MA Children's Book Illustration and Graphic Novels

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 books, graphic novels and illustrated texts 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 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
• We are happy to look at a portfolio of work from applicants without a degree in a related art subject, for example English literature, but this application will depend heavily on the accompanying portfolio.

• The most commonly accepted evidence of English language ability is IELTS 6.5 (with minimum 6.0 in all components).

The MA Children's Book Illustration and Graphic Novels course prepares students for careers in children's books, illustrating stories, and graphic novels. It offers opportunities to meet with agents, publishers, writers, and practicing illustrators. Most illustrators work freelance, and advice is given on establishing oneself in this field. Students are advised to approach publishing houses, including presenting at the world's largest children's book fairs in Bologna and Frankfurt, and attending the London Bookfair. Alternative careers include teaching and studio-based work. The course has strong links to art and design employers in the UK and abroad, supporting students' individual ambitions both during and after graduation.