COURSE CURRICULUM

The Animation and Illustration – BA (Hons) program at Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest delivers a comprehensive, studio-based curriculum that blends creative development with technical and professional skills. In Year 1, students build foundational abilities in illustration, animation, life drawing, environment design, and visual studies, focusing on experimentation and core artistic techniques. Year 2 advances these skills through character animation, storyboarding, scriptwriting, and concept art, while also strengthening critical thinking and preparing students for industry placement. In Year 3, learners refine their artistic identity through advanced illustration, animation, and environment design, alongside research skills and studio preparation. A key feature is the studio production project and work placement, where students gain hands-on experience in a professional, team-based environment and understand industry workflows from concept to completion. In the final year, students focus on independent practice, combining advanced life drawing, research, and project management to develop a major creative project. This culminates in a professional portfolio and dissertation, demonstrating both artistic and analytical abilities. Throughout the program, emphasis is placed on creativity, storytelling, collaboration, and technical proficiency, ensuring graduates are well prepared for careers in animation, illustration, and the wider creative industries.