Why Leeds?
With great music venues, culture, shopping and parks – we've got it all. Leeds city centre has been named one of the Best Places to Live in the UK*.
*The Sunday Times Best Places to Live Guide, 2026
Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Undergraduate BA (Hons)
Illustration and Animation
Become an expressive and agile creative, exploring the world of ideas and stories through varied and experimental forms of illustration and animation.
Course overview
-
W226 -
L27 -
City Campus -
Full-Time -
3 Years -
21 Sep 2026
BA (Hons) Illustration & Animation combines powerful visual communication methods into an exciting degree where you'll explore and develop your distinctive voice and work, in a dynamic creative studio.
As part of this course, you'll also:
- Work on inspiring projects to gain a range of conceptual, technical, and research skills
- Learn fun and experimental techniques for developing still and moving images into distinctive storytelling
- Use the power of image and motion to respond to a range of human and environmental needs
- Grow your confidence to initiate your own projects and collaborate with others
- Create and facilitate projects for diverse situations, audiences, users, and participants
- Build a portfolio of work tailored to your interests and creative identity, positioning you in your preferred professional context
See examples of work from previous students by visiting the Leeds School of Arts festival site.
Specialist facilities
Our professional illustration and animation facilities at Leeds School of Arts enable you to explore the tools and processes to refine your project work and expand your knowledge and skills. By engaging with these, you'll see your portfolio grow and gain a head start in deciding what you want to do after you graduate. Our workshop and process areas will help to prepare you for a variety of work and the demands of today's creative industries.
Guest lectures
We run guest lectures, specialist workshops, and live projects throughout the year, both on campus and in conjunction with external organisations. The INSIDE/OUT lecture series brings together some of the most exciting names from the fields of art, architecture, design, fashion, film, music, performing arts, and beyond. You can catch up on previous lectures by visiting the Leeds Arts Research Centre site.
Why study the BA (Hons) Illustration & Animation course at Leeds Beckett University?
- Take a placement year - an opportunity to take a year of paid employment to apply your skills to an area of illustration and animation you're passionate about
- Close links to industry and creative businesses in Leeds, the UK, and beyond
- You'll learn from tutors with extensive professional experience and networks
- Study within one of the largest university arts communities in the north
- Develop your specialist skill set with access to a vast range of ideas, training, and facilities
Explore videos and blogs
BA (Hons) Illustration – student stories Hear Leonie talk about her final year project and course at the Leeds School of Arts End of Year Show. BA (Hons) Illustration has now become BA (Hons) Illustration & Animation.
Student Work | Art & Design Explore student work from our Art & Design subject area. Curious about what you could create at Leeds School of Arts? Join us at one of our Leeds Beckett University Open Days to find out more.
BA (Hons) Illustration - Costume Design and Animation Workshop Find out more about the Costume Design and Animation Workshop, which took place as part of the Creative Conversations Week 2024. Illustration student Beth explains how she benefits from meeting industry experts as part of her course.
Everything you need to know
Discover all there is to know about the course, from entry requirements and fees to exploring the school you’ll be joining - we’ve got it covered.
Entry requirements
104-112
points required
If you’re unsure how to work out your UCAS points we have a UCAS Tariff Calculator which will do it for you. All you need to do is enter your qualifications and let the UCAS Tariff Calculator do the maths.
We have welcomed students from over 140 countries to study at Leeds Beckett University. If you are interested in studying with us you can find all the information you need about entry requirements and how to apply on our country specific pages.
Entry requirements
104-112
points required
UCAS Tariff Points: 104-112 points required.
(Minimum 64-72 from two A Levels or equivalent, excluding General Studies).
GCSEs
GCSE English Language at Grade 4 or above (Grade C for GCSEs taken before 2017) or equivalent. Key Skills Level 2, Functional Skills Level 2 and the Certificate in Adult Literacy are accepted in place of GCSEs.Access to HE Diploma
Pass overall with a minimum of 104-112 UCAS tariff points.T Levels
Pass overall with a minimum of 104-112 UCAS tariff points, including a C or above on the core.Scottish Awards
104-112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 5 Highers of which at least 2 must be grade B or above.Irish Leaving Certificate
104-112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 5 subjects at higher level of which at least 3 must be grade H3 or above.International baccalaureate
104-112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 3 Highers of which at least 2 must be grade H5 or above.Portfolio Required
All suitable candidates will be required to submit a portfolio, this should include artwork and photographs of art work and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the subject. Further guidance will be provided to applicants when they are asked to submit a portfolio.
IELTS
IELTS 6.0 with no skills below 5.5, or an equivalent qualification. The University provides excellent support for any applicant who may be required to undertake additional English language courses.
How we assess your application
At Leeds Beckett we look for students who demonstrate a good knowledge, curiosity and passion for your chosen course and would benefit from the University’s learning environment.We aim to give every student a fair chance to progress and succeed on their chosen course and we recognise that your grades may not always reflect your true potential. Therefore, when assessing your application, we will consider the following:
- Your completed qualifications (such as GCSEs, A Levels, and their equivalents).
- Your predicted grades in future examinations.
- Your personal statement.
Our offers
All our offers are made by trained professionals who are committed to making offers that are appropriate to each applicant, regardless of their background.* They have the discretion to vary the level of offer to ensure every student with the potential to succeed at Leeds Beckett receives an offer that is achievable for them. This could mean that you may receive an offer to study on this course with lower (predicted or achieved) UCAS Tariff Points than our published tariff.  Your offer will be based on our belief that you are capable of benefiting from, and successfully completing, your course. We believe that it is people who think differently, independently, people with ‘unlike-minds' that make big things happen.*We operate a contextual admissions policy, which means we consider a range of additional factors when we assess a student’s application. Applicants who meet at least one of our contextual admissions criteria may be offered a place on this course with lower (predicted or achieved) UCAS Tariff Points than our published tariff.
Our contextual admissions criteria are:
- Home postcode is in an area where few people go to University (POLAR4 quintile 1 or 2 area. This can be checked on the Office for Students website).
- Declared disability on the UCAS application form (or direct application for part-time applicants).
- Over the age of 21 on the 1st of September before the course starts.
- Declared as a care experienced on the UCAS application form (or direct application for part-time applicants).
Our place as an Anchor Institution
To further strengthen our position as a key provider of education and training for West Yorkshire we apply an Anchor Institution Policy in our admissions process. Students who apply to us from any of the five Local Authority areas in West Yorkshire (BD, HD, HX, LS, WF) may be offered a place on this course with lower (predicted or achieved) UCAS Tariff Points.Our commitment to your creativity
We ask all successful applicants to attend an on campus session with Leeds School of Arts. Why? Because we want to invest in YOU! This is an opportunity to use our fantastic facilities, meet the academic staff who will teach you, and meet students you will study with. You will also take part in taster sessions, specific to your area of study, all of which will help strengthen your professional skills.
Mature Applicants
Our university welcomes applications from mature applicants who demonstrate academic potential. All students will be considered through the contextual admissions policy described above. If you do not meet the requirements through the contextual admissions policy, we may still be able to make you an offer if you have recent relevant work experience through our 'Recognition of Prior Learning' policy. Please ensure that you list both your qualifications and any relevant work experience in your application so that we can consider you under both schemes where applicable. All applicants should meet our standard entry requirements of GCSE grade 4 in English language and, where specified, Maths. Alternative qualifications such as functional skills are accepted in lieu of GCSEs for most courses.We have welcomed students from over 140 countries to study at Leeds Beckett University. If you are interested in studying with us you can find all the information you need about entry requirements and how to apply on our country specific pages.
International baccalaureate
104-112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 3 Highers of which at least 2 must be grade H5 or above.Portfolio Required
All suitable candidates will be required to submit a portfolio, this should include artwork and photographs of art work and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the subject. Further guidance will be provided to applicants when they are asked to submit a portfolio.
IELTS
IELTS 6.0 with no skills below 5.5, or an equivalent qualification. The University provides excellent support for any applicant who may be required to undertake additional English language courses.
Additional entry requirements:
Verify your qualifications
If you are an international student, we can help you to compare and verify your qualifications. Please contact our International Office on +44 (0)113 812 1111 09.00 to 17.00 Mon-Thurs / 09.00 to 16.30 Fri GMT or email internationaloffice@leedsbeckett.ac.uk.Need to improve your English Language skills?
Don't worry if you don't have the level of English required for your chosen course. We offer a wide range of courses which have been designed to help you to improve your qualifications and English language ability, most of which are accredited by the British Council. Check your English and find out more about our English courses.More questions?
No matter what your questions, we are here to answer them, visit our International website to get more information and find out about our online open days.Independent study is a crucial part of learning at university and you will be required to undertake many hours of self-directed research and reading, and preparation and writing of assessments. Your course is delivered through a number of modules, which will help you to plan your time and establish a study routine. Outside of your lectures, workshops and tutorials, a range of support is available to assist with your independent study. Our subject-specific librarians will be on hand to direct you to the specialist learning and study-skill resources. You’ll also be assigned an academic advisor to give you tailored feedback and support.
Modules, teaching and learning
What you'll learn
This module introduces the multidisciplinary practices of image-making across illustration, animation, and visual communication. Through a series of project briefs, you'll explore key concepts, diverse contexts, research methods, and creative processes including ideation, experimentation, testing, and development. You'll build confidence as a proactive learner, developing your ability to generate ideas, respond to feedback, and make effective use of resources and opportunities. Alongside practical work, you'll engage with relevant histories, theories, and case studies that inform contemporary creative practice. As you begin to develop research skills – gathering, analysing, and interpreting information ethically and creatively – you'll begin to formulate your own informed perspectives. You'll also learn to articulate and share your work clearly, building confidence in communicating with peers, collaborators, and potential employers or clients.
This module deepens your understanding of visual language, narrative, and meaning-making across illustration and animation. You'll explore how signs, sequence, and storytelling operate within modern visual communication. Through independent and collaborative projects, you'll experiment with narrative forms and visual systems that respond to diverse audiences and social, cultural, environmental, and political contexts. You'll examine how emerging technologies and contemporary formats expand the possibilities of visual storytelling. A self-initiated project will enable you to develop your own narrative content, testing ideas through research, analysis, and experimentation. You'll begin to position your developing creative voice within wider cultural and socio-political contexts, considering how visual practice can inform, challenge, or transform understanding.
What you'll learn
Advance your technical and conceptual skills within more complex areas of illustration and animation practice. During this module, you'll develop portfolio work across varied formats, exploring visual play, systems, identity, and stylistic expression to communicate with impact. You'll refine your research and visual literacy skills, using analysis and experimentation to generate distinctive outcomes. Through studio-based practice, critique, and peer feedback, you'll strengthen your ability to work collaboratively and respond to multiple perspectives. Engagement with Industry connections, live briefs, and professional settings will help you situate your work within contemporary creative practice. You'll critically reflect on your ethical, environmental, and societal positioning while developing greater ownership of your projects and career direction.
This module focuses on agency, context, and specialism. You'll select and negotiate projects that align with your developing interests, applying illustration and animation practices across varied cultural and professional settings. You'll critically reflect on how audience, context, and theoretical frameworks shape meaning and form. Through collaboration, self-initiated opportunities, competitions, and external engagement, you'll test how your work operates beyond the studio. By identifying your strengths and areas of specialism, you'll refine the direction of your portfolio and adapt your practice to different audiences, collaborators, and clients.
What you'll learn
This module supports the consolidation of your creative identity and professional direction Through a combination of self-directed, course-led, and external briefs, you'll refine your specialist practice and develop a focused graduate portfolio. You'll negotiate themes and contexts for both critical study and practical work, responding to feedback from tutors and peers. Your work should demonstrate clear research foundations, thoughtful dissemination strategies, and responsible use of resources. By engaging with real-world contexts and professional practices, you'll prepare for employment, freelance work, or postgraduate study, articulating your values and creative positioning with clarity and confidence.
This final module culminates your practical, critical, and professional development. You'll negotiate and realise a significant body of work that demonstrates sustained research, conceptual clarity, and technical resolution. You'll articulate the aims, context, and impact of your projects considering ethical, environmental, and social implications. Your research documentation and final outcomes should communicate a coherent narrative and a confident specialist identity. By integrating self-directed, course-led, and external opportunities, you'll demonstrate your readiness to operate beyond university – presenting a cohesive, research-informed portfolio that engages relevant audiences, collaborators, employers, or clients.
This course offers the opportunity to take a ‘placement’ year – a year of paid employment in industry which will build your skills and experience. This is usually taken between the second and third year of your degree and will extend the length of your course by an additional year.
Students who choose the placement route find it helps with both their studies and getting a job after graduation. It can build your confidence, contacts, and of course your CV. Leeds Beckett advertise lots of placement opportunities and provide support in helping you find the right placement for you.
Fees and funding
£9,790
UK
The annual tuition fee for students entering in the 2026/27 academic year is anticipated to be £9790 (the maximum annual tuition fee cap announced by the UK Government, which is subject to parliamentary approval).
For each subsequent year of study, the University may charge up to the maximum annual tuition fee cap set by the UK Government, which may increase in line with any uplift determined by the UK Government by law or government policy (such increases are expected to be linked to inflation).
£16,840
International 2026
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2026/27 is £16840.
Fees and funding
£9,790
For students entering in 2026
The annual tuition fee for students entering in the 2026/27 academic year is anticipated to be £9790 (the maximum annual tuition fee cap announced by the UK Government, which is subject to parliamentary approval).
For each subsequent year of study, the University may charge up to the maximum annual tuition fee cap set by the UK Government, which may increase in line with any uplift determined by the UK Government by law or government policy (such increases are expected to be linked to inflation).
Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
Access to course resources, equipment and facilities, including:
- Studio equipment and facilities.
- Free entry to Inside/Out lecture series.
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Essential Costs
- Year 1 materials and printing (£75-150. Digital alternatives can be submitted).
- Year 2 materials and printing (£75-150. Digital alternatives can be submitted).
- Year 3 materials and printing (£150-300. Digital alternatives can be submitted).
- External hard drive (£70. Digital alternatives can be submitted).
- Portfolio (£60. Digital alternatives can be submitted).
Optional Costs
- Sketchbooks (£50-100. Digital alternatives can be submitted).
- Subscriptions / competitions (£100 per year).
- Educational visits. Costs will vary depending on location and could include travel, accommodation and sustenance.
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
£16,840
For students entering in 2026
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2026/27 is £16840.
Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Access to course resources, equipment and facilities, including:
- Studio equipment and facilities.
- Free entry to Inside/Out lecture series.
Essential Costs
- Year 1 materials and printing (£75-150. Digital alternatives can be submitted).
- Year 2 materials and printing (£75-150. Digital alternatives can be submitted).
- Year 3 materials and printing (£150-300. Digital alternatives can be submitted).
- External hard drive (£70. Digital alternatives can be submitted).
- Portfolio (£60. Digital alternatives can be submitted).
Optional Costs
- Sketchbooks (£50-100. Digital alternatives can be submitted).
- Subscriptions / competitions (£100 per year).
- Educational visits. Costs will vary depending on location and could include travel, accommodation and sustenance.
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
Scholarships and bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that an education at Leeds Beckett University is open to all. If you're thinking of joining us for undergraduate study, you may be eligible for a non-repayable scholarship or bursary to help with the cost of university. To find out if you are be eligible visit our scholarships and bursaries page.
We also offer a range of non-repayable scholarships for international students. To find out if you may be eligible visit our scholarships for international students page and select your home country from the drop-down list.
Career prospects
There’s a lot to consider when choosing a course. Take a look at the team you’ll be working with, employability statistics and career prospects to help make up your mind.
Career Prospects
After studying illustration and animation at Leeds Beckett, you'll graduate as a proactive and engaged thinker and maker. Throughout the course, you'll build a strong toolkit of skills and the mindset necessary to thrive in the creative industries.
This inspiring degree enables you to confidently find a career in various sectors and industries as an agile and creative graduate. You'll have also gained the knowledge, insight, and practical skills to set up as a freelancer. Specific creative sectors you could go into include:
- Design, advertising and communications
- Graphic novels, storytelling, visual journalism, or visual sociology
- Short form film, animation and entertainment
- Social purpose and community projects
We're a student-centred, creative community. We work closely with you to understand your needs and ambitions, supporting you to reach your creative and professional aspirations. We don't have a one size fits all approach, but instead nurture projects that are responsive and distinctive."
Tara Langford
Course Director
Our Graduate Promise
We have a dedicated team of people who will support you with all aspects of your career planning, from day one until 18 months after you graduate.
Getting you career ready is an integral part of your university life and this is embedded throughout your lectures and seminars. Outside of your course there is a wide range of support available to help you achieve your career goals, including:
- Getting ready to apply for jobs
- Working on your CV
- Interview skills and assessment centres
- Connecting with employers and organisations
We’re ranked in the Top 10 universities in the UK for job prospects
(Student Crowd, 2025 - the only awards based entirely on student reviews).
Find out why...
Student life
At Leeds Beckett your experience is important to us, find out more about what to expect from your time on this course and life at uni.
Explore Leeds Beckett
Step inside our immersive 360° virtual tour and discover cutting-edge facilities, dynamic learning spaces, and everything our campus has to offer.
Thinking of staying at home for your studies?
It’s a great option for lots of our local students
Still thinking about your uni choices? Discover Uni has official information to help you decide. They provide statistics for courses taken from national surveys and data collected from universities about their students.
