(UCAS Course Code W2W6/Institution Code W73)
If you are only applying for one course which is at Wirral Met, you can apply online. If you are applying for more than one course outside of Wirral Met, you must apply via UCAS.
This is a broad-based Illustration with Animation course which allows students to specialise in either illustration or animation at Level 5 and 6 of the course. The course will enable you to develop your practical and intellectual skills and the history and theory of art will be a part of your course. The course is validated by the University of Chester.
This BA Illustration with Animation degree is taught at our multi-million pound Twelve Quays campus in Birkenhead.
The course offers an intensive period of study that proceeds from relatively directed creative projects to greater independent learning including self-directed and live projects. This takes place within design studios equipped with Apple Mac suites using industry standard software and through a variety of practical workshops in real media techniques. All directly aimed at informing and developing your own practise within illustration and animation. The course involves a series of lectures, seminars, regular one to one tutorial sessions, briefings, reviews and critiques which are delivered by a team of creative academic staff who have direct and current experience in the illustration and animation industries. Critical, historical and theoretical studies permeate the course and written work is presented in the form of a series of essays or assignments.
The course is divided into sections that enable you to gain credit towards your final qualification. Each level accounts for 120 credits and you need 360 credits to achieve a BA (Hons) degree, validated by the University of Chester. Timetables of study and assessment calendars can be found in the course handbooks, which are distributed to students following enrolment.
Level 4 takes you through an induction programme where you will be introduced to the range of available facilities. Emphasis is placed firstly on the acquisition of a visual vocabulary and exploration of creative methods in approaching image-making through a series of briefs. Through specialist guidance you will be required to develop and sustain your own professional approach to research and image-making.
Level 5 continues your personal development through experience in illustration and animation practice. Emphasis is increasingly placed on your growing sense of awareness within your craft. The course at this level allows you to develop your work, specialising within the area of either illustration or animation. During Level 5, in consultation with staff, students are expected to take part in live projects and enter national competitions relating to their specialism. As well as the building up of awareness through self-evaluation.
Level 6 is designed initially to consolidate and intensify personal directions of study. You are expected to demonstrate a higher level of creative independence by working on self-directed and live projects that relate to your chosen field. The Level concludes with a Private View and Public Degree Exhibition which will demonstrate a level of study and research skills capable of sustaining your own practice on completion of the course.
The degree show includes the production of a catalogue. The cost of this is shared within the graduating group (through contributions and fundraising approx. £50).
Applicants should have 5 GCSEs at Grade 9-4 or A*-C and either:
- 3 A levels including 2 Cs plus an A or B in an Arts or Design subject equivalent to 104 UCAS Tariff points.
- Satisfactorily completed a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design.
- A BTEC National Diploma or Certificate in an appropriate Art and Design subject
- Other evidence of potential to study at degree level.
Applications are welcome from mature students, who may lack qualifications but who can demonstrate their suitability to study at this level.
All applicants invited for interview must produce a portfolio of work.
The ability to develop skills in the areas of communication, information technology, English, maths and action planning in order to study illustration and animation at this level.
If English is not your first language, you may need an assessment before enrolling on this course. To discuss further, please contact the ESOL department on 0151 551 7144.
Applications for this course are normally made via the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) at www.ucas.com.
You will need to indicate the following for this course:
| UCAS Institution code: | W73 (Wirral Met College) |
| Course code: | W2W6 |
To find out more about Illustration and Animation see our website, www.instagram.com/artswmc and www/twitter.com/IllustrateAnim
Fees are to increase to £8340 per year for 23/24 entry, subject to approval
Career Opportunities
Animator
According to talent.com, the average salary for an animator is £35,000 per year, with entry level positions starting at £27,500, whilst most experienced workers earn up to £52,500 per year.
Illustrator
According to talent.com, the average salary for an illustrator is £29,500 per year, with entry level positions starting at £25,000, whilst most experienced workers earn up to £45,000 per year.
Graphic Designer
According to talent.com, the average salary for a graphic designer is £27,976 per year, with entry level positions starting at £24,000, whilst most experienced workers earn up to £38,277 per year.
Artist
According to talent.com, the average salary for an artist is £31,781 per year, with entry level positions starting at £27,500, whilst most experienced workers can earn up to £60,000 per year.
Meet The Team
Facilities
As a BA (Hons) Illustration and Animation student, you will work in a combination of multi-use studio spaces and tutorial areas.
Graduates should be equipped to apply for freelance work and employment as an illustrator / animator. Graduates may also wish to seek further study at MA level within a related discipline & PGCE teaching qualifications.
Explore potential careers via Career Match — it provides current local data on wages and employment prospects.
Apply Now
Starting 22nd September 2025 - Ending - 20th June 2026
REF A026R001
If you are aged 19 or over:
Please note, this fee is the cost per year. For Higher Education (HE) courses, student loans are available to most students undertaking a degree, foundation degree, HNC / HND or teacher training programme. Visit https://www.gov.uk/browse/education/student-finance for details.
Fee : £8500.00
The fee quoted is for the academic year 25/26. Find out more about student loans for Higher Education Programmes.
Course information correct at 12.12.24
For advice and guidance, please contact Student Services via our online enquiry form