This exciting programme has been developed to introduce a range of animation and illustration techniques. Through inventive projects you will develop digital and traditional skills that are highly desirable and recognised in the industry. You’ll also learn about research and analysis and get the chance to find out what’s going on in the world of animation through visiting festivals and exhibitions.

During the diploma programme you will complete eight core units helping you to develop research and evaluative skills alongside practical and technical competencies.

You will explore sequence and simple narrative through alternative approaches to drawing and mixed media experimentation. The programme will introduce art and design contexts and research methods, enabling you to start to make connections with the work of other artists, illustrators and animators.

Projects are varied and wide ranging enabling you to identify and develop personal interests whether they be in Illustration, 2D Character design, 3D Modelling & Design, Stop motion, frame animation , Cut Out Animation, Critical Thinking Skills, Concept Art, Comic book art, Sequential and Narrative Art. You will produce a variety of work suitable for developing the right portfolio to progress onto a variety of Higher Education Courses in moving images and the sequential arts. Depending on your grades on entry you will also engage in GEM and to develop your English, maths as well as GAP activities to develop your employability skills.

The course supports learners to develop presentation and communication skills through group discussion tasks and exhibition opportunities. Learners are also given the opportunity to develop employability skills and industry knowledge through ‘live’ projects with community groups and organisations.

Animation and Illustration UAL Diploma / Extended Diploma Level 3 modules may include;

• Introduction to visual language in art and design
• Introduction to research skills in art and design
• Introduction to critical and contextual awareness in art and design
• Introduction to materials, processes and technical skills in art and design
• An integrated approach to 2D problem solving in art and design
• An integrated approach to 3D problem solving in art and design
• An integrated approach to time-based problem solving in art and design
• Developing an art and design project
• Opportunities for progression in art and design

Sessions will involve practical demonstrations, workshop activities, group work, seminars and individual tutorials. You’ll work in a variety of art and design workshops and digital studios.

5 GCSEs (grades A*-C), including English and maths (grades 9-4) and an art or design subject, or satisfactory results in a relevant Level 2 qualification (Merit/Distinction), and an interview with a portfolio of artwork.

This is a growth area and there are varied opportunities and career possibilities include working within the 2D or 3D animation industries, film, illustration and visual effects. Animation skills are widely utilised in advertising, music, TV and film promotions.

After completion of the Level 3 Diploma qualification learners can progress to a second year and work towards an Extended Diploma qualification.

On successful completion of the Diploma 1st year programme you can continue your study of Animation and Illustration on a one year Extended Diploma Level 3. Its also possible for learners to progress onto other Extended Diploma qualifications in art and design including photography and graphic arts. The Extended Diploma qualification prepares students for degree level study in a related area.

Alternatively students can choose to study on the Art and Design Foundation Diploma, or Creative and Digital Media Apprenticeship. Students can also progress to Higher Apprenticeship qualifications. Depending on your age and prior attainment, some learners may also progress directly to Higher Education, for example to a BA (Hons) Graphic Design programme.

After completing their Extended Diploma qualification a high proportion of our learners progress to higher education programmes in areas such as Graphic Design, Illustration, Animation, Advertising and Games Design.