BA (Hons) Animation · University of PortsmouthBachelor's degree · 3 years
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University of Portsmouth · Undergraduate

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.

BA (Hons)
Award
3
Years
Full-time
Study mode
90%
in work/study (15m)

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.

9.0
/ 10
Exceptional
3 of 3 official measures
Student satisfaction
What students say in the National Student Survey
Excellent85

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)

Graduate outcomes
In work or further study 15 months after graduating
Exceptional90

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)

Continuation
Students who continue past their first year
Exceptional95

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.

The teaching on my course
85%
Learning opportunities
86%
Assessment and feedback
86%
Academic Support
92%
Organisation and management
82%
Learning resources
87%
Student voice
79%

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.

Application timelineWhat happens next
  1. 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted

    Your application needs a reference before you can send it.

  2. 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications

    Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.

  3. 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice

    Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.

  4. 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline

    18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.

Show 5 later dates
  1. 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens

    Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.

  2. 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers

    Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.

  3. 2027 entryClearing opens

    Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.

  4. 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications

    Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.

  5. 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice

    Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.

Published entry112-120 UCAS points typical offer · a minimum of 2 A levels

Provider-published requirement; check the linked course page before applying.

PlacementPublished placement option

Work placement. Availability, selection and pay can vary.

Entry & how to get in

Typical offer (from the provider)The university’s course page lists a typical A-level offer of 112-120 UCAS points a minimum of 2 A levels and around 120 UCAS points. Always check the provider for the current offer and subject requirements.
Most entrants held A-levels or equivalent96% of accepted students came in with A-levels or equivalent (entrants over recent years).
Typical UCAS tariff: 112 - 127 pointsThe most common UCAS tariff band among accepted students. This is what entrants had, not a stated requirement.
Entry requirements are set by the universityGrades, subjects and contextual offers vary. Check the University of Portsmouth's official course page for the current offer.

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

QualificationShare
A-levels or equivalent96%
another higher-education qualification2%
a Baccalaureate1%

Entry & your chances

An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.

Offer-based entry

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.

Add your grades to see where you land

Your points will drop onto the distribution above, with an honest above / within / below read.

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.

Apply by13 January 2027, 18:00 UK timefor this course
Typical gradesBBBA-level equivalent admitted students held
  1. 1
    Register on UCAS Hub

    Create your UCAS application and add this course. One application covers up to five choices.

  2. 2
    Write 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.

  3. 3
    Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time

    UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.

  4. 4
    Reply to your offers

    When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.

  5. 5
    Results 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.

💡 Many universities make a contextual (reduced-grade) offer, for example based on your school’s results, time in care, or where you live. Ask University of Portsmouth whether you’re eligible before you apply; it can lower the grades you need.

Fees & funding

What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.

Tuition per year

Homeup to £9,790 / yr
International£17,900 / yr

Provider fee page (England 2026/27 cap where not stated).

Check fees at University of Portsmouth →

For students who normally live in England

illustrative Maintenance Loan per year
£9,790tuition used per year, illustrative full-time England fee-cap scenario
illustrative borrowing over 3 years

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.

Funding matched to this course

Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for

All University of Portsmouth funding →

Named awards published by the university. Compare the eligibility and application route before budgeting for one.

Amounts, exclusions and deadlines can change. An award is not guaranteed unless the university confirms it.

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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.

Career quizApplication walkthroughSalary & CV check

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

WhenMedianTypical rangeGraduates
15 months after£23,500£20,000 – £38,00020
3 years after£21,500£16,500 – £26,000230
5 years after£25,000£20,000 – £33,500235

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

90%
in work or further study 15 months on
30%
in highly skilled work or study
95%
continue past their first year
50%
find their work meaningful
45%
say work fits their future plans
  1. 1Graduate roleFirst role after the degree · 0–2 yrs
  2. 2Specialist / PractitionerWorking in art & design · 2–5 yrs
  3. 3Senior / LeadLeading work and people · 5–10 yrs
  4. 4Head of / ExpertSenior leadership or deep expertise · 10+ yrs

How pay grows: this course vs Art & Design nationally

Starting (15 months) HESA GO
£23,500
£22,000 – £27,000
After 3 years LEO
£21,500
£17,000 – £24,000
After 5 years LEO
£25,000
£20,825 – £29,400
national rangethis course’s medianaxis £16,000 – £30,500

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.

90 of 100

were in work or further study

15 months after graduation

65% working25% working and studying0% in further study30% in highly skilled work or study

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.

This course £25,000Peer median £24,500Middle 50% £22,125–£26,500
59th percentile

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.

87%
in work or further study 15 months after graduating, across Art & Design courses nationally.
Graduate Outcomes
55%
of working graduates are in highly skilled work or further study.
highly skilled
85%
of students continue past their first year (still enrolled or completed).
continuation

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.

Where they work

  • Design studios & agencies
  • In-house brand teams
  • Games & media companies
  • Freelance & self-employed

Is this course right for you?

The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.

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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.

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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.

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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

All students24,015
International24.5%
Aged 25+27.1%

Design, and creative and performing arts across the UK

Students178,755
Aged 25+15.7%

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.

Violent Crime 1120Anti Social Behaviour 450Public Order 252Shoplifting 242Drugs 164

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.

Common questions

Entry is offer-based and set by the university. The most common tariff band among recent entrants was 112 - 127 UCAS points. Use the calculator on this page to see where your predicted grades would put you; many universities also make lower contextual offers.
Set by the University of Portsmouth. Most accepted students held A-levels or equivalent. Check the university's course page for the exact offer.
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 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. See Fees & funding on this page to work out your numbers.
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