Illustration and Animation

Why study this course?

Our Illustration and Animation BA degree is industry-focused, it will help you develop your creativity and hone the skills you'll need to practise as an illustrator and animator. With an emphasis on digital platforms, as well as more traditional forms of illustration, the course embraces ongoing developments in the way illustration is practised, no longer confined to the page, but inhabiting a dynamic, three-dimensional digital world.

More about this course

Built on a foundation of narrative, drawing and image-making, the fundamental skills of illustration and animation are taught through a variety of mediums. You’ll benefit from studio-based learning, industry partnerships and be encouraged to publish your work throughout your studies.

You’ll study in our School of Art, Architecture and Design's unique studio system in East London and make use of an unrivalled range of creative facilities to make your work — including photographic studios, printmaking, ceramics and woodworking studios, and technology including 3-D printing, Risograph printing and laser-cutting.

Whether you're creating a zine, a narrative for a start-up or a short film for digital publishing, this course is about telling stories and connecting with a variety of audiences. A defining feature of the course is its focus on cross-disciplinary projects, allowing you to use a huge range of different mediums.

You'll typically work on several client-led briefs throughout your studies. You'll be encouraged to move between conventional illustration, animation and modern graphic technologies, with an emphasis on communicative and expressive drawing, screen-printing, printmaking, bookbinding, letterpress, drawn and stop motion animation, projection mapping, as well as digital and 3D illustration, using the latest industry-standard software.

The course prides itself on producing versatile makers in both artistic and commercial work. A typical destination for graduates may be in the field of illustration, animation, advertising, film & television, publishing, immersive theatre, visual effects, and art installation.

You’ll learn through our dedicated studios, curated by leading practitioners such as Nous Vous, Rachel Gannon, Emily Evans, Studio Cecilie and Gilles. We can provide excellent links to the industry and anticipate new developments in the field while also maintaining a respect for tradition. A high-profile lecture series – the Hothouse Talks – offers you the chance to engage with visionaries in the field of illustration and visual communication.

What our students say

"Intellectually stimulating. I have learned new techniques and my understanding of the subject has broadened. I have made some really good connections."

"Tutors are the highlight of the University. You can see the passion they have for art and design, as well having the passion to teach us."

"My dissertation tutor put me at ease and helped me a lot with writing."

"The new studio idea is really successful and my studio leader is absolutely amazing."

"An incredibly diverse cross section of students. A real incentive to want to work hard and produce a stunning range of work through dialogue with tutors... The opportunity to find myself, and despite having different career motives now, be fully supported by all staff in and around the subject area. A vast library spanning three different buildings. A university-wide ethos that stands for true social equality."

"Excellent tutors and lecturers. A good range of facilities were available, all of which are well supervised by helpful technicians and tutors."

"I have definitely learnt a lot over my three years, gained confidence in my work and met some brilliant people." National Student Survey