Course summary

Are you interested in exploring animation and illustration for the creative industries? Our dynamic degree involves a range of challenging practical assignments, offering you the wide range of skills and knowledge you’ll need for your chosen career in television and film, the web, publishing and advertising, video games and animated special effects. At the University of Bolton’s School of the Arts we offer creative, student-focused courses that are valued by employers, and underpinned by the knowledge and industry experience of our high-quality staff. We frequently update our programmes to ensure they keep up with new and emerging trends and provide you with the tools and techniques you will need to progress into your chosen area of employment. Our BA (Hons) Animation and Illustration with foundation year degree offers commercial understanding and gives you the opportunity to develop high-level technical skills and knowledge. Starting with foundation studies that offer a structured introduction to a wide range of materials, processes and techniques, we’ll support you as you develop your own line of visual enquiry, explore different areas of art and design, and develop a sound portfolio of creative work. Following the foundation year, you’ll be encouraged to develop professional standards in the creative use of a wide range of illustration, animation, and digital software programmes. Building on an introduction to the basics of animation and illustration, the second half of the course offers you increasing levels of choice to specialise in either area, exploring digital and experimental means of image-making. You’ll be taught by a diverse team of highly experienced, professionally and academically qualified, staff. They have extensive experience in the animation and illustration industry and have worked for several broadcasting companies including the BBC and Granada Television. Alternatively, on successful completion of the foundation level, you can opt to transfer to one of our related art and design degrees, for instance, fashion, fine art, graphic design, photography, or textiles and surface design. You can also explore transferring to another subject area offered by the University of Bolton, such as film FX or games art.