Comics and Concept Art (Hons) University of Hertfordshire

Overview

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 Comics and Concept Art (Hons) course from University of Hertfordshire  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.

Key facts

• 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.

What's next for my career?

• The digital animation programme prepares you for a range of careers within the industry. These include 2D animator, concept artist, 3D animator, 3D generalist, FX technical director, compositor, environment artist, character artist and a huge variety of roles in between. 

• Graduates have gone on to work at ILM on Star Wars films, to Epic Games to work on Fortnite, to Blue Zoo to animate cartoon series, and to Sony to work as concept artists.