Students on health and nursing courses
Check eligibility →BA (Hons) Animation Bachelor's degree at the University of Portsmouth
BA (Hons) Animation at University of Portsmouth covers core theory, research and methods, applied practice, specialist options, an independent project, and professional skills.
About this course
Animators work in television, film, web, computer games, education, marketing, and more. On this degree course, you'll gain the technical skills, artistic insight, and platform diversity for a successful career in 2D or 3D animation across multiple industries. Foundation year option available From the provider’s course page.
BA (Hons) Animation is a Bachelor's degree (BA (Hons)) at the University of Portsmouth. It runs 3 years, studied full-time.
For Cinematics and photography graduates from this provider, 90% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 30% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £23,500. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Art & Design, see the sections below.
Course evidence score
The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Limited evidence Published sample: 20; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 90% (2021-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2021-23. Continuation 95% (2021-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Curriculum & modules
Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.
Modules 22 modules
- Design ConceptsOptional20 credits
Module details
You'll focused on developing student ability to translate ideas to hand drawings and sketches as an important part of the design process. Successful completion of this module indicates that you will have obtained a good understanding of and ability to apply the requisite basic Design Concepts knowledge and skills. Collect, assess and evaluate a variety of data required to undertake a design project. Understand the structure of the design through transformation and convergent stages. The principal phases from consideration of market need through specification, conceptual designs, feasibility, detail design to manufacture, modification, development, use and retirement.
- Interactive Learning Skills and CommunicationOptional20 credits
Module details
It also means you understand the value of scholarships, allowing you to move on to postgraduate programs at the University of Portsmouth.
- Portfolio Development 1Optional15 credits
Module details
You will be able to develop an initial focus on their chosen subject specialism via project outcomes and present their work in the form of a digital or on-line portfolio. Successful completion of this module indicates that students have obtained improved skills of observation, research and analysis for project development, a good understanding of 'the creative journey' as equal to the importance of the 'final creative piece' and the ability to work to a project brief and indicates that students have obtained a good understanding of and ability to apply the requisite basic understanding and critical thinking skills to enable them to proceed to a range of programmes at the University. Provide
- Portfolio Development 2Optional15 credits
Module details
Students will be able to develop an initial focus on their chosen subject specialism via project outcomes and present their work in the form of a digital or on-line portfolio. Successful completion of this module indicates that students have obtained improved skills of observation, research and analysis for project development, a good understanding of 'the creative journey' as equal to the importance of the 'final creative piece' and the ability to work to a project brief and indicates that students have obtained a good understanding of and ability to apply the requisite basic understanding and critical thinking skills to enable them to proceed to a range of programmes at the University. Pro
- Business ManagementOptional10 credits
Module details
Develop your understanding of key business management principles and the process of evaluating business ideas.
- Digital Literacy, Sustainability and AIOptional10 credits
Module details
Learn how to practically use key Microsoft applications and demonstrate this knowledge in their studies and future careers. You will also learn of the potential and risks of AI software and how to use it responsibly in the classroom, as well as in assessments.
- Research Methods, Critical Thinking and ExpressionOptional10 credits
Module details
Strengthen your understanding of argumentation, rationalisation of evidence, and assessing the credibility of sources.
- New Media and Digital CulturesOptional20 credits
Module details
Successful completion of this module indicates that students have obtained a good understanding of and ability to understand and rationalise aspects of emerging New Media; and indicates that students have obtained a good understanding of and ability to apply the requisite basic understanding and critical thinking skills to enable them to proceed to a range of programmes at the University.
- Introduction To AnimationOptional120 credits
Module details
Beginning Your Animation Journey Working across both 2D and 3D methods, you’ll experiment with a range of industry standard software alongside traditional animation techniques such as hand drawn studies and stop motion exercises. This combination of digital and physical approaches will help you understand not only the technical side of animation, but also the craft and artistry behind creating convincing movement. By engaging with these varied methods, you’ll build confidence in the core tools and processes used throughout the animation industry, developing a strong foundation for the creative work ahead. Bringing Characters and Stories to Life Through a series of practical workshops and gui
- Animation Group Project: IntroductionCore20 credits
Module details
Working in a team, you'll research, develop, and present your own animations based on provided briefs. This hands-on experience gives you a taste of how real animation studios operate, enhancing your understanding of the commercial production workflow. Not only will you gain valuable animation research and practical 2D or 3D animation skills, but you'll also develop key collaborative and communication abilities. By the end, you'll have produced an animation project and supporting materials that demonstrate your technical proficiency and ability to meet industry standards, making you career ready.
- Animation Group Project: ProductionCore20 credits
Module details
Building on your introductory experience, you'll work in teams on provided briefs, pushing your abilities in researching, developing, and presenting eye-catching animations. You'll enhance your understanding of real-world animation workflows while gaining advanced technical proficiency in 2D or 3D animation. This professional simulation will engage your creativity and curiosity as you employ a range of techniques to achieve industry-standard results. Your final animation project and documentation will showcase your skills in managing collaborative production and meeting demanding deadlines. By the end, you'll be ready to animate with confidence in a professional studio environment.
- History and Theory of AnimationCore20 credits
Module details
You’ll join lectures and seminars to talk about big ideas in animation’s development. Learn to understand and analyse the way tech, art, industries, and cultures have influenced animation styles and stories over time. You’ll do your own research to follow animation’s journey from its early days to today’s global digital scene. Discuss important topics like diversity and representation by looking at key animations. Get to know the worldwide growth of animation fans. By getting a grip on animation’s history and now, you’ll be ready to explore new creative paths. Enhance your ability to think critically and appreciate the pioneers who shaped animation as we know it today.
- Pre-Production ProcessCore20 credits
Module details
You will have the opportunity to look in narrative and visual development methods to enhance your skills during the pre-production phase of animation.
- Intermediate 2D AnimationOptional20 credits
Module details
Get to grips with advanced techniques that big studios use, like how to show weight, build suspense, and add exaggerated motion. Develop your ‘animator’s eye’ by analysing examples for timing, arcs, and appeal. Practice workflows optimizing creativity and quality. You’ll also create an amazing showreel showcasing your talents in animating unique characters full of life. With professional skills for technique and performance, you’ll stand out in the competitive field of 2D animation. As you progress, each frame you animate will let your creativity and imagination sparkle.
- Intermediate 3D AnimationOptional20 credits
Module details
You’ll explore research methods to guide your creative decisions. Learn industry workflows for rigging, blocking, and polishing animations. Sharpen your eye by analysing examples for appeal and story clarity. You’ll practice techniques from walks and runs to emotional expressions and lip sync. You’ll also put together an impressive showreel showcasing your animation talents. Plus, you’ll learn to critically assess your work, a key to continually improving your skills. This module will teach you all the technical skills to create amazing 3D worlds and characters like a professional. Let your vision and artistry shine frame by frame.
- Visual EffectsOptional20 credits
Module details
You'll look at the creation of simulation-based content; exploring the role of special effects artists and technical directors to tackle production issues and enhance contemporary entertainment. You'll apply these techniques to solve creative challenges as you learn how professionals balance visual quality with technological issues.
- Design and Visual Research for Cinema and GameOptional20 credits
Module details
It will help develop your practical knowledge and collaborative abilities to thrive in the film and games industries. You’ll use drawing to capture animal forms, structure, texture, and proportions. Relating visual research to the design process, you’ll develop industry-standard workflows, put your skills into practice through industry-led briefs and create professional-quality concepts and assets. You can immerse yourself in the production pace and pipelines of entertainment studios through collaboration in a simulated studio environment. You’ll finish this module with real-world creative experience and a portfolio of your design talents.
- Engaged Citizenship Through Interdisciplinary PracticeOptional20 credits
Module details
Join a team of creative students and do a project together. Try new things and see how they can help you. You’ll also grasp how to use your skills with others. Sometimes you’ll be a leader, sometimes a helper. Talk about your ideas and learn from them. You’ll make something to show what you learned and share it with others. This module helps you gain new skills and understand other fields. You’ll be a smart and creative person, ready to solve real-world problems.
- Professional ExperienceOptional20 credits
Module details
You’ll choose learning tasks that add up to 60 hours, like internships, volunteering, research, or remote study that match your career plans. Workshops will help you make meaningful goals and think about what you’ve accomplished. Through this, you’ll grow the knowledge, skills, and qualities you need to thrive in the workplace. By looking at your growth through active participation and reading, you’ll become a perceptive, eager job-seeker who stands out.
- Real-Time Animation and VFX ProjectOptional20 credits
Module details
You’ll use virtual production tools to quickly create assets that meet professional benchmarks, ranging from creatures to environments. This joint effort will involve elements of staging, cinematography, and VFX compositing, pushing you to intuitively combine these aspects within strict deadlines. This module also introduces you to technologies that improve efficiency. From this, you’ll gain a deeper industry understanding and enhance the quality of your project work.
- Student EnterpriseOptional20 credits
Module details
As a team, you will embark on a journey of entrepreneurship, starting with ideation and ending with the launch of your product or service. You will analyse complex factors influencing a successful launch, conduct thorough research to assess feasibility and gain valuable insights into marketing, manufacturing, and sales strategies. Working together on pitch presentations, you will discover your strengths as an entrepreneur or team member. This module provides transferable skills essential to thrive in creative industries, whether you plan to launch your own company or seek employment with top organisations. You will develop the mindset and abilities to spot opportunities and act on them, whic
- Study ExchangeOptional60 credits
Module details
Through a study exchange overseas, you'll manage tasks and projects relevant to your course, working independently or collaboratively as part of a team. The experience enables you to showcase your talents on a global stage while reflecting on your personal growth. With enhanced employability prospects, you return home with a new perspective to inform your practice.
Level 5 13 modules
- Major Project: Part 1Core20 credits
Module details
It's an opportunity to design and produce your own animation-related artefact, honing professional skills in the field. This module isn't just about creating animation; it's about immersing yourself in the entire process, from conception to final presentation. You'll gain insight into various research sources, which is crucial for developing a well-rounded understanding of short animation production. This includes the operational and technical aspects and the art of gathering and formulating ideas. The emphasis is on organising and presenting these ideas professionally, utilising appropriate technology to bring your vision to life. "Major Project: Part 1" is designed to set the stage for a d
- Written ProjectCore20 credits
Module details
Join seminars and talks to explore film form, narrative, the body, representation politics, and animated documentaries. Pick a topic you’re excited about and write a detailed essay on one or two animations. We’ll help you make solid academic points, using critical concepts from class and suggested materials. You’ll learn how to use theories like psychoanalysis, Marxism, and feminism to deepen your analysis. Use this chance to enhance your research, critical thinking, and writing skills while expressing your love for animation. By the time you finish, you’ll have completed a substantial project that shows off your grasp of how animation works and what it means. Come explore the vast and varie
- Employment PreparationCore20 credits
Module details
We’ll guide you in creating a standout CV, portfolio, and showreel to catch the eye of industry professionals. You’ll sharpen your online image and learn to network effectively to find jobs that excite you. Our coaching will also prepare you to excel in interviews and presentations, giving you the confidence to stand out. By the end of the module, you’ll have the belief in yourself, a clear plan, and the right tools to smoothly move into your ideal job in animation or to continue your studies. This module is your stepping stone to join the new wave of creative talents in the industry.
- Major Project: Part 2Core20 credits
Module details
Charting each step of the production process, you'll contextualise the decisions shaping your unique vision. Through critical reflection informed by research, you'll gain deeper insight into your creative practice. By culminating the skills nurtured throughout your degree, you'll breathe life into an animated film that showcases your abilities. Let your imagination run wild and develop a personal project you can be proud of.
- Advanced 2D AnimationOptional20 credits
Module details
Through practical tasks and projects, you’ll master technical aspects, like timing, rhythm, weight, and motion, to make your drawings come alive. Expert instructors will guide you in crafting a diverse collection of animations that showcase your talent in character animation, movement, and composition. When you finish, your portfolio will display your abilities with professional 2D animation tools and processes. You’ll have more faith in your skills as an animator ready for a creative career.
- Advanced 3D AnimationOptional20 credits
Module details
Through practical projects and exercises, you’ll learn advanced 3D animation techniques, like modelling, texturing, moving, and compositing, with industry software. Skilled 3D animators will help you as you imagine and make high-quality 3D images and animations. Use your creativity to solve design problems in a way that fits your unique animation style and strengths. By the end, you’ll have a portfolio that displays your technical flair and artistic talent in 3D animation, ready for professional use. This module gives you the skills you need to start your career as a 3D animation professional.
- Advanced Pre-Production MethodsOptional20 credits
Module details
You’ll delve into the thrilling world of pre-production, from concept to final art. Under expert guidance, experiment with techniques and mediums to create captivating characters, worlds, and stories that illustrate your own vision and strengths. Analyse your methods and deeply assess your design choices to gain a deeper understanding of your creative identity. By the end of this module, you’ll have a polished portfolio that showcases your artistic versatility and equips you with the knowledge to confidently plan future film projects. Embrace your imagination and discover how to make your ideas come alive on the silver screen.
- Intermediate Visual EffectsOptional20 credits
Module details
You’ll experiment with physics simulations and procedural methods to significantly improve shot flow and audience engagement. As you tackle the usual production challenges, you’ll have the chance to study examples from the industry. This research will help guide your artistic and technical choices. Armed with a deeper industry understanding and digital expertise, you’ll be capable of seamlessly blending unique elements into coherent stories.
- Advanced Visual EffectsOptional20 credits
Module details
You’ll experiment with various digital design and compositing techniques, learning to blend elements seamlessly into scenes. This will enhance how viewers perceive each scene, thanks to improved visual continuity. You’ll also look at industry terminology to effectively discuss the aesthetic and procedural aspects of complicated projects. This module offers thorough training for working in professional environments where creative problem-solving is key to producing visually convincing effects.
- Motion Capture ApplicationsOptional20 credits
Module details
In this fascinating module, you’ll delve into this enthralling next-gen realm. Explore the latest techniques for digitally capturing human motion and seamlessly applying it to 3D character animation. Join us in our futuristic mocap studio and master the entire process, from capturing data to animating it using industry software. Experts will guide you as you critically assess different technologies and develop skills to preserve the authenticity and nuance of performances. By the end, you’ll have firsthand experience with this powerful storytelling tool, widely used to create captivating virtual characters in films, games, and beyond. Your creativity will soar as you explore the boundless p
- Final Year PlacementOptional120 credits
Module details
This module helps you apply your academic learning in practical settings, strengthening your professional development and future career prospects. Throughout the year, you'll reflect on your progress, build networks, and evaluate your experiences critically. you'll complete a placement assessment that includes a reflective portfolio and employer feedback, with ongoing support from careers and employability staff. By the end, you'll develop key graduate attributes like adaptability, independence, and self-awareness, preparing you to succeed in diverse environments.
- Study Abroad - Full YearOptional120 credits
Module details
Complete relevant tasks demonstrating your specialised skills and independence. Gain global perspective, reflect deeply on personal growth, and build valued transferable abilities for professional life after university. Return home with experiences that inspire your practice and understanding of art’s global connectivity.
- Study Abroad - Half YearOptional60 credits
Module details
Evaluating international contexts, you'll critically relate on-site activities to your disciplinary knowledge, gaining global insights. Working independently overseas, you'll complete relevant assignments, refining skills transferable to future creative studies and practice. Upon returning, thoughtful reflection will reveal your personal growth as you process new worldviews and cross-cultural competencies. This invaluable opportunity provides a chance to broaden your creative knowledge while developing adaptability as a global citizen.
Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.
Course in depth
What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.
What you'll study
This degree equips you with the technical skills, artistic insight, and platform diversity to work as a 2D or 3D animator across television, film, web, computer games, education, marketing and beyond. A course like this typically begins with visual foundations, colour, composition, form and design principles across media, alongside workshops in materials and processes, and contextual studies in art and design history. In Year 2, you'll undertake sustained studio practice and develop your personal direction, working with digital and emerging media such as creative software, motion, 3D or interaction. You'll also engage with live briefs and real-world client projects. By Year 3, you'll specialise in your chosen animation discipline, build professional practice skills, and complete a self-directed final major project exhibited in a degree show.
Who it's for
This course suits those interested in animation as a creative discipline. Most entrants held A-levels or equivalent qualifications; recent accepted students typically had a UCAS tariff between 112 and 127 points. The course is taught in English and delivered full-time over three years.
University & format
BA (Hons) Animation is studied full-time over 3 years at the University of Portsmouth, a public university founded in 1869. Teaching is in English. The degree is a nationally recognised qualification awarded by a recognised UK degree-awarding body. A foundation year option is available. The university holds a Gold award for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 2023.
Student satisfaction
How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.
Share of students responding positively.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Applicant information
The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.
- 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted
Your application needs a reference before you can send it.
- 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
- 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline
18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.
Show 5 later dates
- 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens
Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.
- 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers
Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.
- 2027 entryClearing opens
Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.
- 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
Provider-published requirement; check the linked course page before applying.
Work placement. Availability, selection and pay can vary.
Entry & how to get in
Who gets in
What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.
UCAS tariff of entrants
Grades are the A-level equivalent of each points band. Tap a band to check your own chances below.
Qualifications held on entry
| Qualification | Share |
|---|---|
| A-levels or equivalent | 96% |
| another higher-education qualification | 2% |
| a Baccalaureate | 1% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Entry is set by the university and based on your offer. Use your predicted grades to see how you compare, then check the university's stated requirements.
Will you get in? Plot your grades
Pick your predicted A-levels and watch your UCAS points land on the real spread of students admitted to this course.
Each bar is the share of admitted students in that UCAS-points band (lower → higher). Grades show the A-level equivalent.
Based on the official admitted-student tariff distribution. Many universities make contextual (reduced-grade) offers, so a result below the range doesn’t rule you out.
How to apply
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course. One application covers up to five choices.
- 2Write your personal statement
A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.
- 3Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time
UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
- 4Reply to your offers
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
- 5Results day & confirmation
On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
Provider fee page (England 2026/27 cap where not stated).
Check fees at University of Portsmouth →For students who normally live in England
2026/27 Student Finance England figures. Maintenance support is means-tested and this two-point view is not an entitlement calculator. The course total uses its published length and home fee where both are available; a missing full-time fee uses the clearly labelled England-cap scenario, while part-time fees and unknown lengths are never guessed. Use the official calculator. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use separate systems: SAAS, Student Finance Wales, and Student Finance NI.
Starting on or after 1 January 2027?
The Lifelong Learning Entitlement is a separate system. A new learner’s tuition entitlement is currently stated as £39,160 (about 480 credits at 2026/27 fee levels), subject to prior study and eligibility. Check the official LLE guide.
Paying for it
- Tuition Fee Loan: can cover eligible tuition up to the applicable limit and is paid straight to the provider.
- Maintenance Loan: up to £10,830/yr away from home outside London (England, 2026/27), means-tested on household income.
- Repayment: 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below it; written off after 40 years.
- Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.
England figures shown; Scotland, Wales & NI run their own schemes, check gov.uk.
Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
Named awards published by the university. Compare the eligibility and application route before budgeting for one.
Criminology graduates joining Thames Valley Police
Check eligibility →Amounts, exclusions and deadlines can change. An award is not guaranteed unless the university confirms it.
Still deciding what to study?
StudyKit brings course choice, applications and funding together in one place, with a personal AI assistant. Find what really fits you and start your UCAS application step by step.
Careers & earnings
What Art & Design graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
Graduate earnings: this course
| When | Median | Typical range | Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 months after | £23,500 | £20,000 – £38,000 | 20 |
| 3 years after | £21,500 | £16,500 – £26,000 | 230 |
| 5 years after | £25,000 | £20,000 – £33,500 | 235 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Limited evidence. Published sample: 20; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
- 1Graduate roleFirst role after the degree · 0–2 yrs
- 2Specialist / PractitionerWorking in art & design · 2–5 yrs
- 3Senior / LeadLeading work and people · 5–10 yrs
- 4Head of / ExpertSenior leadership or deep expertise · 10+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs Art & Design nationally
National figures for Art & Design graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.
Work out your pay
Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.
What happened to 100 students?
Choose an outcome to translate the published percentage into a simple 100-person view. Each dot represents one percentage point, not an individual tracked student.
were in work or further study
15 months after graduation
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2021-23. Limited evidence. Published sample: 20; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.
Value compared with similar courses
How this course’s 5-year median earnings compare with Art & Design courses at the same study level.
Compared with 1,698 courses with compatible official earnings data. This is a course-value comparison, not a quality ranking.
UK occupations graduates enter
Published graduate destinations, joined conservatively to UK SOC 2020, ONS pay and Skills England demand.
- Elementary occupationsSOC 2020 9 · 40% of published destinations · ASHE median £19,087
- Web and Multimedia Design ProfessionalsSOC 2020 214 · 20% of published destinations · ASHE median £32,574
- Artistic, literary and media occupationsSOC 2020 341 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £33,824
- Skilled trades occupationsSOC 2020 5 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £34,241
- Leisure, travel and related personal service occupationsSOC 2020 62 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £22,297
- Sales occupationsSOC 2020 71 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £15,975
Discover Uni JOBLIST/JOBTYPE; ONS ASHE 2025 provisional, all employee jobs; Skills England Occupations in Demand 2025. SOC is shown only for an exact normalised label match; demand is shown only at exact four-digit SOC. Published sample: 20; response rate: 50%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Job market & outlook
How Art & Design graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
How AI is changing the work
AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.
What AI takes off your plate
- Routine information gathering
- First-draft writing and summaries
- Standard analysis and admin
- Repetitive processing tasks
More human than ever
- Judgement and original thinking
- Working with and leading people
- Owning and sense-checking AI output
- Ethics and accountability
The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.
Roles & employers
Where Art & Design graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.
Roles graduates go into
Where they work
- Design studios & agencies
- In-house brand teams
- Games & media companies
- Freelance & self-employed
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit Art & Design graduates.
Is this course right for you?
The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.
Student finance
For comparison, the standard full-time England tuition cap is up to £9,790 per year in 2026/27; the actual fee varies by course and provider. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years.
Where graduates go
90% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £23,500. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.
Your entry chances
Use the UCAS points calculator above to see how your predicted grades compare with admitted students, and whether a contextual offer could apply.
Official-data snapshot
Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 9.0 out of 10: NSS 85.3% · in work or study 90% · continued 95%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
The University of Portsmouth
Design, and creative and performing arts across the UK
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Local crime-data context
A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.
Around University of Portsmouth
2,930 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.
Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.
Is Art & Design right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to University of Portsmouth from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is £17,900 / year for this course (from the provider’s fee page). You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.
English language
Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.
Student visa
You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.
Scholarships & funding
Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check University of Portsmouth’s funding pages.
Living costs
Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.
Working while you study
A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.
Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with University of Portsmouth and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at University of Portsmouth
Common questions
How competitive is entry?
What are the entry requirements?
What do graduates go on to do?
What will it cost me?
Request information about BA (Hons) Animation
Prospectus, key dates, entry and funding, free to your inbox.


