Illustration and Animation BA(Hons)

Why choose this course?

This course is designed to develop highly individual approaches to the creation of communicative images for print, and to interactive and moving image. Students from this degree have consistently produced internationally recognised, award-winning illustration and animation.

What will you study?

You will be taught primarily through studio-based illustration and animation projects of increasing complexity across the three years. Studio study is complemented by lectures and seminars in historical and contextual studies, professional practice and careers.

Please note that this is an indicative list of modules and is not intended as a definitive list. Those listed here may also be a mixture of core and optional modules.

Year 1

• Illustration/Animation Studies 1: Working Methods

• Illustration/Animation Studies 1: Working Methods

  This module teaches you to:

  • think narratively and sequentially; and
  • develop the practical skills necessary for image making.

  You look at:

  • conceptual thinking and the use of initiative/decision making;
  • the studio as a working environment; and
  • the integration of core drawing skills into studio practice.
  
   
• Illustration/Animation Studies 2: Narrative and Sequence

• Illustration/Animation Studies 2: Narrative and Sequence

  This module introduces sequential thinking, visual narrative, storytelling, storyboarding and serialising images with written texts. You will:

  • choose a specialist area in discussion with staff;
  • research and analyse a subject or theme of special interest; and
  • contribute to teamwork and a common goal.
  
   
• Themes in the History of Design for Communication and Media 1

• Themes in the History of Design for Communication and Media 1

  This module provides a historical and critical framework for communications and media through image-based lectures, screenings and study visits. It covers:

  • the historical development of the graphic arts and imagery from the mid-20th century;
  • the professional development of design for communication and media;
  • the evolution of 'popular' mass imagery; and
  • the role of changing technologies and techniques in the development of image and text production and reproduction.

  We will also explore key themes relating to graphic arts and imagery, including:

  • the consumption of mass media and imagery;
  • the image and consumer culture;
  • the emergence 'new' media, and
  • Modernism and Postmodernism in art, design and communication.

  The module engages with critical texts to allow you to examine the relationship between theory and practice in design and to develop an understanding of Postmodernism as a cultural response to social and technological change.

  
   
• Themes in the History of Design for Communication and Media 2

• Themes in the History of Design for Communication and Media 2

  This module provides a historical and critical framework for communications and media through image-based lectures, screenings and study visits. It covers:

  • the historical development of the graphic arts and imagery from the mid-20th century;
  • the professional development of design for communication and media;
  • the evolution of 'popular' mass imagery; and
  • the role of changing technologies and techniques in the development of image and text production and reproduction.

  We will also explore key themes relating to graphic arts and imagery, including:

  • the consumption of mass media and imagery;
  • the image and consumer culture;
  • the emergence 'new' media, and
  • Modernism and Postmodernism in art, design and communication.

  The module engages with critical texts to allow you to examine the relationship between theory and practice in design and to develop an understanding of Postmodernism as a cultural response to social and technological change.

  
   
• Drawing Studies

• Drawing Studies

  This module establishes drawing as a fundamental foundation to illustration/animation. You will develop observation and drawing skills - through life, studio and location drawing - which will enable you to realise your ideas creatively.

  
   
• Portfolio and Exhibition 1

• Portfolio and Exhibition 1

  This module supports your development of a body of work that accurately reflects your personal endeavours and initiative in illustration studies.

  
   
• Communicating Art and Design History option
• Language option

Year 2

• Illustration/Animation Studies 3

• Illustration/Animation Studies 3

  This module continues the practice of drawing from life and on location. You will use visual research to support studio projects and develop:

  • different approaches to creating images - using intuitive, logical and conceptual thinking;
  • cross-fertilisation of ideas - through interdisciplinary and/or collaborative work;
  • your imagination and perception - through ideas development.

  You will also have the opportunity to improve:

  • your understanding of applied illustration and animation;
  • your understanding of your individual strengths; and
  • your visual and verbal communication skills.
  
   
• Illustration/Animation Studies 4 OR

• Illustration/Animation Studies 4 OR

  This module explores:

  • the illustrator/animator as instigator; and
  • new ways of working and resolving projects.

  You will be able to both:

  • establish an individual direction of creative enquiry; and
  • contribute to a common goal, whether projects or shows.
  
   
• Animation: Studio and Technical Practice
• History of Illustration

• History of Illustration

  This module improves your theoretical and historical understanding of illustration in Britain from 1978 to the 1900s.

  
   
• Contextual studies option
• Contemporary Issues in Research

• Contemporary Issues in Research

  This module provides a broad introduction and preparation for the dissertation project. It considers:

  • the role of research within art and design practice;
  • the relationship between primary and secondary material;
  • ways of developing and originating research; and
  • ways of realising the research in a formal written manner.

  The module provides a broad overview of some of the different critical and methodological approaches to researching in art and design culture.

  
   
• Creative Careers Management
• Portfolio and Exhibition 2

• Portfolio and Exhibition 2

  This module supports your development of a body of work that accurately reflects your personal endeavours and initiative in illustration studies.

  
   

Year 3

• Illustration/Animation Studies 5

• Illustration/Animation Studies 5

  This module gives you the opportunity to work on a personally-selected and self-initiated work. It will reflect your individual approach to the creation of illustration/animation.

  
   
• Professional Portfolio

• Professional Portfolio

  In this module, you develop a professional illustration portfolio, which will help you to embark on your chosen career path.

  
   
• Professional Practice

• Professional Practice

  This module gives you the chance to gain theoretical and practical knowledge of the profession, plus experience of:

  • business practices;
  • financial administration; and
  • marketing ideas for illustrators.
  
   
• Dissertation

• Dissertation

  The dissertation module involves individual research, organisation and development of a subject of personal interest. You will develop:

  • critical and analytical thought; and
  • the ability to sustain an argument using research and writings skills.
  
   
• Degree Show Exhibition

• Degree Show Exhibition

  The degree show exhibition gives you the chance to exhibit a body of creative work reflecting your highest achievements. It will launch you into the professional world with maximum impact.