Undergraduate courses/Creative Design courses/Concept and Comic Arts

Key facts

Entry requirements

112 UCAS points or DDM

Additional entry requirements apply to this course. Full entry requirements

UCAS code

W223

Institution code

D26

Duration

3 yrs full-time

3 years full-time, 4 years with placement

Fees

2024/25 UK tuition fees:
£9,250

2024/25 international tuition:
£16,250

See all the key facts

Entry requirements

112 UCAS points or DDM

Additional entry requirements apply to this course. Full entry requirements

UCAS code

W223

Institution code

D26

Duration

3 yrs full-time

3 years full-time, 4 years with placement

Fees

2024/25 UK tuition fees:
£9,250

2024/25 international tuition:
£16,250

See all the key facts

Our studio culture encourages peer collaboration and networking with industry professionals to support you as you create your portfolio.

Our course encompasses two distinct practical themes - concept art and comic art, both of which focus on fundamental, traditional art skills and contemporary digital techniques.

In concept art you will be helped to master a range of industry-focused tools and techniques for developing pre-production, production and post-production art for the film and video game industries. In comic art you will develop a practical understanding of idea generation, visual storytelling and visual communication.

These two themes mean you will access a wide range of creative possibilities and opportunities. They are underpinned by contextual studies to inform and enhance your practice through an exploration of the historical, cultural and social contexts of the wider world of print and web-based comic arts, graphic novels and visual communication.

The course features regular guest lectures and workshops, giving you an opportunity to experience first-hand what it takes to design successful content.  Our studio culture encourages peer collaboration and networking with industry professionals to support you as you create your portfolio.

You will be able to develop skills in your own special interests and graduate as a skilled comic and concept artist, ready to work in a range of roles across the creative industries.

Block teaching designed around you

You deserve a positive teaching and learning experience, where you feel part of a supportive and nurturing community. That’s why most students will enjoy an innovative approach to learning using block teaching, where you will study one module at a time. You’ll benefit from regular assessments – rather than lots of exams at the end of the year – and a simple timetable that allows you to engage with your subject and enjoy other aspects of university life such as sports, societies, meeting friends and discovering your new city. By studying with the same peers and tutor for each block, you’ll build friendships and a sense of belonging. Read more about block teaching.

What you will study

Block 1: Visualisation 

Introduces a series of fundamental skills and ideas: requirements and practices required in Art and Design fundamental skills and the tools, techniques and processes used in the visualisation of comics and concept art. Students will develop personal practice whilst working in a studio environment and learn contextual studies; an exploration of the historical, cultural and social contexts of, print and web-based comics, graphic novels, concept arts and concept art.   

This block module runs over seven weeks of teaching time with the following delivery pattern:  

  • Lecture: 18 hours 
  • Tutorial: 30 hours 
  • Studio/lab: 60 hours 
  • Self-directed study: 130 hours 
  • Assessment: 62 hours 

Block 2: Design Thinking 

This module introduces you to the practice of ‘design thinking’; the intellectual activity that precedes and underpins the design process.  

This block module runs over seven weeks of teaching time with the following delivery pattern:  

  • Lecture: 18 hours 
  • Tutorial: 30 hours 
  • Studio/lab: 60 hours 
  • Self-directed study: 130 hours 
  • Assessment: 62 hours 

Block 3: Making Comics 

An introduction to comics creation workflow and skills such as storytelling and preparing work to specified requirements. It will allow students to develop generating ideas, and continue to improve drawing skills whilst covering the basics of Clip Studio Paint EX and Adobe InDesign.  

This block module runs over seven weeks of teaching time with the following delivery pattern:  

  • Lecture: 18 hours 
  • Tutorial: 30 hours 
  • Studio/lab: 60 hours 
  • Self-directed study: 130 hours 
  • Assessment: 62 hours 

Concept Art 

Building on ‘Visualisation’ and ‘Design Thinking’, this module introduces you to the workflow of concept art. Covering areas, topics and themes such as: working to real world industry specifications, history and overview of comics and concept art, exploring industry workflow and design process and research, planning and writing for academic purposes.  

This block module runs over seven weeks of teaching time with the following delivery pattern:  

  • Lecture: 18 hours 
  • Tutorial: 30 hours 
  • Studio/lab: 60 hours 
  • Self-directed study: 130 hours 
  • Assessment: 62 hours 

Block 1: Visual Narrative 

This module covers key concepts and ideas of Visual Narrative, explored among both concept and comic art. The module will cover areas, topics and themes such as: use of visual tools to build the narrative, the mechanics of sequential art, introduction to critical theory and critical thinking.  

This block module runs over seven weeks of teaching time with the following delivery pattern:  

  • Lecture: 18 hours 
  • Tutorial: 30 hours 
  • Studio/lab: 60 hours 
  • Self-directed study: 130 hours 
  • Assessment: 62 hours 

Block 2: World Building 

This module builds upon previous modules by introducing the practice of ‘World Building’; the act of establishing the environment and background into which narrative and Inhabitants will fit.  

This block module runs over seven weeks of teaching time with the following delivery pattern:  

  • Lecture: 18 hours
  • Tutorial: 30 hours
  • Studio/lab: 60 hours
  • Self-directed study: 130 hours
  • Assessment: 62 hours

Block 3: Professional Practice Comics 

Building on Making Comics and Visual Narrative modules, this will utilise the knowledge and skills acquired during these modules and apply them in the context of a professional brief. Topics covered include: creating work for an industry standard brief, developing further their design, skills, developing further their knowledge of software and professional conduct.  

This block module runs over seven weeks of teaching time with the following delivery pattern:  

  • Lecture: 18 hours 
  • Tutorial: 30 hours 
  • Studio/lab: 60 hours 
  • Self-directed study: 130 hours 
  • Assessment: 62 hours 

Block 4: Character Building 

Introducing the practice of ‘character building’; the act of establishing characters and other entities to furnish your worlds with life. Topics and themes covered include: character building fundamentals, use of idea generation, and iterative creative processes in response to set briefs and the use of research to inspire and enrich your ideas.  

This block module runs over seven weeks of teaching time with the following delivery pattern:  

  • Lecture: 18 hours 
  • Tutorial: 30 hours 
  • Studio/lab: 60 hours 
  • Self-directed study: 130 hours 
  • Assessment: 62 hours 

Block 1: Professional Practice 

The aim of this module is to gain experience of working with external industry briefs, to explore employability (including freelancing) and to conduct the initial planning and research for the dissertation.  

This block module runs over seven weeks of teaching time with the following delivery pattern:  

  • Lecture: 18 hours 
  • Tutorial: 30 hours 
  • Studio/lab: 60 hours 
  • Self-directed study: 130 hours 
  • Assessment: 62 hours 

Block 2: Dissertation 

The dissertation will demonstrate knowledge and understanding of your chosen specialism (comics or concept art) and to gain further experience of professional practice through working with industry briefs.  

This block module runs over seven weeks of teaching time with the following delivery pattern:  

  • Lecture: 18 hours 
  • Tutorial: 30 hours 
  • Studio/lab: 60 hours 
  • Self-directed study: 130 hours 
  • Assessment: 62 hours 

Block 3: Personal Project - Planning and Pre-Production 

This module covers the initial planning and pre-production work that will support the production and completion of the personal project.  The specifics of this process will be dependent on the chosen specialism.    

This block module runs over seven weeks of teaching time with the following delivery pattern:  

  • Lecture: 18 hours 
  • Tutorial: 30 hours 
  • Studio/lab: 60 hours 
  • Self-directed study: 130 hours 
  • Assessment: 62 hours 

Block 4: Personal Project - Production and Post-Production 

The aim of this module is to carry out the production of the personal project that has evolved from the planning and pre-production phase.  This is aligned to industry practice, and serves to firstly underpin contemporary industry practice and secondly to enable students to complete a major sustained piece of work to support future aspirations.  

This block module runs over seven weeks of teaching time with the following delivery pattern:  

  • Lecture: 18 hours 
  • Tutorial: 30 hours 
  • Studio/lab: 60 hours 
  • Self-directed study: 130 hours 
  • Assessment: 62 hours 

Note: All modules are indicative and based on the current academic session. Course information is correct at the time of publication and is subject to review. Exact modules may, therefore, vary for your intake in order to keep content current. If there are changes to your course we will, where reasonable, take steps to inform you as appropriate.

Structure

This is a full-time course. Each module is worth 30 credits. Outside of your normal timetabled hours you will be expected to conduct independent study each week to complete preparation tasks, assessments and research.

Course delivery is in block mode, which means each 30 credit module consists of a seven week teaching block.

Assessment

The assessment strategy will include regular presentations of work in progress for formative feedback and guidance purposes, and final summative assessments by portfolio of completed work and supported by evidence of reflective practice.

In the final year, students will develop their own portfolio of professional standard work, guided by artists from relevant industry and the teaching team.

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Student work

Beatriz Nunes Viveiros - image 1
Beatriz Nunes Viveiros - image 2
Brandon Ward - image 2
Brandon Ward - image 1
Brandon Ward - image 3
Connor Magnall - image 1
Connor Magnall - image 2
Connor Magnall - image 3
Kay Mitchell - image 1
Tyler Farrow - image 1
Tyler Farrow - image 2
Tyler Farrow - image 3
Kieran Barton-Constable - image 1
Kieran Barton-Constable - image 2
Vincent Galvez - image 1
Vincent Galvez - image 2
Zhenya Filipova - image 1
Zhenya Filipova - image 2

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Concept and Comic Arts in the spotlight

Our facilities

We have excellent specialist facilities that include a professional digital studio boasting Cintiqs for digital painting and industry-standard software such as Photoshop.

In addition to this, our digital studio cultivates your creativity with floor-to-ceiling whiteboard walls that allow you to sketch and doodle in large format with your cohort. But you won't just be pushing pixels, next door you will have access to professional drawing board desks to allow you to realise your creations in traditional format, bringing your drawing skills to the next level. Our classrooms are equipped with a range of HD AV lecture equipment for experiencing lectures in crystal clarity.

You will have the opportunity to receive support from the Leicester Media School Drawing Centre, which provides extra-curricular support for developing artists and designers to have a creative forum and discourse. 

Drawing Centre

The DMU Drawing Centre at De Montfort University aims to enhance students' visual learning and communication skills through drawing. It provides a space for students to explore ideas visually, offering both physical and virtual environments for artistic development. The centre supports creativity and experimentation, fostering a collaborative learning community

Drawing Centre Image 1
Drawing Centre Image 2
Work produced in the centre
Studio 3
Studio 2

What makes us special

Three students working together around a laptop

Block Learning

You’ll learn in a focused ‘block’ teaching format, where you study one subject at a time instead of several at once. As a result, you will receive faster feedback through more regular assessment, have a more simplified timetable, and have a better study-life balance. That means more time to engage with your DMU community and other rewarding aspects of university life.

A group of students on a DMU Global trip to New York

DMU Global

DMU Global is the award-winning international experience programme for DMU students, aiming to enrich your studies and expand your cultural horizons. Students from related courses have been inspired by urban architecture in New York and explored the cultural context of art in Berlin.

Where we could take you

Placements fair

Placements

Work-based placements are one of the best ways to boost your skills and experience, and can often lead to your first graduate role.

They are the perfect means of discovering how your studies relate to the real world, and provide an opportunity to improve your confidence and make contacts to help you get ahead in the job market.

DMU’s dedicated Placements Teams can help you by providing access to hundreds of opportunities, giving one-to-one CV advice and interview preparation, and offering training sessions and support from a dedicated tutor.

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Graduate careers

We expect graduates of this course to work as 3D artists, visualisation and VR artists, environment artists, character artists, concept artists, technical artists, team leads, studio managers, producers and directors.

Take your next steps

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Find out how to apply

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Course specifications

Course title

Concept and Comic Arts

Award

BA (Hons)

UCAS code

W223

Institution code

D26

Study level

Undergraduate

Study mode

Full-time

Start date

September 2024

Duration

3 years full-time, 4 years with placement

Fees

2024/25 UK tuition fees:
£9,250

2024/25 international tuition:
£16,250

Entry requirements

    • 112 UCAS points from at least two A-levels with Art and Design at grade B or above, or
    • Art and Design BTEC National Diploma/ Extended Diploma at DDM

    Plus, five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English and Mathematics or equivalent.

    Alternative qualifications include:

    • Pass in the QAA accredited Access to HE Art and Design course with at least 15 level-3 credits in Art and Design at Distinction. English GCSE required as a separate qualification
    • Art and Design Foundation Diploma: Pass

    We will normally require students to have had a break from full-time education before undertaking the Access course or

    • International Baccalaureate: 30+ points including Art and Design at higher level grade 6
    • T Levels Merit

     

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, an IELTS score of 6.0 overall with 5.5 in each band (or equivalent) when you start the course is essential.

English language tuition, delivered by our British Council-accredited Centre for English Language Learning, is available both before and throughout the course if you need it.

Contextual offer

To make sure you get fair and equal access to higher education, when looking at your application, we consider more than just your grades. So if you are eligible, you may receive a contextual offer. Find our more about contextual offers.

Interview and Portfolio

Portfolio Required: You will also need a good portfolio according to the course guidelines as part of your application. Portfolio guidance for Concept and Comic Arts.

Interview Required: No

Additional costs