Animation and Illustration – BA (Hons)

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 4 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Undergraduate
Degree Bachelors Degree
Next Intake TBA

Course Overview

The Animation and Illustration – BA (Hons) at Technological University of The Shannon offers a unique opportunity to combine two dynamic creative disciplines, a combination not found elsewhere in Ireland at the undergraduate level. This programme is ideal for aspiring artists and storytellers who are passionate about visual communication and eager to explore the intricate worlds of both still and moving imagery. You will delve into the core principles of animation and illustration, developing a strong foundation in life drawing, environment design, and sequential art, preparing you for a vibrant career in the global creative industries.

This full-time, four-year on-campus degree immerses you in a rich curriculum that includes essential skills like scriptwriting and storyboarding, alongside critical and contextual studies to deepen your understanding. You will engage in practical studio production and prepare for real-world application through work placements in your third year, culminating in a significant dissertation project in your final year. Upon graduation, you will possess a robust portfolio and the analytical, IT, and critical reasoning skills necessary to pursue diverse career paths in the thriving animation and illustration sectors, both in Ireland and internationally.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This BA (Hons) Animation and Illustration program cultivates foundational skills in life drawing, animation, and illustration, alongside environment design and critical studies. Students progress through advanced modules in storyboarding, scriptwriting, and studio preparation, culminating in professional practice and dissertation work. The curriculum emphasizes practical application and theoretical understanding to prepare graduates for careers in the creative industries.

1 YEAR 1 SEMESTER 1

Life Drawing 1.1
Animation 1.1
Illustration 1.1
Environment Design 1.1
Critical and Contextual Studies 1.1

2 YEAR 1 SEMESTER 2

Life Drawing 1.2
Animation 1.2
Illustration 1.2
Environment Design 1.2
Sequential Illustration 1
Critical and Contextual Studies 1.2

3 YEAR 2 SEMESTER 1

Life Drawing 2.1
Animation 2.1
Illustration 2.1
Storyboarding 2
Scriptwriting 2
Critical and Contextual Studies 2.1

4 YEAR 2 SEMESTER 2

Life Drawing 2.2
Animation 2.2
Illustration 2.2
Placement Preparation 2
Critical and Contextual Studies 2.2

5 YEAR 3 SEMESTER 1

Life Drawing 3
Animation 3
Illustration 3
Environment Design 3
Studio Preparation 3
Critical and Contextual Studies 3.1

6 YEAR 3 SEMESTER 2

Work Placement 3
Studio Production 3
Critical and Contextual Studies 3.2

7 YEAR 4 SEMESTER 1

Life Drawing 4
Project Design 4
Project Management 4
Dissertation Development 4

8 YEAR 4 SEMESTER 2

Project Production 4
Dissertation 4

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 15,881.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 15,881.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 15,881.00
Fourth Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 15,881.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 63,523.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Food & Groceries USD 2,807.00 - USD 4,210.00
Transport USD 562.00 - USD 1,123.00
Utilities & Bills USD 1,404.00 - USD 2,105.00
Estimated Total USD 4,773.00 - USD 7,438.00

Living cost estimates are based on Athlone Campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

92%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Accreditation & Assessment ServicesAdult & Continuing EducationBroadcasting & TelevisionEdTech & E-LearningEvent Promotion & ManagementIndustrial & Mechanical EngineeringJournalism & ReportingMedical Devices & DiagnosticsProduct Management & UXSecondary & High School Education

Top Employers Hiring for this course

Amazon Web Services

Atlantic Technological University

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)

Dell Technologies

Ericsson

IBM

Microsoft

National Gallery of Ireland

Why Study Animation and Illustration – BA (Hons) at Technological University of The Shannon

What makes this program stand out

Top 20 in UK For Computer Science

Exeter's Computer Science department consistently ranks among the top 20 in the UK for both teaching quality and research output.

Fast Offers Quick turnaround

Exeter typically responds to applications within 2-3 weeks, giving you clarity on your options quickly.

Flexible Intakes September start

Primary intake in September with January start available for some pathways through the INTO foundation program.

Accredited Industry recognized

Accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, meeting requirements for Chartered IT Professional (CITP) status.

Life at Technological University of The Shannon in Ireland

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Animation and Illustration – BA (Hons) at Technological University of The Shannon

Can I work while studying?

International students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and 40 hours during breaks. A separate work permit is not needed as long as students are enrolled full-time in a program of at least one year.

What English language score do I need for this course?

Applicants are required to demonstrate proficiency in English through standardized testing. The minimum IELTS scores are: overall score of 6.0, listening 5.5, reading 5.5, speaking 5.5, and writing 5.5.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Graduates can pursue careers as Animators, Illustrators, Concept Artists, Motion Graphic Designers, and Visual Effects Artists.

What will I actually study in this course?

This unique program combines animation and illustration, providing graduates with a strong foundation in creativity and critical reasoning. Students gain skills for independent learning and collaboration, essential for success in today's digital and creative industries.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The intake month for the Animation and Illustration – BA (Hons) program is September. Be sure to apply in advance to secure your place.
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