This highly specialised degree in Children’s Books aims to help you develop both your illustrative style and flair for storytelling. The course covers the practical, professional and artistic sides of writing and illustrating books for a younger audience. The programme will equip you for a successful career in the creative industries.

This course will expand and develop your illustrative knowledge and ability. Working with experienced and industry active staff, you will learn how to write and draw stories for children.

You will be introduced to professional creative processes and encouraged to expand your abilities through workshops and practical projects. You will learn how to write and draw stories, identify and solve problems, develop creative individuality and produce a professional portfolio.

As well as gaining personal, professional and entrepreneurial skills, our programmes introduce a broad range of creative skills, from the generation of ideas to their technical production through printmaking, bookbinding, 3D materials, life drawing, traditional and digital media, with an emphasis on drawing and the development of a unique personal style.

Creative writing, storytelling and theories of narrative structure are at the heart of the course. Opportunities to explore visual sequencing, narrative imagery, anthropomorphism and character development are consistent throughout the programmes.

The business of working as a freelance artist is an important aspect of the course, covering practical advice from marketing and self-promotion to contracts, invoices and working with clients. Working on live briefs and competitions are available and encouraged.