BA (Hons) Animation and Illustration (with Placement) in Cambridge United Kingdom | Anglia Ruskin University

Develop into a proficient and adaptable 2D or 3D animator with an emphasis on visual storytelling and illustration at Cambridge School of Art, transforming your artistic vision into a fulfilling professional path in animation and illustration. Our BA (Hons) Animation and Illustration program examines the relationship between these two disciplines, equipping you to craft sequential narratives through diverse techniques—from cutting-edge 2D digital animation and industry-standard 3D CGI to interactive approaches and traditional handcrafted imagery.

You'll cultivate artistic vision, technical expertise, and a distinctive style in animation, alongside sequential storytelling for graphic novels, with a strong focus on illustration and design principles.

A key advantage is receiving dedicated time, mentorship, and support from a faculty of working professionals, animators, and illustrators committed to your artistic growth. Alongside frequent industry guest speakers who will motivate and advise you, your final year includes personalized guidance from an assigned industry mentor. At Cambridge School of Art, you'll explore, innovate, take creative risks, solve problems, and bring your ideas to life.

While developing your signature visual approach, you'll also master essential fundamentals: observational skills, drawing techniques, core animation principles using professional software like TVPaint and Maya, and the art of compelling visual storytelling.

As an ARU student, you'll benefit from continuous assistance securing internships through our Creative Industries placement module, with the option to take a full placement year. You'll also tackle real-world projects for industry clients—past collaborators include Curveball Media and Allia Future, while recent students created promotional animations for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution's Chelsea Flower Show partnership.