School: School of Art and Media. The Sequential Design/Illustration MA attracts new and established illustrators, artists, and designers keen to explore the principles of sequence within their chosen field and make them visible through a variety of forms. This unique course, with over 25 years of history, builds on staff and student expertise to cover topics relevant to all MA students interested in storytelling, visual narrative, and delivering complex sequential messages. It encourages students to define their own area of investigation and develop a major project, which can include a wide range of outputs such as written and illustrated books (for children and adults), interactive design, film, graphic novels, storyboards, stage and exhibition design, animation, book arts, narrative textiles, experimental writing, product design, and community projects that encourage social development through storytelling. The curriculum emphasizes continuous interaction between research, analysis, and practical realization, with strong tutor support. Modules include: Major Sequential Project (Stage One), Practice-Based Research Methods, Major Sequential Project (Stage Two), Applied Research Methods, and Completion Statement. The course incorporates weekly lectures by practitioners and academics, studio and gallery visits, and opportunities to exhibit.

Graduates are well-prepared for a variety of creative careers in illustration, sequential design, and visual storytelling. Common career paths include: Illustrator (for books, magazines, advertising, digital media), Sequential Designer (comics, graphic novels, storyboards, animation), Children's Book Illustrator, Graphic Novelist, Storyboard Artist (for film and television), Digital Illustrator (for websites, apps, interactive media), Art Director, Exhibition Designer, Book Designer, Freelance Artist/Designer, Lecturer/Educator, or pursuing further research degrees (e.g., PhD). The course's diversity of projects and student backgrounds leads to equally wide-ranging professional achievements, with many graduates establishing successful commercial enterprises, publishing books, forming collaborative design groups, and exhibiting work in major galleries and institutions globally. The university has links to over 1,800 businesses, which can aid in career development.

The University of Brighton is a career-focused university with links to over 1,800 businesses, providing strong industry connections. It offers high-tech facilities for an interactive learning experience. Located in a friendly seaside city on England's southeast coast, Brighton provides a vibrant and creative environment, with easy access to London. The MA is taught in the School of Art and Media, and the university consistently demonstrates strong graduate outcomes, being in the top 50 for graduate outcomes in the UK (Complete University Guide, 2024). The School of Art and Media has a long-standing reputation for creative excellence and innovation, and the university is known for its research, with 98% of its research rated as world-leading, internationally excellent or internationally recognised (REF2021).