Apply for this course
Please select when you would like to start:
If you're a UK applicant wanting to study full-time starting in September, you must apply via UCAS unless otherwise specified. If you're an international applicant wanting to study full-time, you can choose to apply via UCAS or directly to the University.
If you're applying for part-time study, you should apply directly to the University. If you require a Student visa, please be aware that you will not be able to study as a part-time student at undergraduate level.
Why study this course?
This is a top-up version of our Illustration and Animation BA (Hons) degree. A top-up degree is the final year (Level 6) of an undergraduate degree course and is for those who have a foundation degree, Higher National Diploma or equivalent qualification, or those wishing to study the final year of their degree in London.
On this degree, you'll learn image-making and visual storytelling skills, specifically looking at children’s books, graphic novels and app design.
This course is industry-focused. It will help you develop your creativity and hone the skills you'll need to be a professional illustrator and animator.
You'll study digital platforms as well as more traditional forms of illustration. The course embraces ongoing developments in illustration and animation. We'll explore how modern illustration is practiced and how techniques are no longer confined to the page but inhabit a dynamic, three-dimensional digital world.
Study illustration and animation in a modern context
This course embraces ongoing developments in the way illustration is practised, no longer confined to the page, but inhabiting a dynamic, three-dimensional digital world
Become a versatile maker in both artistic and commercial work
A typical destination for graduates may be in the field of illustration, animation, advertising, film and television, publishing, immersive theatre, visual effects or art installation
Use a huge range of different mediums
A defining feature of the course is its focus on cross-disciplinary projects
Course details
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.
Accreditation of Prior Learning
Any university-level qualifications or relevant experience you gain prior to starting university could count towards your course at London Met. Find out more about applying for Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL).
English language requirements
To study a degree at London Met, you must be able to demonstrate proficiency in the English language. If you require a Student visa (previously Tier 4) you may need to provide the results of a Secure English Language Test (SELT) such as Academic IELTS. This course requires you to meet our standard requirements.
If you need (or wish) to improve your English before starting your degree, the University offers a Pre-sessional Academic English course to help you build your confidence and reach the level of English you require.
You'll be assessed through project work, essays, individual practice and a final portfolio project including a dissertation. There are no examinations.
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.
We currently have three locations in Holloway, Aldgate and Shoreditch. As we evolve as a University, we'll be reviewing the use of these spaces to ensure all our students have access to the facilities and study areas they need to succeed. This means the campus where this course is taught may change over time.
The experience of our students will always be our top priority and we'll notify applicants and students of any changes to their teaching location at the earliest opportunity.
If you study your undergraduate degree with us, as a graduate of London Met, you'll be entitled to a 20% discount on a postgraduate course if you continue your studies with us.
* exclusions apply
Please note, in addition to the tuition fee there may be additional costs for things like equipment, materials, printing, textbooks, trips or professional body fees.
Additionally, there may be other activities that are not formally part of your course and not required to complete your course, but which you may find helpful (for example, optional field trips). The costs of these are additional to your tuition fee and the fees set out above and will be notified when the activity is being arranged.
Follow our School of Art, Architecture and Design on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date with everything that's happening in our creative community.
For an insight into life in the Visual Communication cluster, you can also follow our @vc_ldnmetarts Instagram account.
How to apply
If you're a UK applicant wanting to study full-time starting in September, you must apply via UCAS unless otherwise specified. If you're an international applicant wanting to study full-time, you can choose to apply via UCAS or directly to the University.
If you're applying for part-time study, you should apply directly to the University. If you require a Student visa, please be aware that you will not be able to study as a part-time student at undergraduate level.
When to apply
The University and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) accepts applications for full-time courses starting in September from one year before the start of the course. Our UCAS institution code is L68.
If you will be applying direct to the University you are advised to apply as early as possible as we will only be able to consider your application if there are places available on the course.
To find out when teaching for this degree will begin, as well as welcome week and any induction activities, view our academic term dates.