MSc Counselling and Psychotherapy
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BA (Hons) Illustration and Animation
Holloway
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The BA (Hons) Illustration and Animation program at London Metropolitan University is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in both traditional and contemporary illustration and animation techniques. Students will learn to use industry-standard tools, software, and animation techniques while also developing their personal artistic style. The program integrates both theoretical learning and practical skills, encouraging students to think critically about the role of illustration and animation in storytelling, visual communication, and contemporary culture. Students have the opportunity to experiment with various media, including digital, 3D, and stop-motion animation, while being guided by experienced faculty and industry professionals. The course focuses on preparing students for the fast-evolving creative industries, offering a balance of artistic practice, technical proficiency, and professional development.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the BA (Hons) Illustration and Animation program is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in both illustration and animation principles. Key modules include drawing techniques, digital illustration, character design, animation theory, 3D modeling, visual storytelling, and motion graphics. The program also explores the historical and contemporary context of illustration and animation, giving students a deeper understanding of the industry’s evolution and the current trends shaping visual communication. Students will also engage in project-based work, allowing them to collaborate with peers and industry professionals on live briefs, gaining practical experience in the creative process. The curriculum emphasizes a hands-on approach, providing students with the opportunity to produce professional-quality portfolios and animation projects. Throughout the course, students will receive personalized feedback from faculty members and industry experts to support their artistic development.
Research Focus: Research in the BA (Hons) Illustration and Animation program focuses on exploring the role of illustration and animation within both creative and cultural industries. Students are encouraged to critically engage with the history, theory, and practice of these art forms, exploring topics such as visual storytelling, animation techniques, and the use of illustration in contemporary media. Research projects often involve an interdisciplinary approach, drawing on concepts from graphic design, media studies, and digital arts. Students will have the opportunity to contribute to research discussions about the intersection of traditional and digital media, and the growing importance of animation and illustration in visual communication. This research-driven approach helps students to develop their own artistic voice while also staying informed about the latest innovations and trends in the creative industries.
Industry Engagement: Industry engagement is a central component of the BA (Hons) Illustration and Animation program. London Metropolitan University provides numerous opportunities for students to collaborate with leading professionals and creative organizations, enhancing their employability and gaining valuable real-world experience. The university has strong links with animation studios, publishers, design agencies, and game development companies, allowing students to work on live briefs, internships, and projects that simulate the professional working environment. Throughout the course, students will have access to guest lectures, workshops, and masterclasses with industry experts, who share their knowledge of the creative industries and offer career advice. These connections enable students to build a professional network, gain insight into industry practices, and create a portfolio that is tailored to the demands of the job market.
Global Perspective: The BA (Hons) Illustration and Animation program offers a global perspective by encouraging students to explore the international dimensions of illustration and animation in both traditional and digital forms. Through the study of global trends and cross-cultural influences, students will develop an understanding of how illustration and animation are used in different cultural contexts, from advertising and entertainment to political communication and social media. The program also offers opportunities for students to engage with global industry leaders, participate in international animation festivals, and collaborate with peers from different countries. London Met’s diverse student body and international collaborations provide a rich environment for students to learn from a wide range of perspectives and prepare for a career in an increasingly globalized creative industry.
Location
Holloway
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
£ 17600
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed their secondary education with a minimum overall score of 65% or equivalent in their respective country's grading system.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.0 or 6.5 with no individual component below 5.5.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 72.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 59.
- Some programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
London Metropolitan University offers a variety of scholarships and financial support options designed to assist international students with the cost of tuition fees and living expenses while studying in the UK. These scholarships aim to support talented students, regardless of their financial background, and encourage diversity in the university’s student body.
International Scholarship: London Metropolitan University provides an International Scholarship for non-UK students who are enrolled in full-time undergraduate or postgraduate programs. This scholarship is designed to help reduce the cost of tuition fees and make studying at the university more affordable. The scholarship amount varies depending on the program and student eligibility, typically covering a partial reduction of tuition fees. The scholarship is awarded based on academic merit, and students are assessed upon application for the program.
Regional Scholarships: To encourage students from diverse regions to study at London Metropolitan University, the university offers Regional Scholarships. These scholarships are designed to attract students from specific countries or regions, including Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. The scholarships are often based on merit and financial need and offer varying amounts of financial assistance to help cover the costs of tuition fees.
External Scholarships and Financial Aid: In addition to university-specific scholarships, international students can explore external scholarships offered by organizations, government bodies, and foundations. Some notable external scholarships include those offered by the British Council, Chevening Scholarships, and Commonwealth Scholarships, which provide significant funding to international students pursuing higher education in the UK. London Metropolitan University encourages its international students to apply for these prestigious scholarships in addition to institutional funding opportunities.
Graduates of the BA (Hons) Illustration and Animation program at London Metropolitan University (London Met) are well-equipped to embark on successful careers in a variety of creative industries. The program offers a comprehensive education in both traditional and digital techniques, enabling students to build versatile portfolios and gain the necessary skills to thrive in fields such as animation, illustration, game design, publishing, and advertising. The program’s emphasis on industry engagement, professional development, and creative innovation ensures that students are prepared for the demands of the modern job market.
Animator: One of the most popular career paths for graduates of the BA (Hons) Illustration and Animation program is that of an animator. Animators create moving images for films, television shows, video games, commercials, and more. Whether working in traditional 2D animation or 3D animation, animators use their skills to bring characters and stories to life. Graduates can work in animation studios, production companies, or as freelancers, collaborating with directors, producers, and other creative professionals to produce high-quality animated content.
Illustrator: Graduates with a strong foundation in illustration can pursue careers as illustrators, creating visual representations for books, magazines, advertisements, websites, packaging, and more. They may work as freelancers or find positions in publishing houses, design agencies, or advertising firms. The BA (Hons) Illustration and Animation program encourages students to develop a personal style and expand their artistic range, equipping them with the skills to create commercial and editorial illustrations that capture attention and convey messages visually.
Character Designer: Character designers are responsible for creating visually compelling and memorable characters for animation, video games, comics, and other media. This role requires a strong understanding of visual storytelling and an ability to create characters that resonate with audiences. Graduates of the BA (Hons) Illustration and Animation program can work in film, television, and game design studios, helping bring characters to life for various digital and traditional media projects.
Storyboard Artist: Storyboard artists create the visual blueprint for animated films, television shows, and video games. They sketch scenes to convey how the story will unfold visually, helping directors and animators plan each shot. This role requires a deep understanding of cinematic techniques, pacing, and narrative flow. Graduates from the BA (Hons) Illustration and Animation program are well-prepared to pursue storyboard artist roles, contributing to both pre-production and production stages of animated projects.
Concept Artist: Concept artists design and illustrate the look and feel of characters, environments, and objects for animation, video games, films, and other visual media. They help shape the visual identity of a project by creating detailed artwork that communicates the intended atmosphere, tone, and style. Concept artists often work closely with directors, production designers, and other creative professionals. The program at London Met provides students with the opportunity to build the skill set needed for success in this field, including mastering digital and traditional techniques.
Motion Graphics Designer: Motion graphics designers specialize in creating digital animations, visual effects, and moving graphics that enhance video content, advertising, and interactive media. With the increasing demand for online content, social media videos, and digital marketing, motion graphics designers are in high demand across industries. Graduates of the BA (Hons) Illustration and Animation program are equipped with the knowledge of animation techniques and digital tools to excel in this growing field.
Video Game Designer: Video game designers combine storytelling, art, and technology to create interactive game experiences. Graduates of the BA (Hons) Illustration and Animation program can pursue roles in video game design, focusing on visual aspects such as character design, game environment creation, and animation. They can work with game studios, tech companies, or as freelance artists, contributing to the design and animation of video game characters, landscapes, and scenes.
Film Production Designer: Film production designers are responsible for the visual aspects of a film’s sets and environments. They work closely with directors and cinematographers to create visually engaging scenes that reflect the film's narrative and tone. Graduates with a background in illustration and animation are well-suited for these roles, as they have the artistic skills and knowledge to design and create the visual elements of a film. They can work in feature films, television productions, or independent film projects.
Advertising and Marketing Specialist: In the advertising and marketing sectors, graduates can work as creative directors, graphic designers, or marketing specialists. The BA (Hons) Illustration and Animation program’s focus on visual communication prepares students to develop impactful marketing materials, advertisements, and promotional campaigns for companies in various industries. Graduates may work in advertising agencies, digital marketing firms, or corporate in-house creative teams, creating visually striking content to promote products or services.
Art Director: Art directors are responsible for overseeing the visual style and overall aesthetic of creative projects, including advertising campaigns, magazines, websites, films, and animations. They ensure that the visual elements align with the project's message and tone, managing teams of designers and artists. Graduates of the BA (Hons) Illustration and Animation program can pursue careers as art directors, guiding the visual direction of projects from conception to completion.
Educator/Trainer in Creative Arts: Graduates who are passionate about teaching and sharing their skills with others can pursue careers as educators or trainers in creative arts, animation, or illustration. With their expertise in both traditional and digital animation and illustration, graduates can teach at secondary or postsecondary institutions, or offer workshops and training programs. Their deep understanding of illustration and animation techniques positions them as valuable resources for students looking to pursue careers in the arts.
Freelance Artist: Many graduates of the BA (Hons) Illustration and Animation program choose to work as freelance artists, offering their illustration, animation, and design skills to a range of clients. Freelancers work on a project-by-project basis and have the flexibility to work across various industries, including publishing, advertising, gaming, and entertainment. With the rise of digital platforms, freelancing in illustration and animation has become an increasingly popular career option for creative professionals.
Creative Entrepreneur: Graduates with entrepreneurial aspirations can use their illustration and animation skills to start their own creative ventures, such as animation studios, design agencies, or independent film production companies. The BA (Hons) Illustration and Animation program encourages innovation and creative entrepreneurship, giving students the tools and knowledge to turn their artistic passions into successful business ventures.
