BA (Hons) Motion Graphics

• Short form narrative
• Software skills
• Animation and design principles
• Visual communication and typography
• Video production
• Information design
• Branding
• Experiential design
• Industry context and design history

If you are studying the BA (Hons) Motion Graphics 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.

If you choose to add an Integrated Foundation Year on this course, you will be first introduced to the fundamental principles of design. Your foundation year gives you the time, space and support to explore your strengths, build confidence and prepare for the demands of project-based, industry-focused learning. Modules are as follows*:

• Module 1: Diagnostic exploration - making informed choices
• Module 2: Technical - Technical knowledge in practice
• Module 3: Specialist - Innovating specialist practice
• Module 4: Integration - Integrated practice for progression to Higher Education

Please note: Students starting this course with the Integrated Foundation Year in September 2026/27 will study the 2027/28 approved modules in Years 1, 2 and 3.

Year 1

Students will work on design and animation principles, including storytelling, typography, and video production, using key software like Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects, Premiere Pro, and Cinema 4D (free access).

Contextual studies develop analytical skills and explore the history of motion graphics, laying a strong foundation for the course.

Modules include:

• Design for Motion
• Animation Principles
• Main Title Design
• Production
• Professional Life Practice: "Developing your Practice"
• Professional Life Practice: "Exploring your Practice".

Year 2

The skills attained in the first year are brought together in the second year through longer projects that reflect the areas that motion graphic designers might typically work in.

Modules include:

• Motion Branding
• A Project with Purpose
• Emerging & Immersive Media
• Professional Life Practice: "Applying your Practice"
• Work-based Learning

Students also get the opportunity to collaborate with students from other courses through the elective units and with industry professionals on live briefs.

Year 3

In the final year, students create a personal portfolio reflecting their skills and aspirations. Most projects are self-initiated with briefs developed alongside tutors.

Students are required to enter one competition, of their own choice from a list provided by tutors. Across the term, students have on-going mentoring, technical advice and occasional workshops. In Term 3, they participate in portfolio reviews with industry professionals.

Modules include:

• External Partners
• Professional Life Practice: "Situating your Practice"
• Major Project
• Personal Branding and Portfolio Project

Year 1

Year 1 covers design and animation principles - storytelling, typography, and video production - using industry-standard software including After Effects, Premiere Pro, and Cinema 4D. Contextual studies explore the history of motion graphics and build strong analytical foundations.

Modules may include:

• Rave Beginnings
• 3D Animation Fundamentals
• Image & Industry: Visual Narratives
• Contemporary Visual Cultures: Images & Motion
• Motion Design for Social Media
• Employability & Professionalism

Year 2

Year 2 brings your first-year skills together through longer, industry-reflecting projects. You'll collaborate with students from other courses and work with industry professionals on live briefs - broadening your creative and professional experience.

Modules may include:

• Immersive Worlds
• Art Narrative & Industry
• Preparing for Industry
• Design Studio
• Innovation Sprints
• Live & Work-based Learning

Students also get the opportunity to collaborate with students from other courses through the elective units and with industry professionals on live briefs.

Year 3

Final year is centred on building a personal portfolio through self-initiated projects developed with tutor guidance. You'll enter an industry competition, receive ongoing mentoring and technical support, and take part in portfolio reviews with industry professionals.

Modules may include:

• Situating Practice
• Industry Partner
• Rave Futures
• Major Project

All modules are subject to revalidation.

Our campus 

You'll study in a building designed to encourage collaboration between the different disciplines and practices within Ravensbourne, and to stimulate the work of innovative professionals and creative collaboration.

It features a variety of workspaces, including social and quiet areas, high-tech creative suites, technology hubs, design studios and more. 

Want to see where you'd be studying up close? When you book a guided building tour, you can see our fantastic facilities for yourself and find out more from one of our helpful student ambassadors.

Our local area

Ravensbourne is ideally connected - North Greenwich station is just a 2-minute walk away from our campus and offers amazing views from the Greenwich Peninsula.

These transport links offer an easy route to some of London's major business hubs, perfect for reaching possible placements or networking events with employers in the worlds of business or technology.  

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 portfolio process.

Selection criteria:

Students should ideally have a background in art, creative media or design. Admission onto this course is also subject to successful completion of a portfolio (or showreel). 

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

If you wish to study our BA (Hons) Motion Graphics degree, we will need to see examples of previous work that showcases your suitability for the course. 

We don't require you to necessarily have any motion graphics or moving image work in your portfolio, although this is desirable, we do expect you to demonstrate an interest in and knowledge of the subject.

You should also include development work, sketch books and project logs.

Your portfolio should include work covered at GCSE, A Levels and / or Art & Design Foundation or BTEC, plus any work you consider relevant that you have produced independently.

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

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 DD or above
• BTEC Extended Diploma at grade PPP
• Other/Mixed qualifications equivalent to 48 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. 

Selection criteria:

Students should ideally have a background in art, creative media or design.

There are no interview or portfolio requirements for this course.