Children's Book Illustration and Graphic Novels MA

This practice and research-based course will enable you to explore and develop your interest and skill in all forms of narrative and sequential illustration. You will produce a children's book, graphic novel or illustrated text using our extensive facilities, supported by highly experienced staff and successful practitioners in the field.

Why study MA Children's Book Illustration and Graphic Novels at Middlesex University?

This is a highly practical course that aims to give students the very best opportunity to publish in these fields. The course is staffed by practising illustrators with rich and varied experience in these fields and invaluable insight into all aspects of publishing. The course will draw on the advice and expertise of visiting publishers, writers, editors, designers and art directors offering the best possible opportunity into the seemingly impenetrable world of publishing, narratives and children's books. Middlesex University offers superb facilities, including our exceptional printmaking rooms offering silk screen, lithography, mono print, wood and lino cutting, etching and dry point options and these will be part of our blended learning approach available where possible. Students will have access to our state-of-the-art reprographic department, where circumstances allow, where dummy books and sample illustrations may be printed to the highest professional quality.  Our university printing department CDS will offer the opportunity for students to have their dummy books printed where necessary and delivered to a specific address, enabling students to pitch their final major projects where this is appropriate and relevant.  In addition, we offer practical bookbinding expertise and instruction, enabling students to produce illustrated material to the highest presentation standard.

Course highlights

• On line or studio visits by professionals working in children’s books and graphic novels, including online visits from publishers, editors and designers.
• Exceptional research and reference opportunities including collections of artists’ books, a materials and specialist collections room and access, where circumstances allow, to the extensive Museum of Domestic Design and Architecture (MoDA) collection of printed ephemera
• Strong focus on professional presentation skills such as printing and preparing a publisher’s dummy
• Workshops and practical advice in creating and launching a website.

We accept the equivalent of the below qualifications from a recognised overseas qualification.

• We normally require a good honours degree 2:2 or above, or equivalent qualification, in an appropriate subject
• We also consider candidates with other relevant qualifications

To find out more about the qualifications we accept from your country please visit the relevant Support in your country page.

If you are unsure about the suitability of your qualifications or would like help with your application, please contact your nearest Regional office for support.

Visas and immigration

You will not need a visa to study in the UK if you are a citizen of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland. If you are a national of any other country you may need a visa to study in the UK. Please see our Visas and immigration page for further information.

International students who require a Student route (formerly tier 4) visa to progress on a course at Middlesex University must apply for study on a full-time basis. However, this course is offered part-time so you are eligible to apply on a part-time basis.

What will you study on the MA Children's Book Illustration and Graphic Novels?

You will study all aspects of narrative illustration within children’s books and graphic novels. The course combines theoretical and practical work to give you a strong foundation from which to produce your own narrative and sequential illustrations. You will also study historical and contemporary examples of illustration from children’s novels and graphic novels.

What will you gain?

You will gain the skills to create your own narrative and sequential illustration. By the end of the course you will be able to produce your own children’s books and graphic novels, using various printing and binding methods. You will also have an understanding of the market and the knowledge to negotiate the publishing business.