| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
The BA (Hons) Animation and Illustration program at Cambridge School of Art fosters creativity and technical skills in animation and illustration. Students explore sequential narratives through various methods, including digital animation, CGI, and traditional image-making. The program emphasizes industry-standard software, storytelling, and a unique visual style, preparing graduates for careers in animation, illustration, and related fields.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Name:
BA (Hons) Animation and Illustration
Overview
The BA (Hons) Animation and Illustration course at Cambridge School of Art explores the connections between animation and illustration, helping students to create sequential narratives using a variety of methods – from the latest specialist 2D digital animation, 3D CGI used in industry and interactive techniques to traditional handmade image-making.
Objectives:
- Develop creative abilities, technical skills and a personal language within animation, as well as sequential imagery within graphic novels, with the focus being on illustration and design.
- Get time, guidance and support from a team of industry professionals, animators and illustrators who are dedicated to creative development.
- Develop a unique visual style while focusing on the core foundations - studying the world around, refining drawing skills, learning the fundamentals of animation skills using industry standard 2D and 3D animation software, and learning to create engaging stories through moving images.
Outline:
Program Content
- Animation and illustration techniques
- Sequential narrative creation
- Film-making and production methods
- Illustration and animation structures, theories and context
- Industry-standard 2D and 3D digital animation
- Traditional hand-drawn and stop-motion animation
- Experimental and interactive imaging
- Drawing and observation
- Printmaking
- Photography
- Film studio
- Life drawing studio
Course Structure
The program is structured into three years of full-time study. Each year consists of a series of modules, which are assessed through a combination of coursework, exams, and presentations.
Year 1
- Animation Skills
- Illustration and Animation Practice
- Sequential Practice
- Sequential Structures and Contexts
Year 2
- Animation Practice
- Computer Generated Imagery
- Critical Issues and Debates
- Ruskin Module (15 Credits)
Year 3
- Core Modules:
- Professional Sequential Practice
- Optional Modules:
- Working in the Creative Industries
- Research Project
Assessment:
- Coursework assignments
- Completed project work
- Sketchbooks
- Animatics
- Storyboards
- Pre-viz
- Digital tests
- Rough cuts
- Research
- Analysis
- Development of work
- Presentations
- Written assignments
Teaching:
- Studio-based learning
- Lectures
- Workshops
- Group crits
- Class presentations
- Guest speakers
- Industry visits
- Reportage drawing trips
- Museum visits
- Gallery visits
- Animation festival visits
- Individual feedback
- Group feedback
- Online learning
- Blended learning
- Experiential learning
Careers:
- 2D/3D animator
- Motion graphics designer
- Illustrator
- Animator for film and television
- Video game animator
- Freelance animator/illustrator
- Creative Director
- Art Director
- Graphic Designer
- User Experience Designer
- User Interface Designer
- Web Designer
Tuition Fees and Payment Information:
UK students starting 2024/25 (full-time, per year)
£9,250
International students starting 2024/25 (full-time, per year)
£16,700
Additional course and living costs
Approximately £250 for materials. In the past we have attended an animation festival for 3-4 days and costs are around £200 but this has been optional.
