UDILMION - BA (Hons) Illustration and Animation (Top-Up)

The BA (Hons) Illustration and Animation course nurtures and encourages a personal, imaginative and reflective approach to the creation of images and motion sequences for commercial illustration and animation; taking a contemporary approach to recognising, exploring and thinking within the field of commercial practice and modern visual communication. In Visual Communication at the Cass, we carefully consider the commercial world that our graduates will enter and ensure that they become independent and adaptable professionals with core skills that enable a life-long career in the creative industries.

Identifying audiences and learning how to engage and speak to them is an important part of the course. It is a skill that applies to many areas of visual communication, whether it is for self-initiated projects and promoting one’s own work or being able to offer commercial clients the ability to galvanise audiences and connect with a market.

The course aims to provide students with an accumulated resource of knowledge and skills in preparation for entering the professional world in, among other areas, the following career paths: freelance or commission-based illustrators, working within publishing, editorial work, graphic design, advertising, web design, film and post-production studios and for entry onto illustration or animation courses at MA level.

The teaching and learning practices within the course promote:

• a professional perspective, including skills of observation, recording and communication based on an informed attitude and capacity for capturing meaning and expressing messages;

• a highly reflective and personal approach to the creation of images and image sequences, nurturing an imaginative strength but also taking risks through socially responsible authorship;

• critically and historically informed practice that prepares students for future employment as active commercial illustrators, animators, motion graphic designers, independent designers or artists or for further study;

• the exploration and interrogation of graphic communication, traditional illustrative and animated approaches for the commercial environment through the use of conventional and digital media.

A high-profile lecture series offers students the chance to engage with leading practitioners in the field of illustration and the wider field of visual communication, and the opportunity to benefit from live project opportunities and a vibrant studio culture. The course engages with national and London-based competitions and encourages students to extend these opportunities as extra-curricular activity, including collaborative publication and exhibition wherever possible. These industry links provide students with a clear understanding of future employment opportunities.

Consideration has been given to the following: the Subject Benchmark Statement (Art and Design 2017), the HE Qualification Framework, the University’s Strategic Plan and Student Charter, the University’s Undergraduate Regulations, the views and feedback of students, external examiners and employers/ clients, developments within the subject area, and the changing needs of the cultural/ commercial sectors and professions. Due consideration has also been given to inclusivity in course and assessment design.

Embedded in the Cass School of Art, Architecture and Design, the course draws on the strengths of teaching staff from across the School and the wide circle of academic and cultural contacts and collaborators attached to the School and University.

The course seeks to provide and foster:

1. learning through direct experience, connecting academic and creative studies;
2. student choice in subject and style of learning;
3. a culture of independent and critical thought, encouraging the challenging of received ideas and practice;
4. employability attributes, through live projects engaging with external partners, institutions and companies that create a realistic environment of professional; expectations for students, preparing students for graduate-level employment
5. engagement across the School and University, providing opportunities for collaborative project work during study;
6. individualised learning and study support opportunities, that cater for different learning styles;
7. awareness of the duty of all to understand the impact of their decisions and actions as illustrators or animators and to strive to act responsibly.

Teaching methods include: lectures, seminars, tutorials, external visits, live briefings and feedback from partners, group critiques, workshops and opportunities for studio practice. Teaching and learning adopts a student-centered approach that identifies individual learning styles and accommodates them.

Lectures provide and encourage a critically informed view of a topic, contextualising the subject and illustrating applied approaches. Lectures provide students with a managed introduction to a theme, enabling them to continue with suggested or directed self-study.

Seminars enable students to debate and explore subjects, questions and assignments with peers and tutors, encouraging an open and collaborative approach to shared learning.

Tutorials support individual learning, allowing for individual approaches to study, and catering for individual interests. Tutorials can be diagnostic or can support specific assignment or project-related questions, and support differing student paths to achievement of learning outcomes.

External visits offer opportunities for vital direct experience with objects and sites of study, and to communicate with and learn from experts and specialists attached to partner institutions and bodies.

Live briefings and feedback are an important aspect of work-based learning, exposing students to experience of professional ways of working, of professional expectations of standards, and of the most current professional practice.

Critiques allow students to benefit from feedback on their own and others’ work, to contribute to that feedback, and are a valuable part of the peer-to-peer learning that is a core expectation and reason for University study.

Workshops offer students opportunities to engage in creative practice. Opportunities will be available to students to undertake workshop and studio practice relevant to their assignments or collaborative projects. The objective is to apply knowledge and/or acquire technical competence, to think critically and creatively, to master technique and develop the capacity to work independently and within teams.

Blended learning utilises the University’s VLE platform to support and reinforce reflective learning, to monitor progress through assignments, to foster peer-to-peer communication and collaborative research activity ,and to facilitate tutorial support for students and flexible approaches to learning

Project briefs develop from year to year in accordance with contemporary practice and opportunities for engagement with external partners that arise. Disciplinary research skills are embedded at the beginning of the course and are built upon each academic year to ensure the maximum exploitation of the learning opportunities that projects and assignments offer. Students will graduate with a portfolio of work that will include written work and outcomes that exhibit analyses through the creation, manipulation, examination or curation of artefacts.

Critical and Contextual Studies: Dissertation runs in parallel to the design and creative industry practice modules. This module focuses on transferable graduate skills in the field of academic scholarship and writing (alongside professional practice). Students need to be able to retrieve, analyse, interpret, articulate and structure information and knowledge for different purposes and audiences. Dissertation frames key skills of research within the specific context of art/ architecture/ design history and theory.

Digital Literacy is embedded in the curriculum through the use of the VLE and in curriculum delivery and expectations of digital capabilities as appropriate to task set and the level of study. Students make use of digital platforms alongside traditional approaches to research, develop and communicate their projects.

Student journey The academic year includes teaching period, assessment period and the summer show period. A description of core activities is below.

Level 6.
At the Cass Visual Communication Levels 5&6 on all three courses BA (Hons) Design for Publishing, BA (Hons) Graphic Design and BA (Hons) Illustration and Animation vote to be in a themed studio of about 25 students led by an expert practitioner and academic colleagues. The Studio is made up of mixed disciplines and mixed level second and third year students. This mirrors industry practice and students take on discipline specific roles appropriate to their subject and level of study. The studio system is fertile ground for live projects and collaborations, involving the development of presentation and pitching skills.

Core Skills
The core skills workshops are taught outside of the studio system as stand-alone workshops. These core skills enable students to utilise methods of working and making in their studio project briefs.

PLEASE CHECK COURSE HANDBOOK FOR FULL TEXT

The aims of this course are aligned with the qualification descriptors within the Quality Assurance Agency’s Framework for Higher Education Qualifications

The course aims to;

1. provide a creative environment, through the use of traditional and digital technologies, in which students construct an appropriate professional vocabulary and understanding to effectively communicate meaning, illustrative stories, illustrative motion sequences and visual information;

2. promote historical and contemporary knowledge and understanding of the professional contexts of illustration and animation that inspire creative curiosity and tone of voice relevant to commercial environments;

3. foster self-reflective and entrepreneurial skills in order to respond to the demands of and successfully work within, the illustration, animation and graphic communication industries;

4. encourage playful investigation across a breadth of image-making and motion graphic media (traditional and emergent) in order to develop critical invention and creative expression;

5. prepare students for the professional world of work through external initiatives, collaborations with industry and work placements;

6. support the development of the high level intellectual and practical skills necessary for the practice, management and theorising of illustration and visual communication in the context of emerging technologies and critical debates;

7. develop confident and persuasive presentational and communication skills utilising multidisciplinary approaches and production techniques;

8. produce graduates who can work independently, manage their own time and tasks and those of others, reflect objectively on their own performance, and plan effectively for the future, including for their careers;

9. support the growth of the individual; fostering self-reliance and commitment to personal and professional development, ensuring that graduates remain well-informed about current and developing thought and practice, and therefore maintain their employability;

On completion of this course, students will be able to:

Knowledge and Understanding
1. recognise the development, philosophy, context and concepts of illustration and animation (with regard to relevant historical, social and economic, intellectual and ethical contexts within a fast evolving globalized world), distinguishing the key methods and concepts connected with the analysis of visual culture (CA3, CA6, CA9);

2. work independently and collaboratively, understanding the purpose and practices of illustration and/or animation in order to comprehend and convey the meanings of visual language to specified audiences (CA1, CA5, CA8);

3. apply self-critical, investigative and evaluative practice, understand the contemporary and historical framework associated with illustration and/or animation to enable insight and personal growth whilst developing an individual perspective and approach (CA1, CA2, CA4, CA7, CA9);

Cognitive Intellectual Abilities
4. apply, test and exhibit knowledge of the fields of illustration and/or animation in ways that challenge pre-conceptions, addressing conceptual, functional, political and cultural implications of creative responsibility (CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4, CA5, CA6, CA9);

5. explore and apply analytical forms of research and argument, whilst actively taking account of diverse views and interests constituting the field of visual communication (CA2, CA6);

6. take responsibility for the content and signature of one’s own creative practice within institutional and commercial contexts, demonstrating ethical sensitivity and a reflective, innovative personal approach as a professional illustrator or animator (CA5, CA8, CA9);

Transferable Skills
7. work effectively and professionally to negotiate, develop and communicate socially responsible works of illustrative or animated representation through use of appropriate digital and traditional media (CA1, CA2, CA3);

8. recognise, anticipate and accommodate dynamic change within complex contexts of contemporary practice through reflective critical awareness (CA3, CA5, CA6, CA8, CA9);

9. demonstrate professional confidence in the skills of a professional practitioner, in the process and selection of materials, techniques and tools, including clarity and imagination in visual and textual communication and advanced digital and visual literacy (CA1, CA4, CA6);

Subject Specific Practical Skills
10. employ intellectual curiosity and professional confidence in using illustrative or animation skills to make complex images, sequences and texts, including manipulation of narrative structures to generate visual originality (CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4, CA6);

11. recognise the interactive relationships between storytelling, narrative materials and technologies in development of self-driven and/or commercially motivated projects (CA1, CA4, CA6);

12. Consider the roles and influence of the client and audience, the market, and consumers upon contemporary creative and professional practices within the fields of illustration and animation (CA6, CA7, CA8, CA9).

Module Title Module Code LO
Critical and Contextual Studies 3: Dissertation (Visual Communication)
CP6019
LO1, LO3, LO4, LO5,LO8, LO12

Project Design and Development
DN6001
LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5, LO6, LO7, LO9, LO10, LO11, LO12
Final Project Realisation: Illustration and Animation
DN6033 LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5, LO6, LO7, LO8, LO9, LO10, LO11, LO12

Work Ready 2
DN6031
LO2, LO4, LO5, LO8, LO9, LO11 LO12

Subject Benchmark Statement; Art and Design (2017)

The assessment strategy for the course has been designed holistically, to ensure manageable timing, workloads and clarity of expectations for students, and to avoid duplication of assessment of learning outcomes.

The assessment regimes for the modules and tasks are designed together with the briefs, prior to the start of the year, taking into account student, external examiner, professional collaborator and colleague feedback from previous instances. The requirements of briefs and their components, the assessment criteria, grading scheme and descriptors are published and explained to students at the start of the year and are designed to be used as consistently as possible, to avoid unnecessary complication. Assessment is related to the achievement of learning outcomes; qualification frameworks and subject benchmark statements are consulted to ensure clear language that is appropriate to level of study. Students are informed of the procedures for first, second and parity marking, and external examiner scrutiny of the assessment process and marks, to ensure that they understand and have confidence in the probity of the process and security of the final marks.

In every case, there is required formative assessment and feedback prior to summative assessment at set points. This is recorded so that it can be used by both students and staff to track further progress and engage support where it is required. Feedback follows good pedagogic practice in that it is constructed as ‘feed-forward’, with a focus on specific actions and strategies as to how to improve, not only on what requires improvement. Challenge to students is managed, so that students performing well in-year are encouraged to strive for excellence, while those performing less well experience clear, targeted and structured guidance, including notice of where they are doing well or are showing potential.

The course adheres to the University’s requirements for assessment and feedback turnaround times and to academic regulations for marking and second making sampling. Additionally, the course engages in Subject and School parity exercises to ensure that assessment standards are consistent. This is especially important in relation to studio delivery through which students on the same modules will be undertaking differing projects.

Work- related learning is embedded in the course both formally and throughout the course through live projects, industry visits, visiting speakers and events such as ‘Making a Living’ and ‘Celebration’ weeks.

The majority of tutors and lecturers on the course are practitioners and share their knowledge and experience with students throughout their course of study. The studio delivery of the course means that opportunities for work related learning through collaboration with external companies, agencies, institutions, competitions and professionals can be taken up as they arise, if appropriate to the programme of study.

Studios function as simulations of professional workplaces, with expectations of professional standards, conduct and delivery building as students progress from level to level. During their final year, students are expected to work independently towards completion of professional portfolio of projects, culminating in exhibition of these in the annual summer show and associated events.

The level 6 module 'Work Ready 2' is designated as the placement or work-related learning modules.

In BA (Hons) IIlustration and Animation, the following course regulations shall apply:

COURSE COMPLETION
Level 6: In order to achieve an honours degree award on this course, students must have completed and passed each Level 6 module at 40% or above.

FACILITATED COURSE TRANSFER
ii) The structure and scope of learning within Level 4 of this course can permit (if appropriate) related programme course transfer. In other words, students who succeed in passing all modules at Level 4 who wish to, based on their learning experience, seek review and revision of their course title (within the related programme cluster i.e. Visual Communication), may do so within the first twelve months of their course (i.e. from BA Illustration and Animation to BA Graphic Design or BA Design for Publishing)


PART-TIME MODE OF STUDY
Part-time study is defined as 60 credits per year. Consequently, in part-time mode, the duration of study for a 120-credit course will be 2 years. The pattern of study shall be as follows:

Year 1:
DN6001Project Design and Development
DN6033 Final Project Realisation: Illustration and Animation

Year 2:
CP6019 Critical and Contextual Studies 3: Dissertation (Visual Communication)
DN6031 Work Ready 2

To achieve the award of BA (hons) Illustration and Animation, the following modules must be completed and passed:

Year 3/ Level 6 core modules:
• CP6019 Critical and Contextual Studies 3: Dissertation (Visual Communication)
• DN6001 Project Design and Development
• DN6031 Work Ready 2
• DN6033 Final Project Realisation: Illustration and Animation

The School’s studio system of curriculum delivery embeds reflective learning and personal development planning throughout the course.

Most summative assessment is at the end of year-long modules, with several formative assessment points formally instituted in the course of the year. At these interim formative assessment and feedback points, students reflect on their progress to date with their peers and course staff (with the benefit of feedback from professional partners), seek help where they identify the opportunity for improvement in learning strategies and outcomes, and make recommendations to themselves for future development. The feedback and student reflection are recorded and forms an action plan for the next period of study.

This system is highly individualised, but also benefits from peer engagement in studio critiques. The School’s programme of employability events and embedded work-related learning within the curriculum supports students’ personal development planning. Through these initiatives, students are increasingly able, as they progress from year to year, to understand the professional environment of their disciplines, the various opportunities available to them, and how to shape their learning according to their ambitions.

Throughout the modules and the course therefore, in this way, students build bodies of work, including reflections on progress and achievement, and planning for their future achievement of targets.

Careers advice is integral to the course. Commercial practitioners and agencies are part of the course teams and they and invited guest lecturers review of student projects and portfolios. Progress surgeries are carried out through which the student is given encouraging and specific advice in regards to their presentational focus. Students are mentored by industry professionals throughout their final year and students are encouraged and supported to seek internships and work experience. Competition, exhibition and publicity opportunities exist throughout the course and internal and external exhibitions enable students to develop further career opportunities. Students are supported throughout to reflect upon their own practice so that they are able to progress successfully to their chosen field within the professional illustration and animation sector.

Successful completion of the course offers enhanced career opportunities in illustration and animation. Students leave with a high-quality portfolio of work and a range of practical, professional and academic skills, providing an excellent base for both work and further study. Graduating from the BA (Hons) Illustration and Animation is the start of lifelong learning and an exciting and varied career in design. It provides graduates with core and transferable knowledge and skills that enable individuals to seek work in a wide variety of areas in visual communication.

Students can also benefit from support and guidance from the Careers and Employability services and the University’s business incubator unit, ‘Accelerator’.

This degree will equip you with the skills you need to succeed as an illustrator in the design and visual communication industries.

After graduating, you can seek illustration and animation roles in publishing, graphic design, advertising, web-design, concept design and film and theatre. Many graduates also go on to self publish books and into freelance illustration.

In addition to the University's standard entry requirements, you should have one of the following:

• 240 credits from a Higher National Diploma (HND), Foundation Degree (FdA/ FdSc) or equivalent international qualification in a relevant subject
• 240 credits from years 1 and 2 of an undergraduate degree (BA/BSc) in a relevant subject at a different institution
• a portfolio interview

If you live in the UK you will be invited to a portfolio interview. If you live outside of the UK you will be asked to submit a portfolio via email.

Portfolios and interviews

Your portfolio should be selective, but have enough work to show a range of your interests and talents. We are interested in seeing how you develop a project from beginning to end, not only finished work.

If you cannot bring certain pieces of your work to your portfolio interview, please take photographs and include them.

Physical portfolio

If you are coming in person to your interview we strongly suggest bringing a physical portfolio of work.

Things to bring:

• Sketchbooks – we love to see your sketchbooks with ideas and notes, even if they are messy.
• Examples of the development of a project from start to finish and the final outcome.
• Some work that you are really proud of and want to talk about.
• Some work that shows you experimenting with different processes.

Illustration and Animation (Top-up) BA (Hons) applicants are particularly encouraged to show sketchbooks that have drawing and image making in them.

Digital Portfolio

If you are submitting an online application, please follow these guidelines.

Things to include:

• Scans or photographs demonstrating items from the list above.
• Storyboarding for motion-based work.
• Also include scans of sketchbook pages showing development.
• Be sure to check the resolution and overall quality of your image to ensure submissions are not pixelated.