now’s the time to take your passion to the next step, to immerse yourself in your craft and discover your potential.
You want to join the No.1 Animation School in Europe (and No.2 in the World) as acclaimed by The Rookies Awards 2024.
This new course has evolved from our award-winning 2D animation course. Our digital animation programme as a whole, is accredited by The Rookies, SideFX and CILECT. This means, you’ll be joining a department that’s gained industry recognition for training the animators of the future. As well as expert teaching, at Herts, you’ll have access to dedicated PC labs, kitted out with everything you need to bring your creations to life. The Learning Resource Centre contains clones of our animation labs (software and hardware) so if you want to continue your animation studies late at night or during the weekend you can. Plus, you can use our motion capture suite, digital photography and filmmaking equipment to work on your projects. Kickstart your future by joining a reputable course that’s industry focused.
You want to join an exciting animation community
You want to train under the guidance of experienced animators. To learn from artists and authors in the comics, film and games industries who’ve worked on projects including The Hobbit, Tintin and The Avengers. We’ll share our experience and unique insight into the animation industry so you can develop your skills with confidence. You’ll have the opportunity to work on live projects to gain a working knowledge of the industry and begin to build a network of industry contacts. When you graduate, we’ll invite you to join our active alumni community, many of whom have senior positions in the animation industry.
What's the course about?
We deliver a mix of teaching methods, from project work to software and art-based workshops and lectures. You’ll be assessed on group and individual project work. We’ll ask you to submit portfolio submissions, sketches, storyboards, digital artwork and presentations. Plus, you’ll develop your analytical thinking, critical curiosity and easy writing skills.
In your first year, you’ll benefit from common modules within the wider animation programme, gaining valuable knowledge of the digital media industry. You’ll study alongside peers on 2D and 3D animation, games and visual effects, expanding your network from day one. We’ll teach you digital illustration techniques. You’ll practice life drawing, designing characters and environments. You’ll explore comics, animation and film history, bringing cultural context to your craft. At the end of this year you’ll have the choice to switch to a different animation degree course if your passion has led you in a new direction.
In your second year you’ll develop your illustrative style. You’ll use your design skills to create characters, creatures, props and environments. You’ll produce comic narratives, tailoring your approach to match the needs of print and digital publications. At the end of the year, you’ll show your individual flare and design expertise in a major comic or concept art project, collaborating with students across the digital animation programme.
In your third year, you’ll write your dissertation on an area of popular culture linked to comics and concept art that fascinates you. You’ll develop an ambitious project. Your expert design techniques and your fluency with digital illustration and 3D software will bring your original ideas to life. Be authentic. Be brave. You’ll take a project through from initial concept to production, proving your project management and leadership qualities. You’ll graduate with an impressive professional portfolio, showreel and website to launch your career.
Your main campus is College Lane
This is where the creative arts, science and health-related subjects are based. This means you’ll share the campus with future nurses, scientists, artists and more. You can use the common rooms to relax with friends, work out in the 24-hour gym or have a drink in our on-campus pub or cafes. We also have restaurants for you to eat in or grab something on the go. Our Learning Resources Centres are open 24/7, which means you can study whenever suits you best. Want to pop over to the other campus? You can take the free shuttle bus or walk there in just 15 minutes.
What will I study?
Degree programmes are structured into levels, 4, 5 and 6. These correspond to your first, second and third/final year of study. Below you can see what modules you’ll be studying in each.