BA (Hons) Animation with Illustration

Undergraduate Animation with Illustration Degree in Manchester

UCAS Code W216

Start Date 14/09/2026

Duration 3 Years full time

UCAS Points 104-120

Places available for September 2026 | Apply Now!

Course Overview

Study a BA (Hons) Animation & Illustration Degree in Manchester and develop the creative and technical skills required for a career in animation. At Futureworks, you’ll learn 2D animation, 3D animation and modelling, Illustration, pre and post-production, motion graphics and more while building an industry-ready portfolio.

The Animation with Illustration course is crafted through close consultation with our industry advisory group to ensure it meets the demands of today’s creative landscape. Not only will you delve into both 2D and 3D animation, but you will also develop essential illustration skills, which are highly sought after and yet in short supply.

This award is validated by The Open University.

Modules

What will I study?

2D Animation
Illustration
Pre-Production
3D Animation
3D Modelling
Post-Production
Motion Graphics
Portfolio Development
Motion Capture

Fundamentals of 2D Animation (20 credits)

Working in 2D (both traditional and digital) you will put together a portfolio of very short, animated clips demonstrating the 12 principles in action.

Year 1 Animation Project (20 credits)

Combine the lessons learned in Fundamentals of 2D and create your first original short film, animated in 2D and roughly 30 seconds in length.

Pre-production (20 credits)

Scriptwriting, character design, expression sheets, turnarounds, backgrounds, and layouts, storyboarding and animatics: everything needed for animation minus the animation, in other words.

History of Animation and Illustration (20 credits)

Lectures focusing on the history of animation and illustration, giving context to the skills learned in other modules and how these emerged historically.

Fundamentals of Illustration (40 credits)

The first semester focuses on technical drawing skills (anatomy, proportion, line of action, perspective, colour theory, etc) and the second on creating a portfolio of creative works

Fundamentals of 3D Animation (20 credits)

An introduction to Maya, focusing on how to utilise the 12 principles within a 3D animation environment.

Year 2 Animation Project (20 credits)

Draw on the lessons learned in Fundamentals of 3D to create a movement-oriented short film; an obstacle course animated in 3D, roughly 30 seconds in length.

3D Modelling (20 credits)

Learn the fundamentals of 3D modelling in Maya, allowing you to build basic 3D environments in which to set your 3D animations.

Motion Graphics (20 credits)

You will work on a client-set brief, learning motion graphics techniques using After Effects and Premier Pro, within a commercial environment.

Rigging Fundamentals (20 credits)

Take your 3D models and make them animatable. This module will lead you step by step through the rigging process, introducing all the tools you’ll need to make your own custom rigs.

Applied Illustration (20 credits)

Construct a portfolio of illustrations in response to weekly briefs in semester 1, with a storybook/comic project in semester 2 introducing long-form illustration.

Major Project (40 credits)

Your chance to develop your specialism, working on a project you design in collaboration with the module tutor.

Year 3 Animation Project (40 credits)

Your final year film is based around a piece of audio found by you, of roughly 30 seconds length, that can be animated in either 2D or 3D

Research Project (20 credits)

Engage with high level media and cultural theory, conducting a research project in an area of your choosing and producing a piece of creative work responding to what you’ve learned.

Professional Development (20 credits)

A module focusing on getting you a job: everything from CVs, websites, showreels and portfolios, to how and where to network, interview practice and how to find work as a freelancer.

Mode of Delivery

Full-time, in-person, on-campus

In-Person Lessons

Typically between 12 and 14 hours a week

Self-study time

Typically between 35 and 40 hours a week

“Futureworks has taught me a lot about the key skills of animation  and how to creative a unique portfolio ready for a creative career.  The tutors are really helpful too!”

Macy Lomas 
BA (Hons) Digital Animation with Illustration Alumni

Careers

Where can this degree take me?

Graduates often work freelance, but can also find work within animation companies, post-production facilities, or in other sectors of the animation industry. Roles may be:

2D Animator
3D Animator
Character Animator
Motion Graphics Designer
Storyboard Artist
Concept Artist
Character Designer
Visual Development Artist
Illustration Artist
Children’s Book Illustrator
Comic Artist
Digital Artist
Creative Designer

This course will develop your online portfolio and show you the skills to market yourself effectively in this predominantly freelance industry. At Futureworks you will have opportunities to make industry contacts, and support developing interview techniques and networking skills to maximise contact potential.

Gallery

We are proud to showcase our students work

Warrior character illustration standing on clouds, created by a Futureworks Animation with Illustration student

Children eating and fighting illustrations, created by a Futureworks Animation with Illustration student

Fantasy world illustration featuring a viaduct, forest, mountains, and city, created by a Futureworks Animation with Illustration student

Anime style character animation created by a Futureworks Animation with Illustration student

Candy Mountain cartoon scene illustration created by a Futureworks Animation with Illustration student

Ship on waves in the sea illustration scene, created by a Futureworks Animation with Illustration student

Character illustration of a sailor holding an anchor, created by a Futureworks Animation with Illustration student

Character animation featuring a princess robot shouting 'enough' at another robot, created by a Futureworks Animation with Illustration student

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Entry Requirements

To be considered for this course, you will require 104-120 UCAS points.

A portfolio is required for this course  (applications will not be considered otherwise)

You can apply for this course by applying directly to Futureworks. Alternatively, you can apply via UCAS.  The UCAS codes for this course are as follows:
UCAS Code: W216

Institution Code: F98

If you have any questions please call us  on 0161 214 4602 or email admissions@futureworks.ac.uk

Successful applicants will be asked to submit a portfolio. For your portfolio we recommend including some observational drawing, ideally life drawings. Experience in digital working and animation is not necessary prior to starting the degree, but if you have explored any of these avenues already then we’d love to see them. Other than that, submit any work you are particularly proud of, between 8 and 10 pieces in total.

More information on our admissions process can be found in the Student Recruitment and Admissions Policy in the Policy Hub

Academic Regulations | OUVP Student Guide | Programme Specification

Frequently Asked Questions

Why study Animation with Illustration at Futureworks?

Our Animation with Illustration degree combines creative exploration with industry-led learning to help you develop the knowledge, practical skills and professional portfolio needed for a career in the animation industry. You’ll be taught by tutors currently working in the industry who bring professional practice and real-world insights into the classroom, you could even find opportunities to make industry connections as a student!

We have small class sizes, meaning you’ll get lots of individual support, regular feedback and direct access to tutors throughout your studies. At Futureworks, you’re a name, not just a number.

Whether you’re looking to build specialist expertise, develop an industry-ready portfolio or take the next step towards a creative career, an Animation with Illustration degree at Futureworks provides a supportive, industry-focused environment for you to grow.

Where have Animation with Illustration graduates gone on to work?

Futureworks Animation with Illustration graduates have gone on to work for a range of organisations across the creative industries. Alumni have secured roles with employers including Rockstar Games, Ubisoft, and TT Games. Graduate outcomes vary and depend on factors such as individual experience, portfolio quality, and available opportunities at the time of graduation.

What accommodation options do I have as a Futureworks student?

Manchester has plenty of independent student accommodation providers to choose from!

See our student accommodation guidance and a list of providers here.

What are the course fees?

All of our courses are £9,790 per year for home students, and £17,000 per year for international students.

Read more about fees, funding and student finance options, here.

Do you offer any financial support available to Futureworks students?

Yes! We currently offer four financial support funds to eligible students:

Disability Referral & Assessment Fund
New Students Support Fund
Hardship fund
Open Day & Interview Travel Reimbursement Fund

Read more about these funds and eligibility here.

What student support services does Futureworks have?

At Futureworks, we offer 1-1 pastoral care and a free in-house councelling service for all students. Speak to our Student Wellbeing team about mental health, financial worries, disability support, or anything else that worrying you.

Read more about our Student Wellbeing services here.