Program Overview

From manga, games and animation media to political satire, you are taught by professionals who make comics for Shockdom, Dennis Publishing and Viz Comic. Our career-focused modules help you understand your chosen field including how it works, how to access it, who shapes it and how to grow within it.

Each year you work towards annual showcases in the form of anthologies, booklets, exhibitions, comic conferences and industry events. We cover all aspects of the comic medium, from creating graphic novels to publishing. You develop your craft by responding creatively to live briefs and undertaking projects that contribute to your final portfolio. We support you to make your own distinctive choices, so that you develop your creative voice and your own unique creative identity as a contemporary storyteller, communicator and artist.

 Top reasons to study this course at Teesside University:

• Nationally recognised 

Comics & Graphic Novels is ranked 1st in the UK as part of our Graphic Design subject area ranking. (Guardian University Guide 2024 & 2025, tees.ac.uk/source) 

 97.6% of design studies students agreed that staff were good at explaining things. (National Student Survey 2024, tees.ac.uk/source

  90% of BA (Hons) Comics and Graphic Novels students go on to work and/or study 15 months after the course (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2020-21, tees.ac.uk/source).

• Industry-standard facilities: develop your own personal cartooning style using the latest technology including iMacs and Wacom digital drawing tablets.
• Get creative: our course and campus are powered by Adobe and Apple. We’re Europe’s first Adobe Creative Campus and the only Apple-accredited University, equipping you with the digital tools and resources to hone your creative skills.
• Professional membership: we’re a member of the Association of Illustrators, giving you access to interactive talks, guidance on contracts and licensing, and your own discounted membership. This gives you the tools you need to forge a successful career in industry or as a freelancer.
• Industry experience: work on live briefs for a variety of organisations such as Streetwise Opera and the NHS, helping you build your portfolio of work.