Animation and Illustration

The University of Bolton is proud to be ranked number one for student satisfaction in the North West by the Complete University Guide 2020. We are one of the best universities in the UK for animation and illustration, thanks to our professionally developed course curriculum, range of traditional and digital facilities, business networks, and talented and experienced staff.

Throughout the course, you will be motivated to create a portfolio of work and to present in public exhibitions, festivals and fairs, including the prestigious Design and Art Direction (D&AD) in London. The Bolton School of the Arts hosts a wide range of specialist facilities which students can enjoy and experiment in during their studies. Custom-designed computer suites feature Cintiq drawing, stop-motion facilities, animation line-testers and Adobe Creative Suite. Some other facilities that illustration and animation degree students have access to include:

• Animation and illustration computer suite

• Silkscreen printing

• Fine print workshop

• Letterpress

• Large-format HP printer

• Laser cutting equipment

Studying an animation and illustration course at Bolton will help you recognise the importance of open-mindedness and experimentation. You will also learn to answer questions creatively, understand personal strengths and weaknesses and seek ways to continually develop. Here’s what you can expect from our programmes:

• Comprehensive coursework that includes animation and illustration basics, as well as advanced exercises to develop your specialist skill-set

• Exploration of character design, storyboarding and narrative techniques for both traditional and digital animation

• Illustration methods for screen print

• Live projects for clients

• Guest lectures by industry professionals

• Chances to enter national and international competitions, including the Penguin Random House Design Award, Channel 4 E Sting and the Macmillan Prize for Illustration

• Our talented students have developed some amazing projects in the following areas:

• Film and video

• Editorial illustration

• Character animation

• Visual poetry

• Concept art

• Model-making

• Digital image-making

• Print

Potential career options after studying these courses include (please note that some roles may require additional qualifications and/or work experience for entry):

• Exhibition design

• Produce design

• Animated commercials

• Poster production

• Advertising and marketing

• Studio management

If you have any more questions about studying at the University of Bolton, our award-winning student services team are here to put your mind at ease about any queries related to accommodation, finance, funding, health and well-being, disability support or anything else you may need.