MA Concept Art at Teesside University

Programme overview

A practice-based master's focused on preparing students for industry roles in concept art for film, television, games, animation and comics. It is designed and run by staff with significant industry experience and contacts at studios including ILM, Atomhawk, Rare and Sumo. Facilities include high-specification computers with graphics tablets, Cintiqs, green screen and motion capture, drawing studios, scanners and light boxes. It is ranked 3rd in the UK in the Animation Career Review International Animation School Rankings 2026.

Department: Animation, Concept Art & Visual Effects | Duration: 1 year full-time (September start) or 16 months (January start); part-time 2 years (September start) or 28 months (January start) | Intake: January or September | Study mode: full-time, part-time | Location: Middlesbrough, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Core modules: Character Design, Concept Art Practice, Drawing for Concept Artists, Environment Design, Practice-based Research for the Visual Artist, Visual Storytelling and Master's Project: Concept Art. Assessment is mainly through portfolios of project work.

Career pathways

Many graduates become professional freelancers or work at studios including Creative Assembly, Splash Damage, Atomhawk and Paramount Pictures.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

At least a UK 2.2 honours degree in concept art, games art or equivalent. Other first degree subjects may be accepted when combined with a portfolio of creative work showing a range of fundamental drawing skills: character and environment design are essential, while life drawing, observational drawing, perspective drawing and evidence of digital skills are important (3D work is not necessary). International students need IELTS 6.0 or equivalent.

Domestic applicants: GBP 8,365 a year (2026/27). Full-time Source

International applicants: GBP 17,000 a year (2026/27). International one-year postgraduate taught master's (MSc/MA); tuition only Source

Intake: January or September

Duration: 1 year full-time (September start) or 16 months (January start); part-time 2 years (September start)

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