
Animation and Illustration - Level 3
Start Date: 1st September 2025

- Length 2 years
- Study Full-Time
- Location Rye Hill Campus
Qualification Gained
Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma Art and Design (Animation and Illustration)
Levels ExplainedMore about the course
Are you a hands-on creative thinker who loves the idea of developing characters and bringing them to life? If this sounds like you then this studio-based Animation and Illustration course will develop your in-depth understanding of traditional and digital design techniques.
You will create characters from concept to digital animation using traditional art skills, 2D and 3D techniques, storyboarding and stop-motion.
Taught by practising animators, children's book illustrators and experts in Adobe After Effects and Cinema 4D, you will be supported to develop your own creative style.
You will become skilled in the Adobe creative suite and have access to Mac suites and Wacom pens and tablets.
Get In Touch
Meet our staff and students

Paul Smyth
Lecturer - Digital Arts"I run my own 3D animation company and I'm one of the lecturers on the BA (Hons) Animation course. I try to not only bring in industry skills but also push experimentation with new technologies to further our students' skills."

Laurene Herodin
BA (Hons) Animation"During my studies, I've received so many open-ended assignments that have given me the opportunity to explore my creativity at a professional level and see the paths it might lead me down. I've developed important professional skills, and learnt from tutors whose current industry knowledge means they are never out-of-touch - which has been fantastic in helping me secure employment."
Digital Arts at Newcastle College

What can I do with a qualification in Digital Arts?
Daily tasks:
- Directs the arranging of conferences, exhibitions, seminars, etc. to promote the image of a product, service or organisation.
- Stays abreast of changes in media, readership or viewing figures and advertising rates.
- Reviews and revises campaign strategy in light of sales figures, surveys, etc. and takes appropriate corrective measures if necessary.
- Conceives advertising campaign to impart the desired product image in an effective and economical way.
- Defines target group and implements strategy through appropriate media planning work.
- Liaises with client to discuss product/service to be marketed and develops the most appropriate strategy to deliver the objectives.
Powered by EMSI
Daily tasks:
- Liaises with production staff in checking final proof copies immediately prior to printing.
- Selects material for broadcast or publication, checks style, grammar, accuracy and legality of content and arranges for any necessary revisions.
- Writes articles and features and submits draft manuscripts to newspaper, magazine, periodical or programme editor.
- Determines subject matter and undertakes research by interviewing, attending public events, seeking out records, reviewing written work, attending film and stage performances etc..
Powered by EMSI
What can I do with a qualification in Digital Arts?
Advertising and public relations directors
Daily tasks:
- Directs the arranging of conferences, exhibitions, seminars, etc. to promote the image of a product, service or organisation.
- Stays abreast of changes in media, readership or viewing figures and advertising rates.
- Reviews and revises campaign strategy in light of sales figures, surveys, etc. and takes appropriate corrective measures if necessary.
- Conceives advertising campaign to impart the desired product image in an effective and economical way.
- Defines target group and implements strategy through appropriate media planning work.
- Liaises with client to discuss product/service to be marketed and develops the most appropriate strategy to deliver the objectives.
Powered by EMSI
Journalists, Newspaper and Periodical Editors
Daily tasks:
- Liaises with production staff in checking final proof copies immediately prior to printing.
- Selects material for broadcast or publication, checks style, grammar, accuracy and legality of content and arranges for any necessary revisions.
- Writes articles and features and submits draft manuscripts to newspaper, magazine, periodical or programme editor.
- Determines subject matter and undertakes research by interviewing, attending public events, seeking out records, reviewing written work, attending film and stage performances etc..
Powered by EMSI
Good to know
What's happening?


Newcastle College University Centre Open Event
Rye Hill Campus
Tuesday 13th May 2025
4:30pm - 7:00pm

Either
- The level required to start the course
- The level rewarded when completing the course
Not a Newcastle College student?
If you are not currently a Newcastle College student, apply here:
VISIT UCASNewcastle College students
If you are a current Newcastle College student, apply here:
CURRENT STUDENT APPLICATIONor Continue Browsing
Course Added
This course has now been added to your basket. Please click below to apply now or continue browsing.
Apply Now