Studying animation and illustration with the University of Bolton’s School of the Arts allows you to be guided to develop your own unique visual voice and externalise internal visions through a variety of methods and techniques. This can be achieved through collaboration with a broad range of students and staff with diverse fields of interests, hands-on knowledge of various process methods and fields of expression.

Amongst the work produced by our students are experimental works in print and film, sequential art, editorial illustration, character animation, visual poetry, concept art, model-making, collage, digital image-making and bookmaking (to name a few).

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.

Welcome to “Unlocked”

Our virtual show designed to promote and celebrate the creative work that has been produced by students from across the School of the Arts throughout this memorable academic year. Within the confines of lockdown, students have been exceptionally busy and have used their talents and determination to overcome the restrictions of recent months. “Unlocked” captures the huge energy and commitment of our students to creatively reach beyond the barriers behind which they have been living to achieve their goals.

Chat to our Students

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Testimonials

Diogo Cambrian Carneiro

Animation and Illustration | 2019

"I want to work as a background designer in animation and I think this was really the best course for me. It has allowed me to experiment and to do projects I would’ve never started without having a tutor encouraging and guiding me."

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Tina Mistry

Animation and Illustration | 2019

"Animation & Illustration is a course that will introduce you to the subject in a way that is suitable for both beginners and experienced artists."

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Poppy May

Animation and Illustration | 2019

"I enjoy getting to meet with other creative people and being in a positive environment where you can get inspiration and support from peers and tutors."

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Jessica Bernadette Hornby

Animation and Illustration | 2019

"I love my class and my teachers; my work has flourished and evolved thanks to the feedback I’ve received along the way and the interesting briefs we’ve been given."