Illustration and Animation (Top Up)

There are opportunities for illustrators and animators to contribute visuals in film & television, theatre, publishing, advertising, information graphics, print, and with interactive new media platforms and this one-year top up degree course seeks to give its students experience of working in many of these specialist areas.

The course has been developed in consultation with a wide range of practicing artists, animators, designers, writers, publishers and teachers. Their accumulated knowledge has been combined to create a course that delivers skills and knowledge, challenges and stimulates and most importantly, is fun to take part in.

Projects are designed to reflect real world situations and issues. We want our students to begin showing, selling and sharing their work with communities at local, national and global level whilst still on the course, not just after they leave.

At HCA, you will have access to cutting edge animation equipment and software, including a stop-frame rig and Cintiq drawing tablets. Offering a sturdy footing in traditional processes alongside these modern techniques, this course presents an alternative to a pervasive computer-generated aesthetic. This includes drawing that moves, animation that isn’t lead by drawing at all, short witty films that require no explanation and ‘ambient’ animation.

A place at HCA also provides trips to cultural epicentres as well as opportunities to take part in live briefs with external clients, offering real-world, professional experiences before you even graduate.

What we provide

Boost your employability with flexible skills across illustration and animation.

Explore expressive, innovative, creative animation.

Small group teaching in a friendly studio environment with exceptional access to tutorial and technical support.

A programme of visiting lecturers from around the world bringing cutting edge practice to HCA students.

Develop your own visual language and evolve a unique style.

Who we work with A range of expert visiting practitioners contribute to the course. These have included award winning illustrators: A range of expert visiting practitioners contribute to the course. These have included award winning illustrators: Clive Hicks-Jenkins, Jonny Hannah, Rebecca Gibbon, Matthew Richardson, Alice Pattulo, Mark Hearld, Geoff Grandfield, Martin Ursell, Rebecca Gibbon and animators: BAFTA winning director Jonathan Hodgson and Sarah Salter of Salty’s Animation. Our students have taken part in Seminars with Quentin Blake atHay Festival, Oliver Jeffers and teamed up with HCA honorary fellow Nick Sharrat.

You will meet professional practitioners on inspiring local, national and international visits. In the past students have met Creative Director Barbara Ryan in Amsterdam and Animation Oscar-nominated Javier Mariscal in Barcelona.

Entry Requirements

Successful completion of a UK based level 5 qualification such as a Foundation Degree (FdA) or HND in a related subject (evidence of prior learning will need to be provided).

Portfolio submission or audition (as applicable) and successful interview.