Character Design and Concept Art with Integrated Foundation Year

Explore character and world creation for animation, gaming, comics, and more, while discovering your own creative flair.

Why study this degree?
1. Develop concepts for multiple industries on live briefs – from commercial graphic design to fashion and animation
2. Work in a collaborative studio environment
3. Become a contemporary visual storyteller
4. Work with text, drawings, moving images and printmaking
5. Gain hands-on experience with industry-standard software.

This practice-led course prepares you for entry into the specialist field of concept art and character design. With access to state-of-the-art facilities and strong industry links, the course will enable you to sharpen your skills and prepare you for industry.

Through an exploration of drawing, anatomy, working with narrative, 3D modelling and using modern digital image-making tools, you will gain a deep understanding of how to create authentic characters and visual concepts.

Integrated Foundation Year
On the 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.

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

After you have completed your Integrated Foundation Year, you will study the following:

Year 1
Year 1 builds essential skills in ideation, character design, and narrative. Get to grips with industry-standard software including Photoshop and Cinema 4D, exploring world-building for film, animation, and games.

Modules may include:
• Rave Beginnings



• Drawing, Mark-Making & Expression



• History of Visual Culture



• Storytelling & Concept



• Future Directions in Visual Culture & EPC



Year 2
Year 2 focuses on live industry briefs, deepening your 2D and 3D digital media skills through visual and textual research. You'll also gain valuable hands-on work experience as part of the year.

Modules may include:
• Character Development



• Sequential Narratives



• The Storyteller



• Preparing for Industry



• Live & Work-based Learning



Year 3
Final year prepares you for the creative industries, working on sector-specific projects with guidance from industry experts. You'll also have the opportunity to showcase your portfolio in public-facing venues.

Modules may include:
• Personal Voice & Style



• Competitions & Live Briefs



• Rave Futures



• Major Project



All modules are subject to revalidation.

Do you want to study in a top 3 student city in the world?* Unleash your creativity at Ravensbourne University London.

Located in London's Design District, Ravensbourne sits opposite the O2, next to Greenwich, and at the heart of the city's cutting-edge creative community. With London's impressive skyline and iconic river just opposite, you're bound to find inspiration all around.

Ravensbourne offers specialist study in arts and Business degrees. Each course consists of expert teaching, exciting modules and state-of-the-art facilities. Animators can bring their creations to life with industry-standard software, designers can secure placements at internationally renowned fashion houses, and architects can create stunning renders of their future designs through intricate prototypes and computer-generated sketches.

With spaces available through Clearing, you can join a unique community of makers and innovators this September.

* (QS Best Student Cities 2026)