Why study this course?
The Illustration and Animation (with preparatory semester) BA (Hons) starts with na intensive semester to teach you the essentials of illustration. This preparatory semester will ensure you have all the skills and techniques needed to complete the rest of your degree.
Your projects can span multiple disciplines, allowing you to experiment with a number of different mediums. Throughout the course you’ll find your own unique style and gain confidence in your ability to create.
You will complete this degree in three years, starting in September. Following the preparatory semester you’ll join students starting on the standard course in January. This means that Year 1 will consist of three semesters and you’ll be required to study at the University during some of the summer between Year 1 and 2. During the subsequent two years of your studies you’ll follow the same schedule and study the same content as students on the Illustration and Animation BA (Hons) course.
More about this course
Learn to use narrative techniques to tell stories visually and explore the foundations of visual communication. The Illustration and Animation (with preparatory semester) BA (Hons) degree will equip you with skills such as drawing and other forms of mark-making (from digital animation to rug-tufting), bookbinding, letterpress printing and stop-motion animation. You’ll be using the same standard industry equipment and software as those used in your future profession.
You’ll be encouraged to publish, critique and display your work throughout the course, helping you to gain professional working practice as an illustrator and animator. You’ll benefit from a diverse studio setting where you’ll be free to use a wide variety of mediums to respond to briefs and develop your unique creative vision.
Accreditation of Prior Learning
Any university-level qualifications or relevant experience you gain prior to starting university could count towards your course.
Modular structure
The modules listed below are for the academic year 2022/23 and represent the course modules at this time. Modules and module details (including, but not limited to, location and time) are subject to change over time.
Year 1 modules include:
Critical and Contextual Studies 1 (Visual Communication) (core, 30 credits)
Design Principles (core, 30 credits)
Graphic Authorship (core, 30 credits)
Introduction to Visual Communication: Practice (core, 30 credits)
Visual Communication: Industry and Context (core, 30 credits)
Visual Research and Communication (core, 30 credits)
Year 2 modules include:
Critical and Contextual Studies 2 (Visual Communication) (core, 30 credits)
Exploring Design Practice (core, 30 credits)
Narrative (core, 30 credits)
Work Ready 1 (core, 30 credits)
Year 3 modules include:
Critical and Contextual Studies 3: Dissertation (Visual Communication) (core, 30 credits)
Final Project Realisation: Illustration and Animation (core, 30 credits)
Project Design and Development (core, 30 credits)
Work Ready 2 (core, 30 credits)
Where this course can take you
Graduating from this degree will give you all the skills and experience you’ll need to work as an illustrator, animator, graphic designer, print-maker or production designer.
The transferable skills you’ll gain on this course will also allow you to work as a fashion designer, visual effects artist, fine artist or web designer.
