You'll adopt an individual and experimental approach to learning that will enable you to nurture your skills and image-making techniques. You'll do this through specialist platforms including: print-making, digital imaging, animation, life-drawing and 3D craft (wood, metal, plastic, ceramics and textiles). The course will prepare you for an exciting career in a diverse range of areas, from comics, newspapers, graphic novels, editorial design (digital and print), through to character design, concept art and games, animation, advertising and film. You'll follow an industry-focused programme of creative visual thinking and a diverse approach to working across a variety of platforms. This will help you develop a host of skills and techniques to confidently tackle industry and competition briefs and progress your practice. Visiting industry practitioners, support, guide and work with you in our studio, offering advice, tips and technical knowledge - drawn from vast experience in a variety of platforms. Recent visits have included Graham Humphries (Evil Dead, Nightmare on Elm St.), Frazer Urving (Marvel, DC, 2000AD, X-Men), Kevin Gunstone (Marvel, Image, Dark Horse), John Charles (Marvel UK, 2000AD, Titan Comics, Panini UK, Antarctic Press) and Fig Taylor (Portfolio Consultant-The Association of Illustrators). You will also have the opportunity, and be encouraged to visit, network and sell your work in New York and London (ComicCon), Leeds Thought Bubble and London Super Comic Con. Recent published work has appeared in The Guardian, Independent, Big Issue and successfully showcased through various online, web publications.

The Cartoon and Comic Arts Award is in its first year, but already students on the award are already being employed in a wide range of fields that use the cartoon & comic Arts skills. These jobs include - Concept designer for a potential Graphic Novel. - They have been asked Story board for a BBC3 television series. - Produced work that has appeared in the Guardian Newspaper - Designed artwork for local companies - Worked with the NHS Design group in producing children's literature - Concept Designer to work alongside games companies The areas into which students on the award can attain employment are wide and varied and the course aims to fulfil the universities unique 3 E's (Enterprise, Employability and Entrepreneurship.) Students are encouraged to produce work, have it printed and also discover market places in which their work can be sold. This gives the applicant a better idea of where future employment might be sought after graduation. The award encourages students to seek out and engage with the industry and market place both nationally and internationally where the comic market is more buoyant.