Explore your creativity and bring characters, stories, and ideas to life through BCE’s dynamic Art & Animation course. Designed for aspiring artists and animators, this Level 3 programme covers everything from traditional life drawing and visual storytelling to 2D/3D animation and digital illustration.
Course Overview
You’ll develop advanced technical skills, artistic confidence, and a strong understanding of how the creative industries work. Through hands-on projects and professional guidance, you’ll refine your craft in both traditional and digital mediums, from illustration and animation to design and visual storytelling. By the end of the course, you’ll have built a professional portfolio that showcases your abilities and prepares you for university, employment, or a successful freelance career in the creative sector.
What You'll Learn
- Life drawing, sketching, and traditional art foundations
- 2D animation and storyboarding techniques
- Character design and visual storytelling
- 3D modelling and animation using Blender
- Motion graphics and VFX using Adobe After Effects
- Stop motion animation using professional lighting and rostrum setups
- Digital illustration using Photoshop and Krita
- Experimental processes and creative project development
You’ll take part in industry-led briefs and portfolio-based projects, giving you the chance to apply your creative skills to real-world scenarios and showcase your work to potential employers or universities.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DIzpvzxzvwI
COURSE VIDEO & CAREER PATHS
Animator
VFX Artist or Compositor
Concept Artist
2D/3D Modeller
Motion Graphics Designer
University Progression
Facilities
- Animation studio equipped with professional drawing desks, lightboxes, cameras, and stop motion equipment to support traditional and digital animation work
- Access to Adobe Creative Cloud software including Animate, After Effects, and Photoshop, providing industry-standard tools for animation and design
- Use of advanced 3D animation software such as Blender and Maya to model, rig, and render characters and environments
- Dedicated Dolby Atmos studio for sound design, syncing, recording, and post-production to enhance your animation projects
- Greenscreen facilities and rostrum rigs for stop motion, compositing, and creative mixed-media projects
- Sketchbooks, art materials, and essential equipment provided free of charge to support your creative development
Timetable & Qualifications
- 3-day college week
- Animation and art classes
- Weekly wellbeing sessions
- Careers and progression support
This course leads to a UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Creative Practice: Art, Design and Communication. A Distinction grade is worth up to 168 UCAS tariff points, providing a strong foundation for progression to university or a career in the creative industries.
Level 1: one year | Level 2: one year | Level 3: two years
ENTRY CRITERIA
- Level 3: 5 GCSEs at Grade 4 or above, one of which must be English
- Level 2: 3 GCSEs at Grade 3
- Must be under 19 on 1st September, or under 25 with an EHCP
- Portfolio of artwork recommended — self-taught welcome
Big Creative Academy has been officially rated Outstanding by OFSTED, reflecting its commitment to educational excellence. Inspectors highlighted the dedication and passion of staff, the use of innovative and engaging teaching methods, and a holistic approach to student development that supports both academic and personal growth.
Student Work
Watch a showcase of our students’ projects, featuring original designs, animations, and interactive worlds they’ve created during their course.
From Our Teachers
“At BCT we provide a supportive, all-encompassing and stimulating education for our Animation and NextGen VFX learners. Our syllabus is devised to mirror Industry practice whilst supporting learners to expand their knowledge, digital design and imaginative skills”
Alfred Zekaj, Curriculum Manager for Animation & Games Design Department
Develop talent Transform Lives Create Careers
Launch your creative future through storytelling, animation and design with BCE’s Art & Animation course.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is this course free?
Yes! This course is free for students under 19 on 1st September, or under 25 with an EHCP. All art materials, software access, studio use, and equipment are provided at no extra cost.
What will I actually learn on the course?
You’ll learn a full range of practical and digital skills to become a confident creative, animator, and visual storyteller. Topics include:
- Life drawing and sketching to improve visual accuracy and artistic foundations
- 2D animation including frame-by-frame drawing, squash and stretch, and walk cycles
- Storyboarding and narrative development for animation
- Character design including expressions, body shapes, and motion
- Stop motion animation using industry lighting, rostrum rigs and practical sets
- 3D animation and modelling using Blender — including sculpting and rigging
- Digital illustration and visual experimentation using Krita and Photoshop
- Visual effects and compositing with Adobe After Effects
- Working to employer-style briefs and presenting portfolio-ready projects
What kind of projects will I work on?
You’ll take on a range of projects including character design sheets, animated short films, digital illustrations, stop motion experiments, and VFX sequences. Each project is designed to help you grow a unique and expressive creative style. You’ll also complete a Final Major Project that brings together your strongest skills into a finished piece of portfolio work, supported by regular tutorials and critiques.
What kind of careers can this course lead to?
You’ll gain skills that can lead to creative pathways such as:
- Animator (2D/3D, character, motion graphics)
- Storyboard Artist or Concept Artist
- Illustrator or Comic Artist
- VFX Artist or Compositor
- Digital Designer or Graphic Artist
- Or continue to higher education in Animation, Games Art, Illustration, or Design
How is this course connected to the industry?
Tutors have real experience in the animation and design world, and students regularly respond to live or simulated client briefs. You’ll learn how to take feedback, hit deadlines, present creative ideas, and build a working digital portfolio. You’ll also have the chance to enter creative competitions, take part in cross-course collaborations, and gain insight into the animation pipeline used in studios.
What equipment and software will I use?
You’ll use stop motion rigs, drawing desks, rostrum cameras, DSLR cameras and green screen equipment. Digitally, you’ll use Adobe Animate, After Effects, Photoshop, Blender, and Krita — all available on-site. Sketchbooks and equipment are provided free of charge to support your creative development.
How does the course support wellbeing and personal growth?
You’ll be supported through 1:1 tutorials, weekly wellbeing check-ins, and creative freedom to explore identity, themes and emotion through visual storytelling. The environment is inclusive, student-centred, and focused on building confidence as well as skill. Peer feedback, open studio culture, and relaxed tutor support help make every student feel part of the creative community.
What’s the timetable like?
The course runs 3 days per week and includes:
- Animation workshops and studio practice
- Personal project development and portfolio support
- English and Maths resits if required
- Careers guidance and wellbeing workshops
What are the entry requirements?
- 5 GCSEs at Grade 4 or above, including English
- Must be under 19 on 1st September, or under 25 with an EHCP
- You don’t need to be perfect — but you do need a passion for drawing, design or animation. A portfolio of previous work (even sketchbook pages or digital art) is helpful at interview.
What if I’m new to animation?
That’s totally fine — many students join with limited experience. You’ll be introduced to animation from the ground up, including basic drawing, timing, movement, and software tools. By the end of the course, you’ll have produced both 2D and 3D animated work, as well as concept art and storyboards.