BA Illustration with Animation
Manchester Metropolitan University
About this course
BA (Hons) Illustration with Animation is an undergraduate degree exploring the intersection of illustration and moving image practices. Core topics include Research Methods, Communication & Writing, and Ethics & Professional Practice. Students can optionally undertake a placement year. The first year introduces foundational approaches through compulsory modules including Materials in Context, Interactive Learning Skills and Communication, Future X: Kinship, Narrative Pathways: Defining, and Visual Journeys. The second year advances practical exploration through Material, Process, Context, Narrative Pathways: Refining, Future X: Symbiosis, and Making Connections, which involves working with a cultural institution on a collaborative brief. The final year focuses on consolidation and professional preparation through Narrative Pathways: Applied, Future X: Re-worlding, and a self-negotiated final project proposal in Creative Synthesis.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
A level: BCC IB: IB Diploma with minimum 26 points overall or 104 UCAS Tariff points from three Higher Level subjects. If you plan to meet the Level 2 course requirements through your IB Diploma you will need to achieve Higher Level 4 or Standard Level 5 in English
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What students say
Based on about 56 final-year students who answered
- Teaching on my course: 93%
- Learning opportunities: 88%
- Assessment and feedback: 91%
- Academic support: 90%
- Organisation and management: 84%
- Learning resources: 89%
- Student voice: 92%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 75 students who started
- Continued on course: 92%
- Left higher education: 8%
What graduates do next
Based on about 16 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 90%
- Working and studying: 5%
- Unemployed: 5%
Most common jobs
- Artistic, literary and media occupations: 20%
- Elementary occupations: 15%
- Sales occupations: 15%
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionals: 10%
- Administrative occupations: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 60%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 10%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 20%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 525 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 2%
- North West: 55%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 10%
- East Midlands: 4%
- West Midlands: 5%
- East of England: 2%
- London: 12%
- South East: 3%
- South West: 3%
- Wales: 2%
- Scotland: 1%
- Northern Ireland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 65 students who started
- A levels: 95%
- Baccalaureate: 2%
- Access course: 2%
- Other HE qualification: 2%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Gold overall, Gold for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Materials in Context
- Interactive Learning Skills and Communication
- Future X: Kinship
- Narrative Pathways: Defining
- Visual Journeys
- Material, Process, Context
- Narrative Pathways: Refining
- Future X: Symbiosis
- Making Connections
- Narrative Pathways: Applied
- Future X: Re-worlding
- Creative Synthesis
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BA Illustration with Animation at Manchester Metropolitan University earn?
The median salary is £26,000 after 15 months, £19,500 after 3 years, £25,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £19,500 and £29,500. The £25,000 median after five years is £1,000 less than the UK median for Design studies.
What do graduates of BA Illustration with Animation at Manchester Metropolitan University do next?
95% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BA Illustration with Animation at Manchester Metropolitan University?
93% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BA Illustration with Animation at Manchester Metropolitan University?
The typical offer is BCC at A level, or 26 points in the IB. The average entrant had 172 UCAS points.
Does BA Illustration with Animation at Manchester Metropolitan University include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year and an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on BA Illustration with Animation at Manchester Metropolitan University?
92% of students continued into their second year, and 8% left higher education.