Illustration Animation BA (Hons)
Subject and course type
- Animation, Film and Photography
- Graphic Design and Illustration
- Undergraduate
Begin your career in illustration and animation with the Illustration Animation BA (Hons) degree course from Ji8¸£ÀûÍø. We are ranked No. 1 in London and in the Top 5 in the UK for Graphic Design* in the Guardian University Guide 2025 (*covers Graphic Design and Illustration Animation).
You are reading:
Combine illustration with animation to find your unique vision
Built around drawing, the course is carefully structured to develop your individual voice.
We encourage learning through making, so you will have access to all our workshops to test and prototype. This means you can use any process, from etching, ceramics and arc welding to laser cutting, 3D printing and large-scale textile printing.
This course produces top graduates who go on to work at the best creative agencies and companies globally, such as Cartoon Network, Nexus, Netflix, Nickelodeon, Blink, Moth Studio and Google. In addition, 84% of students have been found in highly skilled employment or further study within 15 months of graduating from this course (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2018).
Student work
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Tough, a series by Jennifer Zheng
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Why choose this course
Illustration has expanded from the traditional printed page to many other forms of visual media, including digital objects and interaction, spaces and environments. Animation as a time-based medium allows exploration from traditional to hybrid domains, like film and television, and virtual and augmented reality.
The Illustration Animation BA (Hons) - the UK's first degree in Illustration Animation - at Kingston School of Art combines narrative and time-based subjects to provide complete creative freedom to engage in visual thinking, expression and communication.
The course includes self-initiated and group-based assignments and presentations, with self-reflective and critical discourse encouraged. Individual practice is built and tested by peer group interaction. This breadth ensures students develop the range of skills essential to contemporary practice in all forms of applied image making.
Projects with industry, cultural and social institutions test and shape students’ understanding in real-world situations. Staff practitioners and alumni networks offer insight and contacts with international creative practice, including studio visits and placements, to ensure you’re industry-ready at graduation.
Kingston is ranked No.1 in London for Graphic Design* in the Guardian University Guide 2025 (*covers Graphic Design and Illustration Animation).
84% of students have been found in highly skilled employment or further study within 15 months of graduating from this course (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2018)
The Art School Experience
As part of Kingston School of Art, students on this course benefit from joining a creative community where we encourage collaborative working and critical practice.
Our workshops and studios are open to all disciplines, enabling students and staff to work together, share ideas and explore multi-disciplinary making.
Course content
Throughout the course you'll gain an understanding of text, image, narrative and sequence. We build strong observational skills through drawing as a basis for your development and equip you with the necessary techniques to realise your creative ambition.
Each level is made up of four modules each worth 30 credit points. Typically, a student must complete 120 credits at each level.
Year 1
Year 1 encourages an open-minded and exploratory approach to illustration animation. You'll be introduced to idea development, visual research, and image and content relationships. Drawing, animation, digital crafts, presentation techniques, life drawing and location workshops are all taught.
There is an optional field trip to destinations such as New York, Berlin or Florence. Eligible students will be supported with a travel bursary.
Core modules
30 credits
Studio: Introductory Principles introduces the nature of studio practice for Illustration Animation at Level 4. It continues in Studio: Practice and Purpose upon progression to Level 5. Studio practice for Illustration Animation has come to not only describe a practice of creative making but also one of cognition, thinking and reasoning. The illustrator animator's knowledge is not only contained in the hands or in the manipulation of materials, it is present in their perceptive, questioning and empathetic approach to subject matter. Practices are now expansive, as illustrator animators extend and shift their works to assume new roles and responsibilities.
30 credits
Process: Materials and Methods introduces the tools, processes and technologies used within illustration animation practice at Level 4. It continues in Process: Technologies and Application upon progression to Level 5. Whilst contemporary illustration animation practice is conceptualised, constructed and used within an expanding set of conditions, as a discipline, it continues to be, informed by technological advancements; printing, digital publishing, screen-based platforms, virtual realities, etc. These modules address how the illustrator animator interrogates subject matter through the process of creative making, and investigates how to apply tools, processes and technologies through active engagement. Visual experimentation, prototyping, testing through making and questioning of the properties and possibilities of materials are familiar examples of this practice in action.
30 credits
This module introduces the importance of forming and nurturing relationships as part of a creative practice. It continues in Presentation: Audience and Context upon progression to Level 5. In asking how we live and work together, these modules address ways that the illustrator animator can be active in the world. The process of connecting things and establishing relationships, be this with issues, people or contexts, is presented as central to illustration animation practice. Through independent thinking, collaboration and interdisciplinarity students develop an understanding of audience and begin to establish a critical and cultural position within the expansive global creative industries.
30 credits
Image & Text introduces how we think critically about the history of illustration animation, and how the knowledge produced can inform practice. This module addresses the categories and concepts, frameworks and tools used to understand illustration animation, how it has evolved, and how its histories interweave with those of film, graphic design, fine art and other disciplines. As part of this, we ask fundamental questions about how history is told and taught and what kinds of knowledge are valued and centred.
The first part of the module examines the dominant ways histories of illustration animation have been constructed, and how we might challenge Euro/Western-centric perspectives. The second part considers how we can look at the diverse themes, platforms, and media of illustration animation through different theoretical frames that speak to different ways of knowing.
Year 2
Year 2 enables you to explore different ways of communicating your ideas. You'll learn how to critically challenge subjects and develop your personal direction. You'll work on set and self-initiated projects, developing your ability to create effective solutions.
Core modules
30 credits
Process: Technologies and Application develops and supports an individual approach to the tools, processes and technologies used within illustration animation practice at Level 5. It follows Process: Materials and Methods at Level 4. Whilst contemporary illustration animation practice is conceptualised, constructed and used within an expanding set of conditions. Its emergence as a discipline has, and will continue to be, informed by technological advancements; printing, digital publishing, screen-based platforms, virtual realities, etc. These modules address how the illustrator animator interrogates subject matter through the process of creative making, and investigates how to apply tools, processes and technologies through active engagement. Visual experimentation, prototyping, testing through making and questioning of the properties and possibilities of materials are familiar examples of this practice in action.
30 credits
Presentation: Audience and Context develops and supports individual approaches to the forming and nurturing relationships as part of a creative practice. It follows Presentation: Collaboration and Communication at Level 4 and continues in Presentation: Professional Practice upon progression to Level 6. In asking how we live and work together, these modules address ways that the illustrator animator can be active in the world. The process of connecting things and establishing relationships, be this with issues, people or contexts, is presented as central to illustration animation practice. Through independent thinking, collaboration and interdisciplinarity students develop an understanding of audience and establish a critical and cultural position within the expansive and global creative industries.
30 credits
Studio: Practice and Purpose develops and supports individual approaches to studio practice for Illustration Animation at Level 5. It follows Studio: Introductory Principles at Level 4 and continues in Studio: Practice and Realisation upon progression to Level 6. Studio practice for Illustration Animation has come to not only describe a practice of creative making but also one of cognition, thinking and reasoning. The illustrator animator's knowledge is not only contained in the hands or in the manipulation of materials, it is also present in their perception, questioning and empathetic approach to subject matter. Practices are now expansive, as illustrator animators extend and shift their works to assume new roles and responsibilities.
30 credits
Building on the historical and thematic content introduced at Level 4, this module focuses on the theorisation of discipline-specific issues arising in the contemporary practices of animation and illustration. Through a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, tutorials, screenings and relevant fieldwork visits, you will deepen your knowledge of your discipline. At the same time you will develop your own emerging research interests and independent visual and academic research skills common to historical and theoretical studies and design practice.
With a focus on the development and intertextuality of visual narrative forms in the structuring of meaning, the module applies this understanding to contemporary case studies. Lectures and seminars will deepen critical and theoretical engagement with current issues through appropriate case studies and bodies of interpretative material. Workshop tasks and assessments are carefully designed to foreground projects that support your understanding of your own discipline within the wider context of design practice. Appropriate research methods are introduced through practical activities that reflect on issues arising in the module's contemporary content and that are developed through your independent research into an area of your own choosing.
Year 3
Year 3 focuses on the development and resolution of a personal practice, with an awareness of professional contexts. A series of set and live assignments will inform your self-initiated extended project. Helping you with your individual presentation will be industry research and engagement combined with web, portfolio, showreel and curatorial workshops.
Core modules
60 credits
Studio: Practice and Realisation nurtures autonomous studio practice for Illustration Animation at Level 6. It follows Studio: Practice and Purpose at Level 5. Studio practice for Illustration Animation has come to not only describe a practice of creative making but also one of cognition, thinking and reasoning. The illustrator animator's knowledge is not only contained in the hands or in the manipulation of materials, it is also present in their perception, questioning and empathetic approach to subject matter. Practices are now expansive, as illustrator animators extend and shift their works to assume new roles and responsibilities.
30 credits
Presentation: Professional Practice supports self-reliance in forming and nurturing relationships as part of a creative practice. It follows Presentation: Audience and Context at Level 5. In asking how we live and work together, these modules address ways that the illustrator animator can be active in the world. The process of connecting things and establishing relationships, be this with issues, people or contexts, is presented as central to illustration animation practice. Through independent thinking, collaboration and interdisciplinarity students develop an understanding of audience and establish a critical and cultural position within the expansive and global creative industries.
30 credits
Building on the links between research and practice embedded at Level 5, the Independent Research Project in Critical and Historical Studies module focuses on in-depth research, critical enquiry and reflection on questions and critical issues emerging in students' own practice, and pertinent to the practice of their own discipline.
Over the module, you will initiate and develop an individual research topic; identify and evaluate appropriate archives, bodies of critical literature, visual/material sources and research methods; manage your study time; engage with and respond to tutorial dialogue and peer feedback, and apply critical and analytical skills to produce an output of 5-6,000 word (or equivalent) representing the culmination of your research project. You will be supported by a series of lectures, seminars, and tutorials.
Optional year
You'll have the opportunity to study for a fourth year abroad or to do a work placement, or even combine both.
Future Skills and career opportunities
The course has an excellent reputation for nurturing graduates who go on to be leading practitioners in illustration and animation, as well as design, direction and a broad range of creative careers.
Our graduates are employed worldwide in roles including freelance illustration and image makers for magazines and newspapers, book publishers, film and TV production companies, and advertising and design groups. Some pursue careers in animation, games, multimedia, special effects and design for film and TV. Others pursue postgraduate study in the UK or overseas.
Exceptional achievements by Kingston School of Art students mean our students enjoy a reputation for innovation and creativity. Achievements include awards from BAFTA, the Design and Art Direction Student Awards, the Macmillan Prize, the Penguin Student Design Award, the World Illustration Awards and the Royal Television Society Awards.
Our Future Skills programme is embedded within the Illustration Animation BA (Hons) course curriculum and throughout the whole Kingston experience. As the demands of modern employment continue to evolve, Future Skills will play a role in shaping you to become a future-proof graduate.
The programme aims to provide you with the skills most valued by employers, such as problem-solving, digital competency and adaptability. As you progress through your degree, you'll learn to navigate, explore and apply these graduate skills, learning to demonstrate and articulate to employers how future skills give you the edge.
At Ji8¸£ÀûÍø, we're not just keeping up with change, we're creating it
For more information on how Kingston prepares you for the future job market, visit our Future Skills page.
Teaching and assessment
Scheduled learning and teaching on this course includes timetabled activities including lectures, seminars and small group tutorials.
It may also include critiques, project work, studio practice and performance, digital labs, workshops, and placements.
Outside the scheduled learning and teaching hours, you will learn independently through self-study which will involve reading articles and books, working on projects, undertaking research, preparing for and completing your work for assessments. Some independent study work may need to be completed on-campus, as you may need to access campus-based facilities such as studios and labs.
Our academic support team here at Ji8¸£ÀûÍø provides help in a range of areas.
When you arrive, we'll introduce you to your personal tutor. This is the member of academic staff who will provide academic guidance, be a support throughout your time at Kingston and show you how to make the best use of all the help and resources that we offer at Ji8¸£ÀûÍø.
A course is made up of modules, and each module is worth a number of credits. You must pass a given number of credits in order to achieve the award you registered on, for example 360 credits for a typical undergraduate course or 180 credits for a typical postgraduate course. The number of credits you need for your award is detailed in the programme specification which you can access from the link at the bottom of this page.
One credit equates to 10 hours of study. Therefore 120 credits across a year (typical for an undergraduate course) would equate to 1,200 notional hours. These hours are split into scheduled and guided. On this course, the percentage of that time that will be scheduled learning and teaching activities is shown below for each year of study. The remainder is made up of guided independent study.
- Year 1: 40% scheduled learning and teaching
- Year 2: 33% scheduled learning and teaching
- Year 3: 32% scheduled learning and teaching
The exact balance between scheduled learning and teaching and guided independent study will be informed by the modules you take.
Your course will primarily be delivered in person. It may include delivery of some activities online, either in real time or recorded.
Types of assessment
- Year 1: Coursework 100%
- Year 2: Coursework 100%
- Year 3: Coursework 100%
Please note: the above breakdowns are a guide calculated on core modules only. If your course includes optional modules, this breakdown may change to reflect the modules chosen.
We aim to provide feedback on assessments within 20 working days.
Your individualised timetable is normally available to students within 48 hours of enrolment. Whilst we make every effort to ensure timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled learning and teaching can take place on any day of the week between 9am and 6pm. For undergraduate students, Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities, but there may be occasions when this is not possible. Timetables for part-time students will depend on the modules selected.
To give you an indication of class sizes, this course normally enrols 104 students divided into 4 groups of 26 and seminar sizes are normally 4-8. We also teach 1-2-1. However this can vary by module and academic year.
Fees and funding
| Fee category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Home (UK students) | £9,535* |
| International | |
| Year 1 (2025/26): | £19,500 |
| Year 2 (2026/27): | £20,300 |
| Year 3 (2027/28): | £21,100 |
The tuition fee you pay depends on whether you are assessed as a 'Home' (UK), 'Islands' or 'International' student. In 2025/26 the fees for this course are above.
For courses with Professional Placement, the fee for the placement year can be viewed on the undergraduate fees table. The placement fee published is for the relevant academic year stated in the table. This fee is subject to annual increases but will not increase by more than the fee caps as prescribed by the Office for Students or such other replacing body.
* For full time programmes of a duration of more than one academic year, the published fee is an annual fee, payable each year, for the duration of the programme. Your annual tuition fees cover your first attempt at all of the modules necessary to complete that academic year. A re-study of any modules will incur additional charges calculated by the number of credits. Home tuition fees may be subject to annual increases but will not increase by more than the fee caps as prescribed by the Office for Students or such other replacing body. Full time taught International fees are subject to an annual increase and are published in advance for the full duration of the programme.
Eligible UK students can apply to the Government for a tuition loan, which is paid direct to the University. This has a low interest rate which is charged from the time the first part of the loan is paid to the University until you have repaid it.
Scholarships and bursaries
For students interested in studying this course at Kingston, there are several opportunities to seek funding support.
Additional course costs
Some courses may require additional costs beyond tuition fees. When planning your studies, you’ll want to consider tuition fees, living costs, and any extra costs that might relate to your area of study.
Your tuition fees include costs for teaching, assessment and university facilities. So your access to libraries, shared IT resources and various student support services are all covered. Accommodation and general living expenses are not covered by these fees.
Where applicable, additional expenses for your course may include:
Our libraries have an extensive collection of books and journals, as well as open-access computers and laptops available to rent. However, you may want to buy your own computer or personal copies of key textbooks. Textbooks may range from £50 to £250 per year. And a personal computer can range from £100 to £3,000 depending on your course requirements.
While most coursework is submitted online, some modules may require printed copies. You may want to allocate up to £100 per year for hard-copies of your coursework. It’s worth noting that 3D printing is never compulsory. So if you choose to use our 3D printers, you’ll need to pay for the material. This ranges from 3p per gram to 40p per gram.
Ji8¸£ÀûÍø will pay for all compulsory field trips. Fees for optional trips can range from £30 to £350 per trip.
Your tuition fees don’t cover travel costs. To save on travel costs, you can use our free intersite bus service. This route links the campuses and halls of residence with local train stations - Surbiton, Kingston upon Thames, and Norbiton.
Some courses may require professional memberships.
There may be costs for participating in external shows and exhibitions. For example, you could incur travel costs, which will vary according to the location.
Student work
Course changes and regulations
The information on this page reflects the currently intended course structure and module details. To improve your student experience and the quality of your degree, we may review and change the material information of this course. Find out more about course changes
for the course are published ahead of each academic year.
Regulations governing this course can be found on our website.
Key information
The scrolling banner below displays some key factual data about this course (including different course combinations or delivery modes of this course where relevant).
