BA (Hons) Comics and Graphic Novels at Teesside University

A creative degree covering the whole comic medium, from manga, games and animation media to political satire, graphic novels and publishing. Students are taught by professionals who make comics for Shockdom, Dennis Publishing and Viz Comic, and respond to live briefs while building a final portfolio. Wacom tablets, iMacs and Adobe software are used for digital drawing and production. It is ranked first in the UK in the graphic design subject area (Guardian University Guide 2024-2026).

Department: Art & Design (School of Arts & Creative Industries)  |  Duration: 3 years full-time (4 with work placement); 4 years with foundation year (5 with placement); 6 years part-time (1-2 days a week)  |  Intake: January or September  |  Study mode: full-time, part-time  |  Location: Middlesbrough, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Year 1: Collaboration Project, Comics Sequencing, Introduction to the Creative Industries and Sequencing and Narrative. Year 2: Advanced Comics Storytelling, Creative Research Project, Industry Project and Working in the Creative Industries. An optional work placement year follows, and the final year comprises Major Project and Professional Practice (60 credits each). Each year builds towards showcases such as anthologies, exhibitions and industry events.

Career pathways

Expected routes include self-publishing, graphic novel publishing, advertising, marketing, public relations, journalism, editing, publishing and graphic design. Live briefs have been set with organisations in film and TV, games, advertising and comics publishing. At least one two-week work placement is expected between the second and third years.

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