Why study this programme at BSBI (short, practical reasons)

• Industry-focused curriculum: modules balance visual storytelling, character/world building, storyboarding and professional practice — made for entertainment industries (games, animation, film, comics).

• UCA awarding partner: your BA (Hons) is awarded by the University for the Creative Arts (UCA), a specialist UK creative university — good signalling for creative careers.

• Small classes + studios: hands-on studio time, portfolio development and access to Hamburg campus facilities.

• Scholarship & portfolio opportunities: regular Portfolio Scholarship Competition (examples: 1 × 100% tuition; several 50% / 40% slots) and other programme offers. Great if you want to reduce costs based on work quality.

 

Programme structure & sample modules (what you’ll actually study)

Teaching methods: lectures, tutorials, workshops, video, practical studio work, seminars, trips; assessments include portfolios, projects, reports, presentations and a Final Major Project. Teaching may run Monday–Saturday.

Year-by-year snapshot (BSBI listing):

• Year 1: Visual Design Fundamentals; Narrative Development for Concept & Sequential Art; Design Sprints; EDI (Equality, Diversity & Inclusion) and digital outcomes.

• Year 2: Advanced Workflow & Techniques; Concept Story Design; Character & World Building; Environmental Storytelling; Industry Brief; personalised digital portfolio.

• Year 3: Final Major Project (pre-production & production); Professional Practice and industry-facing production work. There’s also a Year-3 (direct entry) route for students with prior vocational/HND qualifications.

 

Specialisms / career pathways / outcomes

Typical job roles after graduation: Comic book artist, concept artist, character designer, storyboard artist, background/environment artist, game artist, illustrator, freelance creator, previsualisation artist for film/TV. BSBI offers Careers Service support and employer links in creative industries.

 

Technical / equipment & portfolio tips (practical)

• Laptop: BSBI requires students to arrive with a suitable laptop for design work (they publish technical recommendations). Plan to have a design-capable laptop (graphics tablet optional but helpful).

• Portfolio: up to 12 digital pieces, include process work (sketches, iterations), show storytelling ability, character design, sequential art, digital and traditional work if possible. Use BSBI’s “Portfolio Cookbook” guidance.

 

Latest updates & special requirements (what changed / what to check)

• Delivery & campus: BSBI explicitly states this programme is delivered 100% on campus at Hamburg (important if you were hoping for online/blended delivery).

• Credits / ECTS mapping: BSBI confirms 120 UK credits per year (60 ECTS equivalent) — handy if you plan to transfer credits in Europe.

• Fees & offers change often: BSBI lists programme fees but also frequent programme offers and scholarship competitions — check the Programme Offers & Scholarships pages before you apply to capture discounts.

• English test & portfolio: English requirement (typically IELTS 6.0 overall, min 5.5 each band) and a portfolio upload for Year-1 entry are compulsory unless clearly exempted.