Program Overview

Overview of the Graphic Design and Animation BA(Hons) Course

The Graphic Design and Animation BA(Hons) course at the University of Huddersfield is designed to equip students with the skills needed in the growing convergence of graphic design and animation. This course aims to help students develop the skills required for roles in new media design, motion graphics, visual effects, brand awareness, digital strategy, user interaction, and concept art.

Course Details

• The course is a three-year full-time program, with an optional one-year placement in the UK or abroad.
• The program focuses on practical experience, with a team of active researchers and professionals in the field providing teaching and support.
• Students will learn core creative industry skills, from handmade to digital, including 2D and 3D concept realizations.
• The course encourages innovation through collaboration, enhancing prospects for industry placements and future careers.

Entry Requirements

• To find out if you are eligible to start this course, please see the University's Clearing pages or contact the Clearing Helpline.
• If you are interested in studying this course, please view the course information for the relevant year.

Course Structure

• Year 1: Introduction to key principles of contemporary professional practice, fundamental techniques of production, and two- and three-dimensional space.
• Year 2: Development of skills in graphic design, animation, and their convergence, with an emphasis on exploring more advanced processes and production techniques.
• Year 3 - Optional Placement Year: Opportunity to gain hands-on experience and build on skills developed in the first two years of study.
• Final Year: Creation of a major final year portfolio, development of technical independence, and preparation for industry.

Core Modules

• Design Process and Production 1: Introduction to key principles of contemporary professional practice and fundamental techniques of production.
• Design Studio 1: Introduction to creative thinking processes and tools to undertake good quality research and identify and fulfill client needs.
• Design Theory Fundamentals: Introduction to relevant theories for and about design, including history, influences, production, and critical reception.
• Intermediate Studio Practice: Production of works of increasing sophistication, encompassing diverse and interdependent areas of practice.
• Process and Production: Extension of knowledge in graphic design, animation, and their convergence, with an emphasis on exploring more advanced processes and production techniques.
• Design Identities: Personal development and reflection, with guidance in preparation of an individual Curriculum Vitae, letters of application, and understanding of self-promotion.
• Arts and Humanities Placement: Opportunity to gain hands-on experience and build on skills developed in the first two years of study.
• Advanced Studio Practice: Creation of a major final year portfolio, development of technical independence, and preparation for industry.
• Contextual Design Research: Creation of original ideas that are diverse and dynamic in scope, fueling creative endeavors in the final year of the course.
• Theory as Practice 3: Examination of theoretical, technical, and professional issues appropriate to practice, with a series of outputs to determine and contextualize the direction of practice-based modules.

Teaching and Assessment

• The course is a studio-based program with supporting lectures, seminars, tutorials, and technical workshops.
• Assessment includes portfolio exhibition, reports, essays, presentations, and case study analysis.

Placements

• The course offers an optional one-year work placement after the second year, in the UK or abroad.
• Students have previously taken up placement opportunities with companies including Fantastic Media, Territory Studio, and Banter Media.

Facilities

• Dedicated facilities for exploration, including 3D printers, laser cutters, virtual reality cave, print and dye capabilities, photography studios, and digital print center.
• Specialist film studios with industry-standard equipment.

Fees and Finance

• The maximum fees for UK-based students on undergraduate courses in 2025/26 will be £9,535 per year for full-time students.
• Additional costs include materials, which may include sketchbooks, pens, specialist papers, sculpting materials, and specialist tools, with an approximate cost of £100 in the first year, £200 in the second year, and £200 to £500 in the final year.

Career Support

• The University's Careers and Employability Service provides professional help, support, and guidance, including industry-supported workshops, careers fairs, and one-to-one guidance sessions.
• The service helps students focus on life after graduation, ensuring that their hard work pays off and they achieve their ambition.

Accreditations and Professional Links

• The University has a strong reputation for teaching excellence, with a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023.
• The University is a member of Yorkshire Universities and has a range of professional links and accreditations.

Research Excellence

• The University is in the top 50 UK universities for Research Power.
• Three-quarters of the University's research is world-leading and internationally excellent.
• The University has a range of research areas, including music, biological sciences, architecture, and communication and media studies.

Student Support

• The University provides a range of support services, including academic support, careers advice, and student wellbeing.
• The University has a range of facilities, including libraries, IT facilities, and student accommodation.

Important Information

• The University reserves the right to make changes to courses, including changes to option modules, major changes, and discontinuation or suspension of courses.
• Students will be notified of any changes and will be consulted with affected groups of students.
• The University has a student protection plan in place to ensure that students are protected in the event of any changes to courses.