BA (Hons) Character Design & Concept Art

If you are studying the BA (Hons) Character Design & Concept Art with Integrated Foundation Year version of this course, key topics of your integrated foundation year will include:

• Fundamental design principles: typography, colour, hierarchy, layout, and imagery
• Developing clear visual narratives, identities, and design systems
• Crafting effective visual storytelling through sequencing, pace, and tone
• Conducting research with cultural, social, and ethical awareness
• Mastery of industry-standard software (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Animate, After Effects, Acrobat, Premiere Pro)
• Managing production workflows from pre-production to post-production
• Critically evaluating design work using relevant criteria
• Creating professional portfolios, slide decks, and pitch presentations

Key study themes for the 3 year version of this course, and Year 1, 2, 3, of the Integrated Foundation Year version of this course are:

Applying your skills across a range of illustrative applications including: 

• drawing and image-making fundamentals
• understanding and interpreting narrative informed by research
• using digital image-making tools and 3D modelling to bring characters and environments to life.

In year 1 you will build essential skills in ideation, character design and narrative. You will be introduced to industry standard software such as Photoshop and Cinema 4D and cover the intricacies of world building for the motion picture, animation and video game industry.

Modules:

• Introduction to Visual Culture
• Introduction to Illustration Practice
• Visual Culture Futures
• Narrative Concepts and Communication
• Professional Life Practice: Developing Your Practice
• Professional Life Practice: Exploring Your Practice

In year 2 you will focus on live briefs from industry and deepen your skill building in digital media (both 2D and 3D) and engaging with visual and textual research to invent new worlds and characters. 

You will also gain valuable work experience in industry as part of year 2.

Modules:

• Organic Forms - Anatomy & Dynamics
• New Dimensions - From 2D to 3D
• Building Imaginary Worlds - Deconstructing Narrative & Applied Research
• Professional Life Practice: Applying Your Practice
• Work Based Learning

During year 3 you will prepare for the creative industries, working on projects directed towards specific sectors of the industry. You will have access to Industry experts who will guide your portfolio development and you will have the opportunity to showcase your work in public facing venues.

Modules:

• Pro Level - Live Briefs and Real World Projects
• Professional Life Practice: Situating Your Practice
• Pitch - Major Project
• Concept Art & Character Design Portfolio

You will be continually assessed throughout the course using a variety of methods including peer assessment, presentations and reflective written documents. 

At Ravensbourne we accept a wide range of qualifications for entry onto our courses, whilst also considering the context in which they were achieved. For this course, we would usually require a GCSE Grade 4 or above in English in addition to any of the below;

• Two A Levels at grade CC or above
• BTEC Extended Diploma at grade MPP
• UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma
• T Level (pass or above)
• Access to Higher Education Diploma
• International Baccalaureate at grade 24 or above
• Other/Mixed qualifications equivalent to 64 UCAS Tariff points

At Ravensbourne we take a flexible approach to admissions, as we want you to know exactly what you need to achieve in your exams to guarantee a place on the course. We still think exams are important and look forward to hearing about your successes, but we place just as much importance on the work you will share with us as part of our interview and/or portfolio process.

Selection criteria:

You should ideally have a background in art, creative media or design. You are expected to submit a portfolio of work which demonstrates a range of skills and why you would be a good fit for the course.

We may also consider a combination of portfolio and academic qualifications and take into consideration progress made during studies and/or relevant work experience.

UK students

Simply select your chosen start date using the 'Apply now' dropdown at the top of this page, and you will be directed to the appropriate course page on the UCAS website. The UCAS code for this course is located in the course overview bar at the top of this page. 

The UCAS website will guide you through the simple application process. You can also apply through your school or college using the UCAS system.

Learn more: how to apply for an undergraduate degree course

The entry requirements for this course can be found in the relevant section above.

International students

International students can apply directly via our Online Applicant Portal. Please see bespoke advice for international students in the dedicated accordion item below. 

Admission onto this course is also subject to successful completion of an interview and portfolio (or showreel). 

We are looking for aspiring illustrators who are passionate about image-making, and want to take part in shaping the future of visual communication.

We are not seeking industry-ready professionals, or people with established styles - we are simply looking for students who are excited and intrigued by character design and concept art, and have the curiosity and motivation to approach it with the energy and focus it needs.

This means that we have no specific requirements for what should be in your portfolio, but we would like to see evidence of how you like to make images (it doesn’t matter if that’s drawing, painting, digital work, collage, photography, animation - that part is up to you), as well as roughs, sketchbooks and development, so that we can get an idea of how you create your work.

Technical and digital skills are useful, but not mandatory - digital workshops run throughout the course, and will get you up to speed on everything you need to learn to create industry-ready work.

This page offers great tips for completing your portfolio/showreel and preparing for your interview. 

You can’t learn in a vacuum. At Ravensbourne University London, industry connection is ingrained into everything we do. We will equip you for success in the creative and digital industries, ensuring you are truly industry ready upon graduation. Our tutors are respected academics and practitioners with substantial experience and industry links.

You will be part of a diverse community of creatives, working collaboratively to explore new professional practices. Ravensbourne have strong industry links with a range of high-profile companies, including: Apple, Barclays, the BBC, European Space Agency, Marks & Spencer, Museum of London, the Royal Shakespeare Company, Samsung and many more.

This course crosses many creative boundaries with opportunities within multiple sectors including graphic design, advertising, publishing, fashion, product design, animation and games design.

Find out more about our tuition fees and whether you qualify for financial support during your studies. 

Key links:

• Undergraduate fees and funding
• Paying your fees
• Scholarships, bursaries and other discounts

For information on study routes, visa requirements, studying in England,  language and entry requirements, application requirements and access to international agents, please visit our international section.

Quick links:

• How to apply
• International Education Agents
• Visas and immigration
• Student visa CAS deposit refund
• International student FAQs

If you have any questions, we'd love to hear from you. 

Get in touch with a member of our admissions team:

T: +44 (0) 20 3040 3998

E: [email protected]

If you have specific queries about being an international student, contact [email protected]

For general information, call +44 (0) 20 3040 3500

You can also chat to our students