Required course for concentration (15 hours):

MCOM 122 Film Photography 3
MCOM 251 Intro to Graphic Communication 3
VART 310 Typography 1 3
VART 311 Digital Art 3
MCOM 351 Digital Imaging and Illustration 3

Select 6 hours from the following:

VART 199 Topic in Art 3
VART 202 Art and Culture Travel Studies 1-3
MCOM 222 Digital Photography 3
VART 319 Color Photography 3
VART 320 Alternative Photo Practices 3
VART 360 Film and Photo Visual Culture 3
VART 410 Typography 2 3
VART 411 Digital Studio 3
MCOM 445 Digital Illustration 3
MCOM 451 Graphic Communication Seminar 3
VART 492 Topic in Photography 3
VART 494 Topic in Art 3
VART 497 Individual Studio – Design 1-6

*All students must pass a department review prior to undertaking further course work

GD900 Graphic Design Independent Study 3 credits
Advanced work in the student’s major field of study, supervised by a designated faculty member.
Prerequisites: Permission of Instructor
Fulfills: Graphic Design Elective (Graphic Design Students); Studio Elective

INT300 Internship 3 credits
Required during the junior year, INT300 provides the opportunity for real world experience through the Internship & Apprenticeship Program. Students complete a minimum of 120 hours on-site as an intern with a business or as an apprentice with an established artist. Other requirements include keeping a journal, writing a reflection paper and attending a debriefing seminar with other interns and apprentices. A learning contract outlining educational objectives as well as work duties and responsibilities is completed prior to starting INT300.
Prerequisites: Junior level standing
Fulfills: Internship Requirement (All Concentrations)

PH203 Introduction to Photographic Media 3 credits
This course introduces the basic tools, techniques and concepts of photographic media. Students are introduced to a variety of photographic methods for generating and outputting images, with a primary emphasis on lens based representation and production. Modes of image generation and output that are addressed include black and white and color film, digital, and time-based visual imaging systems. Students explore the aesthetic aspects of photography while they complete a series of assignments geared towards developing their technical and conceptual abilities. Issues related to camera vision, representation and picture interpretation are also explored.
Prerequisites:
Fulfills: Introduction to Photographic Media Requirement (Photography and Graphic Design students); Lens, Technology, Time Elective; Studio Elective

The first half of the course leads you progressively through the basics of drawn and digital creative approaches to animation and illustration. The second half offers increasing levels of module choice in both subjects so that if you wish to specialise, perhaps in pursuit of a specific career destination such as digital animation or children’s book illustration, you can do so. Most modules involve simulated live briefs taken from the professional experience of staff, and there are opportunities to work on paid commissions for clients.

Duration

3 years full-time.
4 to 6 years part-time.
Pathways available

Single/Joint Honours.
This discipline can be combined with other subjects – see Combined Honours page.
Start dates

September

About the course

The University of Bolton’s Animation & Illustration degree programme encourages you to explore the potential of moving and still image-making within the creative industries including TV and film, the web, publishing and advertising.

BA (Hons) Animation & Illustration is one of a group of art and design based degrees within the School of Arts, Media and Education at the university. The course is built around a diverse series of challenging practical assignments which will provide you with the wide range of skills and knowledge you’ll need to pursue your chosen career.
What you will learn

You will learn about character design, storyboarding and narrative techniques, traditional and digital animation, and traditional and digital illustration for screen and print.

The course introduces you to the basics of both disciplines from a technical and creative perspective, and progressively allows you the freedom to pursue one area in depth or to continue to explore a wide range of outcomes.

Much of the coursework involves the creative use of graphics software, but we’re also strongly committed to ideas generation and visual problem solving using traditional media and techniques.
What you will study

1 General graphics, aesthetics and computer use.
2 Basics of both disciplines.
3 Advanced study of both or either specialism.

The creative possibilities of commercial image making dominate our teaching. However, you will also explore theory and history, and to develop your ability to organise and evaluate information. By the end of your degree you’ll be able to demonstrate a high level of practical knowledge, skills and creativity in your portfolio as well as an in-depth knowledge of specialist areas of illustration and animation, and a critical understanding of the principles involved. You’ll also have an understanding of contemporary illustration and animation, and the social, economic and ethical factors which influence these art forms.

After completing this course you will have developed a valuable range of transferable skills such as visual problem solving, working with others, planning and time management, oral and written presentation, and computer skills. In addition, you will have learned how to research, evaluate and apply information and ideas in your work, and take a high level of responsibility for your own learning.
Special features
Live and simulated live briefs, teaching by active professionals, competition work and degree show.
The ability to select modules from related degrees such as Graphic Design.
Vocational flavour of the degree.
High levels of contact time with staff.
Access to computers and facilities.
Staff professional experience.
In addition to the modules, most of which consist of simulated live briefs, there are opportunities to work on live projects for clients from inside and outside the university.
We encourage our students to enter national competitions to showcase their work.
The university offers well-equipped teaching and learning spaces as well as excellent library facilities, 24/7 IT suites and campus-wide WiFi.
Careers and professional development

This course will help you to progress in your career by providing you with the industry standard qualification and specialised education to develop your skills and knowledge to a professional level.

You can go on to work as an illustrator, an animator or a combination of both in a studio environment or as a freelance artist in areas such as TV, film, multimedia, all forms of print and games.

On completion of your degree you will also become a member of the university’s Alumni Association. You can be a lifelong member of the university community, able to access careers information and guidance, as well as the university library, and other facilities.