Study at an award-winning university
We're the Times Higher Education (THE) University of the Year. We've also been awarded a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework – a reflection of the outstanding education we offer our students.
Our BA (Hons) Animation and Illustration course explores the connections between animation and illustration, helping you to create sequential narratives using a variety of methods – from the latest specialist 2D digital animation, 3D CGI used in industry and interactive techniques to traditional handmade image-making.
You will develop creative abilities, technical skills and a personal language within animation, as well as sequential imagery within graphic novels, with the focus being on illustration and design.
Perhaps most importantly, you’ll get time, guidance and support from a team of industry professionals, animators and illustrators who are dedicated to your creative development. As well as regular visiting industry speakers to inspire and guide you in your creative work, in your final year you will also receive guidance from an assigned industry advisor dedicated to the year.
At Cambridge School of Art, you’ll experiment and discover, try stuff out, venture into the unknown and find solutions, develop and create.
Join a course that scored 95% for “Learning resources” in the National Student Survey 2024.
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An animation created by our students as part of a live brief to promote 9 Trees Community Interest Company.
An animation created by 2024 graduating student Megan Cork for her final major project.
Our students created animations for Provide CIC to promote awareness of their health and social care services.
Find out more and watch the animationsAn animation by BA (Hons) Illustration and Animation student Esme Powell for her Major Project, 2022.
An animation by BA (Hons) Illustration and Animation student Ethan Dredge for his Major Project, 2022
An animation by BA (Hons) Illustration and Animation student Hannah Vernon for her Major Project, 2022
An animation by BA (Hons) Illustration and Animation student Fay Matthews for her Major Project, 2022
An animation by BA (Hons) Illustration and Animation student Becky Holloway for her Major Project, 2022
An animation by BA (Hons) Illustration and Animation student Ruta Stalmokaite, 2022
An animated film by BA (Hons) Illustration and Animation student Fay Matthews for the Fibrosis Research Group, explaining the medical condition fibrosis.
BA (Hons) Illustration and Animation student Ruta Stalmokaite talks about her experience on the course.
Collaborative animation by Ruta Stalkmokaite, BA (Hons) Illustration and Animation, and Alex Camp, BSc (Hons) Audio and Music Technology.
A short motion graphics animation by Ruta Stalmokaite, BA (Hons) Illustration and Animation student at Cambridge School of Art, ARU.
An animation by BA (Hons) Illustration and Animation student Nica Petrova for her final major project at Cambridge School of Art, ARU.
An animation by BA (Hons) Illustration and Animation student Vania Felix for her final major project at Cambridge School of Art, ARU.
An animation by BA (Hons) Illustration and Animation students Olena Kalinina and Karina Alimova for their final major project.
An animation by BA (Hons) Illustration and Animation student Esme Powell for her final major project at Cambridge School of Art, ARU.
An animation by BA (Hons) Illustration and Animation student Velina Garabedyan for her final major project.
Hannah talks about her major project animation "A Snowy Surprise" and shows it in full for the Present Showcase 2021. The film was shortlisted for the Cinemagic Film Festival Young Filmmaker Award, and was also selected for Our Culture and the Bitesize Film Festival.
Steven Goodison’s short film “Wee Shadows” was selected for screening at FrightFest and various other festivals in 2021.
Graduate Velina Garabedyan's film “Wherever I Wander” was selected for screening at five festivals in 2021.
As well as our dedicated animation base rooms with workstations for stop motion and digital animation, you’ll have use of facilities including:
Our new digital workshop includes a variety of computer aided manufacturing machines, helping you learn up to date manufacturing and design processes as well as supporting many traditional techniques. These technologies include:
Our Creative Showcase shines a spotlight on what makes ARU creative and cultural – our spaces, places and people. Find out more about our community, the difference we make, the stories we tell, and the things that inspire us. You can also explore the work of our graduating students in our digital graduate showcase.
Lecturer Practitioner
With an understanding of traditional animation and illustration, combined with expertise in cutting-edge digital design technology, our graduates have found success with leading animation studios and broadcasters, including Channel 4 and the BBC.
On our Sequential Practice module, you’ll focus on preparing for life beyond university, creating a showreel, a website and promotional material, as well as hearing guest speakers from some of the top animation studios in London, such as Passion Pictures, The Mill, FrameStore and Studio Aka.
Cambridge is the perfect place to gain experience – a creative hotspot that’s home to thousands of established businesses and start-ups. And, at the end of your final year, you’ll take part in our degree show in London – the perfect launchpad for your career.
Graduation doesn’t need to be the end of your time with us, of course. You might decide to stay at ARU and study for a Masters, such as our renowned MA Children’s Book Illustration. Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship and get 20% off your fees.
Informed by artists, creative agencies and production studios, our courses support an integrated approach to employability. You’ll have opportunities to develop the skills and abilities they are looking for and gain a deeper understanding of how your academic learning relates to the world of work through Live Briefs and Ruskin Modules.
You will need to dedicate time outside of your course to develop your employability, through placements, internships or volunteering or through our partner scheme Students at the Heart of Knowledge Exchange (SHoKE). You can evidence this experience on your CV and talk about it in interviews to give you that all important edge.
Our Employability and Careers Service offers a range of expert advice and support to build your unique professional profile, including tailored career appointments, advice on writing your CV, and help to complete job applications. You’ll have 24/7 access to the Careers Centre, our comprehensive online digital resource, which empowers you to start building a Personal Career Development Plan from the very start. Design your future at ARU.
“We asked students to create an animation ident. What amazed us most was the quality of the thinking, and the variety of ideas and execution. We’re very much looking forward to working with them next year."
LEE CARNIHANAs Marketing Manager at Curveball Media, Lee helps to set live briefs for our Illustration and Animation students
Find out more about our students' work with Curveball MediaOur friendly, bustling campus is a stone’s throw from the centre of Cambridge, often described as the perfect student city.
Our favourite places in Cambridge Did you know...? Facts about Cambridge Watch: Our CambridgeDo you have a question that we haven't answered so far? Talk to our application experts. You can also ask our Student Ambassadors about life at ARU.
We're here Monday-Thursday 9am-5pm (please note we close at 3.30pm on the first and third Thursday of the month for staff training), and Friday 9am-4.30pm.
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