BA (Hons) Motion Graphics with Integrated Foundation Year

During Year 1 you will focus on:

• 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.

During Year 2, 3 and 4 of the course you will explore:

• 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.

This course will introduce you to the fundamental principles of design and creative problem-solving. This foundation year gives you the time, space and support to explore your creative identity, build confidence and prepare for the demands of studio-based, project-led 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

Students will start with design and animation principles specific to Motion Graphics and develop key skills that will underpin their work across the rest of the course. These include conceptual thinking, storytelling, animation, visualisation, visual communication, typography and video production.

This is underpinned by introductions to the key software used on the course, Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects, Premier Pro and Cinema 4D. All of this software is available free for students on the course.

Students develop analytical thinking through their contextual studies, and examine the history and context of the motion graphics industry.

Modules include:

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

The skills attained in the second year are brought together in the third 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.

They will also have opportunities to engage with industry professionals, work on live briefs and take up work-based learning opportunities.

The final year is focused on creating a personal portfolio of work that reflects individual student's skills and aspirations as a motion graphics designer.

All projects apart from one are self-initiated by the students and the briefs are developed in conjunction with 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 and technical advice, and occasional workshops.

In term 3 students are given the opportunity to engage in portfolio reviews with industry professionals.

Modules include:

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

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. 

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

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 application form.

 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

Students will graduate with strong concept skills and technical expertise and be ready for a broad range of careers in the creative industry.

Students are often employed directly in motion graphics studios, but also work in advertising, branding, broadcast, film, title design, experiential design, exhibitions and events.

At Ravensbourne University London, industry connection is embedded into everything we do. Our course 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 has 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. 

The Motion Graphics course has links with many design studio powerhouses including XK Studio, Future Deluxe, Alchemy Studio, Weareseveteen, Territory Studio, Potion Pictures, The Mill, Studio Hansa, Design Bridge, Animade, Inertia, Unit, and many more.

We also have major links with global broadcasters like SkyTV, Discovery Channel, BT TV, BBC/Red Bee, and many companies that employ motion graphic designers ranging from Burberry to Manchester United FC.

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

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