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.

*Subject to Validation. The University reviews its courses on a regular basis to ensure that they reflect the needs of students and employers. To do this we have a schedule for approving new programmes, and updating existing ones. Some are awaiting their turn in the approval cycle and are shown as 'subject to validation'. As soon as the award is validated, details will be amended automatically. For those courses listed as subject to validation, please contact the Admissions Office on 01978 293439 for further information.  Once a programme that you have applied for is validated, details will be communicated to you. If you are not happy with the changes made and wish to withdraw your choice, the University will assist you with finding an alternative programme.