Ready to Create?
Applications for September 2027 are open. Apply online in 10 minutes.
UAL Level 3 Digital Illustration and Animation for Games, Comics and Manga – Diploma in Creative Practice: Art, Design and Communication
If you love digital art and animation, this is the year (or two) that puts you inside the industry version of it. You'll conceptualise ideas and build imaginative visual work using traditional fundamental techniques alongside contemporary software. Assignments are portfolio-graded, there are no exams, and by the end you'll have work covering games, film, TV, animation and beyond.
Got a question? Ask us
How you’ll learn
Concept. Create. Animate.
Digital artists and animators work across a huge range: games, film and TV, animation, architecture, fashion concept, storyboarding, comic illustration, visual marketing, social media design. This course gives you the fundamental drawing and design techniques alongside contemporary software so you can move confidently across those areas. You’ll use the same professional equipment used in studios, including high-spec PCs and drawing tablets.
The course is 8 units, all portfolio-graded — no exams. Units 1-3 cover visual design projects and roles in the sector. Units 4-7 build your skills in 2D concepts and animation, exploring Games, Film and Anime design. Unit 8 is your final major project, where you take something you enjoyed and push it further. You’ll also be taught by industry specialists and go on trips to build your understanding of the sector.
The Foundations
- Introduction to media processes and technical skills
- Introduction to design and research skills in creative media production
- Introduction to professional practice in creative media production
- Critical and contextual awareness in creative media production
- Investigating audio production and technology
- Investigating visual production and technology
- Investigating interactive media production and technology
Visual design projects and exploration of roles in the sector:
2D concepts and animations, plus Games, Film and Anime design:
Final project
- Final Major Project
self-chosen from your favourite area of the year
Entry and progression
What you need and where it leads
- Entry requirements
- This course Level 3
- Further study
Entry requirements
- 4 GCSEs at Grade 4-9 including English, plus Maths at Grade 3-9, OR
- A First Diploma in a relevant subject at Level 2 Merit
- Initial assessment in Maths and English at application
- Successful interview with our team
If any of your Maths or English is below Grade 4, you'll continue working towards it alongside your course, built into your timetable.
Not sure you meet these? Talk to us and we will help you find the right starting point.
- Level 6 BA (Hons) Graphic Design: Branding, Promotion, and Digital Design At University Campus Doncaster 48 UCAS points
- Level 6 BA (Hons) Illustration & Concept Art At University Campus Doncaster 80 UCAS points
- Level 5 FdA Game Development At University Campus DoncasterAlso at University Campus North Lincolnshire 48 UCAS points
See all 8 courses
At University Campus Doncaster
At University Campus North Lincolnshire
Careers it can lead to
- Artists £35,100 a year
- Photographers, Audio-visual and Broadcasting Equipment Operators £27,800 a year
- With further study or experience Graphic and Multimedia Designers £26,400 a year
- With further study or experience Web Design Professionals £34,100 a year
See all 5 careers
With further study or experience
- Programmers and Software Development Professionals £46,600 a year
Typical pay is the UK median for each job (Lightcast, October 2026).
Life on the course
See what it’s really like
Our facilities
Studios and Industry-Standard Kit
You'll work in our recently upgraded Digital Technologies studios with the equipment and software the industry uses.
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State-of-the-Art Equipment
the studios were recently upgraded through a £1.5 million investment from Sheffield City Region.
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PCs and drawing tablets
industry-standard design equipment throughout the course.
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Trips and industry specialist tutors
go on trips to build understanding of the sector, taught by tutors with real-world creative sector experience.
Upgraded Studios · Drawing Tablets · Industry-Specialist Tutors
Student Voice
“
Studying here has been amazing. We get to use Adobe software, I’ve improved my time management and organisational skills, made new friends, worked on fun projects, and now I’m thinking about either getting an apprenticeship or going to uni.
For parents and carers
Supporting your child’s journey
Qualifications That Count
These are nationally recognised qualifications with real academic weight. Your child will develop practical skills and knowledge that employers and universities genuinely value.
See the full unit listReal Career Prospects
These qualifications lead to real jobs. Our courses are built around the skills that employers are actually hiring for, locally and nationally.
See career optionsFinancial Support Available
Bursaries are available, and free meals are provided for those who qualify. If cost is a concern, there's help, and it's straightforward to apply.
Financial support infoYour next step
Apply now, come and see us first, or ask us anything.
Want to visit first?
FE Open Event – 12th January 202712th January 4:30pm to 7:00pm
Got a question?
Ask us about the course, entry requirements or funding.
Call 0800 358 7575
What happens after you apply
1
You apply
Apply online and you’ll get a confirmation email.
2
You meet your tutor
We’ll invite you to an interview to talk through the course and your plans, and make sure it’s right for you.
3
You get an offer
We’ll email you a conditional or unconditional offer.
4
You get ready to start
Come to a taster session in the summer, then enrol in August, bringing your results.