A Level Illustration & Animation

You will be introduced to key creative principles, exploring both traditional and digital methods of creating visual imagery, further applying these skills equally within moving image approaches. You will learn about the work of leading industry figures from Disney to Miyazaki and will explore a range of techniques including model-based animation, illustration, time-lapse and digital.

The course will teach you how to manage the animation processes, such as planning and setting-up a production pipeline and you will also develop learning skills such as teamwork, communication, presentation, planning and managing resources.We will also encourage you to engage with artwork and the world around you, drawing inspiration and ideas as your work improves in complexity and ambition, allowing for a broad and creative approach to illustration and design.

In addition to examples of your creative work, you will need a minimum of five GCSEs at grade 5 or above, in subjects relevant to your A Level or A+ Programme subject choices. This should ideally include English Language and maths as well as a creative subject, however we actively encourage interested learners to apply and attend an informal interview to allow us to find out more about you, your career aspirations, predicted grades and creative ability.

You will receive feedback every day on your work, including peer feedback. There well be regular written feedback to help you improve. The course is formally graded in year 2 via two extended coursework units. The first is negotiated with your tutor based on an area of interest to you and includes an extended essay (60%). The second is again coursework based, following starting points set by the exam board EDUQAS (40%).

Progression to year 2 will be dependent on successful completion of the first year taking into account Internal Progression Examination results and the Key Assessment Profile throughout the first year.

The final A level certification you will receive is entitled Art and Design: Graphic Communication. This means that you cannot study Graphic Design as a separate subject.

If you wish to find out more you can contact Subject Leader Simon Jones by emailing: simon.jones@nscg.ac.uk

An A level in Illustration & Animation (Graphic Communication), can give you points to take forward for an HE application in Creative subjects and give you transferable skills to use in any number of workplace scenarios. The UK’s film and computer games industries are a major employer for animators. Illustration itself is broadly sought after for many industries. Some directions for illustrators include health and medical illustration, children’s products and picture books, commercial packaging design, infographics such as instructions, magazine, book cover and further editorial illustrations, exhibition artwork, fashion industry illustrations - including surface pattern and T shirt design, concept illustration and illustration for print and online.

This course is free for anyone aged 16 – 18. 

College Maintenance Allowance (CMA): Anyone with a household income under £26,000 can receive up to £20 per week financial support to help pay for travel and meals and meet the costs of essential trips, books, stationery and equipment. The payments will be subject to full attendance on your course. A range of other financial support is available, depending on your personal circumstances. For more details visit nscg.ac.uk/finance