| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2023-09-01 | - |
| 2023-07-01 | 2023-04-28 |
| 2023-09-19 | 2023-05-25 |
| 2024-01-01 | - |
| 2024-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
The BA in Illustration and Animation at London Metropolitan University is a three-year program that delves into the history and practice of both traditional and digital illustration and animation. The program emphasizes professional development, with frequent opportunities for students to establish links within the illustration and animation industries. Upon graduation, students are fully equipped to be creative professionals who are not only artistic, but also inquisitive, experimental, critical, resourceful, highly skilled, and have a distinct individuality as illustrators and animators.
Program Outline
Illustration and Animation BA (Hons)
Degree Overview:
The BA in Illustration and Animation at London Metropolitan University is a three-year program that delves into the history and practice of both traditional and digital illustration and animation. The program goes beyond the surface, exploring the social, cultural, and material contexts of these disciplines within the broader creative industries. Students are encouraged to actively engage with their surroundings through live briefs, socially and globally engaged studio projects, and continual engagement with commercial practices. Upon graduation, students are fully equipped to be creative professionals who are not only artistic, but also inquisitive, experimental, critical, resourceful, highly skilled, and have a distinct individuality as illustrators and animators.
Outline:
Year 1:
- Develop core skills and principles in both traditional and digital illustration and animation
- Explore the history and theory of visual communication, critically analyzing its scope, conventions, and global contexts
- Experiment with different mediums and develop a strong understanding of color, form, proportion, movement, hierarchy, and negative space
- Begin to practice professional skills, including client and audience targeting, appropriate communication, and story development
Year 2:
- Deepen your understanding of core skills and principles through specialized workshops and intensive studio sessions
- Hone your ability to solve creative problems through iterative design processes, testing ideas, and seeking feedback
- Master the fundamental skills of interpreting and responding to creative briefs, including understanding the terminology and components of a professional project brief
- Expand your technical expertise through advanced digital tools and methods
- Continue to build your professional portfolio and presentation skills
Year 3:
- Refine your individual artistic vision through a major project that reflects your strengths, interests, and professional goals
- Work on industry-driven projects and collaborations with external partners, gaining valuable portfolio pieces and real-world experience
- Master the critical and theoretical aspects of your chosen discipline, culminating in a dissertation that demonstrates your research and analytical skills
- Develop your entrepreneurial skills, learning how to cost your work, manage your time effectively, and successfully navigate legal and tax matters
Assessment:
- Assessments are diverse and include project work, research essays, individual practice, and a final portfolio project
- No formal examinations are held
- Portfolio project is weighted heavily in final assessment, allowing students to showcase their individual artistic talents and technical skills
- Continuous feedback throughout the program allows students to refine their work and improve their techniques
Teaching:
- Experienced and passionate faculty with a wealth of industry knowledge and experience
- Small class sizes allow for personalized attention and support
- Emphasis on a hands-on, practical learning approach through studio-based learning, workshops, and live projects
- Regular talks and visits by prominent industry professionals provide students with invaluable insights and networking opportunities
- Strong links with cultural institutions and animation studios offer students unique opportunities for collaboration and engagement with the professional world
Careers:
- Wide range of opportunities available to graduates in the fields of illustration, animation, advertising, film and television, publishing, immersive theatre, visual effects, art installation, and more
- Program prepares students for freelance work, employment in creative agencies, or further study at the postgraduate level
- Strong emphasis on professional development ensures graduates are equipped with the skills and knowledge to confidently enter the workforce
Other:
- Program welcomes students from diverse backgrounds and experiences
- Portfolio interviews are required for applicants
- Some students participate in two-week placements in their third year, gaining valuable real-world experience
- Strong emphasis on ethical and responsible practices within the creative industries
