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How competitive are comic and concept art courses to get into?

I am currently trying to apply to the following universities
- Leeds Arts University (Comic and Concept Art)
- University of Hertfordshire (Comic and Concept Art)
- UCA (Comic and Concept Art)
- Teesside University (Concept Art)
and am wondering just how difficult these schools are to get into. I'm also wondering if I should take a foundation year first as although I took the BTEC Art Course, I am still not 100% confident that my portfolio can get me into good universities. I also want to know if theres anything I can do outside of grades and portfolio work that can increase the chances of me getting into a good university.

If anyone can answer my really wordy questions I would really appreciate it, thanks!

Reply 1

LeedsArtUniRep

Official Rep

Original post

by Anonymous

I am currently trying to apply to the following universities
- Leeds Arts University (Comic and Concept Art)
- University of Hertfordshire (Comic and Concept Art)
- UCA (Comic and Concept Art)
- Teesside University (Concept Art)
and am wondering just how difficult these schools are to get into. I'm also wondering if I should take a foundation year first as although I took the BTEC Art Course, I am still not 100% confident that my portfolio can get me into good universities. I also want to know if theres anything I can do outside of grades and portfolio work that can increase the chances of me getting into a good university.
If anyone can answer my really wordy questions I would really appreciate it, thanks!

Hi,

It’s great to hear that you want to study Comic and Concept Art. This course is one of the first to bring together comic and concept art. You will refine your design, drawing and digital visualisation skills to create believable worlds and bring immersive stories from your imagination to life.

https://www.leeds-art.ac.uk/courses/ba-hons-comic-and-concept-art

For entry requirements and portfolio guidance, you can find out more on this link: https://www.leeds-art.ac.uk/apply/undergraduate-entry-requirements . You can also contact our Admissions team at [email protected]. They will be happy to help with any queries.

Leeds is a great city to study in with a thriving arts community. There’s always something different to do so you are guaranteed an excellent social life. Our campus is based next to the city centre, so you have a range of great cafes, shops, green spaces and galleries at your doorstep. There is also a great music scene to take advantage of.

https://www.leeds-art.ac.uk/life-in-leeds

You can also chat with one of our current students if you have any questions about the course or studying in Leeds.

https://www.leeds-art.ac.uk/chat-to-a-student

If you have any more questions, please let me know. 😎

Leeds Arts University Rep!

Reply 2

aspalax

Clearing and Applications Advisor, Universities Forum Helper

Original post

by Anonymous

Hi there,
I would anticipate from your picks, the more competitive choices are likely Herts and Teesside. (You might want to also consider Staffordshire)
I wrote a masterpost recently about what to include in your university entry portfolio, inluding some specific recommendations for C&CA applications. https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=7597072

I found looking online at others' university application portfolios (usually on Youtube) was helpful for me - even if it wasn't for the exact same university/course, seeing people applying for similar things at similar universities was really useful in helping me present my work in the best way.

Your portfolio is the #1. I wouldn't worry about trying to do anything else - just pour your energy into making your protfolio the best it can be.

Here to help with any other Qs you might have :smile:

Reply 3

Uni of Staffs

Official Rep

Original post

by Anonymous

I am currently trying to apply to the following universities
- Leeds Arts University (Comic and Concept Art)
- University of Hertfordshire (Comic and Concept Art)
- UCA (Comic and Concept Art)
- Teesside University (Concept Art)
and am wondering just how difficult these schools are to get into. I'm also wondering if I should take a foundation year first as although I took the BTEC Art Course, I am still not 100% confident that my portfolio can get me into good universities. I also want to know if theres anything I can do outside of grades and portfolio work that can increase the chances of me getting into a good university.
If anyone can answer my really wordy questions I would really appreciate it, thanks!

Hey! We reached out to Gareth Cowlin, our Senior Lecturer in Cartoon and Comic Art at Univeristy of Staffordshire, here's what he said...

We’re big fans of Foundation courses, as they can be a really valuable stepping stone for students interested in Cartoon and Comic Arts.

Some applicants are encouraged to take a Foundation year before joining us for a range of reasons. Others choose to do one themselves, as Foundation courses offer broad creative experiences and time to develop skills and confidence. In some cases, it’s simply felt that an applicant isn’t quite ready for a degree yet, and that’s completely okay.

In response to the question:
“Is there anything I can do outside of grades and portfolio work that can increase my chances of getting into a good university?”
From our point of view, sketchbooks are a priority.

Many of our Cartoon and Comic Arts students have been drawing their own comics and stories for years before applying. Very often, those early sketches and rough ideas are actually more interesting and rewarding than the polished, ‘official’ portfolio work.

Portfolios are still important - they show an awareness of presentation and usually demonstrate a range of skills and interests. But sketchbooks are vital, because that’s where you start to see the Cartoon and Comic Arts student really emerging.

An ideal sketchbook might include:

•

Narrative art

•

Character ideas

•

Story attempts

•

Speech balloons

•

Experiments and rough concepts

And importantly: they don’t have to be “great”.

A sketchbook is, by nature, a record of development and learning. From my (slightly selfish!) point of view, I love seeing a rough story or idea and thinking: “I can help this applicant develop this further.”

That sense of potential and creative thinking matters just as much as technical polish.

We hope this helps your decision and educational journey! You can find more portfolio advice for Cartoon and Comic Arts here: https://www.staffs.ac.uk/features/cartoon-and-comic-arts-application-portfolio-advice

We're always happy to answer any more questions you may have.

(edited 1 month ago)

Reply 4

Teesside University

Official Rep

Original post

by Anonymous

I am currently trying to apply to the following universities
- Leeds Arts University (Comic and Concept Art)
- University of Hertfordshire (Comic and Concept Art)
- UCA (Comic and Concept Art)
- Teesside University (Concept Art)
and am wondering just how difficult these schools are to get into. I'm also wondering if I should take a foundation year first as although I took the BTEC Art Course, I am still not 100% confident that my portfolio can get me into good universities. I also want to know if theres anything I can do outside of grades and portfolio work that can increase the chances of me getting into a good university.
If anyone can answer my really wordy questions I would really appreciate it, thanks!

Hi there!

Great to hear you're considering concept art at Teesside 🎨

For more details on the entry requirements, you can head to the course page here. There's also some great hints and tips for preparing your portfolio too. But don't worry if you don't meet all of the requirements as you can check out our foundation year option as well here.

To find out more about concept at at Teesside, check out this video where you can hear all about it from the course team.