Our Course
Why Bolton?
Our programme allows you to combine the discipline of illustration with 2D animation. Our dynamic course involves a range of challenging practical assignments, offering you the wide range of skills and knowledge you’ll need for your chosen career.
Industry Events and Exhibitions
We like to get out and about and meet other designers. Each month we attend networking events such as GLUG and Petcha Kucha and some of our undergrads have event presented their work at these events. It's a great way of meeting potential employers and other designs. We also like to get you involved in print fairs and exhibitions to introduce you to some of the options for self-employment and enterprise.
Study Trips
From Tokyo to Hong Kong, Amsterdam to New York. Each year we pack up our Mac books and take a plane to a far-flung destination in search of new and exciting design inspiration. We even spent time at the fabulous Kessels Kramer studios. https://www.kesselskramer.com/
Guest Speakers
Each year we welcome a range of guest speakers from the Creative Industries. Visitors take the time to discuss their practice with our undergraduates and offer them one to one feedback on their university projects and personal design practice. Some even offer placements at their studios. Previous guests have included Liz Harry, Nic Jones, Brown Bag Films, Fig Taylor, Nica Harrison, Jon Turner and Frank Santoro.
Industry and Competition Briefs
Our students can work on a range of industry related briefs across animation and illustration which allows them to work with real-world clients. There are also a variety of competition briefs including Creative Conscience, D&AD and Penguin.
Facilities
You will have access to computer suites equipped with Apple Macs, Cintique Drawing Tablets and industry standard software including ToonBoom, Adobe Creative Suite. There is access to Stop Motion, analogue and digital print facilities introducing you to a range of techniques including riso, screenprinting, lino cutting, book binding and sublimation printing.
Year 0
In Year Zero, students will be encouraged to develop their Visual Communication skills. They will explore the fundamentals of Animation and Illustration, and be introduced to new skills, techniques, and theories, such as Visual Language, Visual Narrative, Colour theory, Semiotics, Sequential art, conceptual art, and 2D and 3D animation.
Ultimately, the students will develop the knowledge and practice needed for successful progress into HE4.
Year 1
In Year One, students will expand on their understanding of practice, identifying new methods of realisation, and exploring mediums. They will also be introduced to new platforms where their work could be applied. Students will be creating original concepts into reality, using traditional analogue and digital techniques and software.
Overall, Year One will introduce students to the knowledge of methods, styles and mediums necessary to meet the intentions and requirements of a brief.
Year 2
In Year Two students will build on their knowledge of Visual Communication and practice developed in year one. The students will gain a new understanding of creative attributes that will contribute to their development, process, and image-making skills. The attributes learned will provide a strong understanding of Visual Narrative and awareness of communicating to a specific target audience.
This year will provide students with the opportunity to build up their contextual knowledge of animation and illustration. The student will focus their studies on professional practice, learning about the industry of animation and illustration. The students will learn how to respond to live briefs, learn to read contracts and be introduced to self-employment opportunities.
Ultimately, by the end of Year Two, the students will have gained a stronger understanding of their own practice and abilities and will be able to identify where they exist in the creative world. The students will have the knowledge of how to respond to a creative live brief professionally.
Year 3
In Year Three, students will apply everything they have learnt and will be supervised through a final major project: a brief created by the student, inspired by their own personal interests and areas of expertise. The third year is a place for students to put their abilities to the test, challenge themselves to work to live industry briefs, polish their skills, and sharpen their tools.
This year, the students will establish their professional identity as they wish to exist in the animation/illustration industry and understand the importance of developing a professional presence. They will develop self-promotion methods and materials, and cover legal and ethical issues related to the industry including contracts, copyright, and implications of being self-employed.
Ultimately, the third year will bring together the students’ learning and put their personal practice into action. It will prepare them for a career in the creative industry.
There is also an option for students to continue with their studies on the MA (Creative Practice).
