Program Overview

Do you have a favourite character from an animated film? Whether it’s The Evil Queen, Buzz Lightyear, a minion from Despicable Me, Jack Skellington, a Prince or Princess, Hero or Villain, have you ever wondered what and who turns them into such likeable (or loathe-able) characters?

Our BA (Hons) Animation course will transform you into one of these creators in industry - focusing on the development of character animation skills, while being supported by core competencies and collaborative skills. If you are drawn to the thought of giving life to inanimate objects using 2D, 3D, Stop Motion and Games Animation - this course is for you.

As a University, we are focused on employability, and our animation course is no different. During the course you’ll develop a professional showreel and portfolio that is in-line with both your own personal style and current industry needs and expectations.

Your first year of study will help you develop a variety of skills, while building a theoretical knowledge of animation, story art, asset creation, drawing and design.

In the second and third years of the course, you’ll be encouraged to individually tailor the course to your own needs by selecting from key specialist modules, depending on your personal and career interests. You'll have access to industry standard animation software and equipment in support of your chosen specialism, with the majority of your time working in our professional animation studios and post-production facilities.

Whether you choose to specialise in 3D Digital, 2D Digital, Computer Games or Stop Motion animation, we’ll support you with industry level expertise, both in and out of the classroom. There will be opportunities to engage in public screening events, studio and gallery visits, international trips, and UK animation festival visits. Plus, our termly ‘Creative Intervention Workshops’, where all year groups collaboratively explore creative topics, will help you build the networks within the University that could last a lifetime.

You will receive recognition of your ‘pathway specialism’ on your degree certificate and your transcripts that will demonstrate to graduate recruiters the specialist skills and capabilities you have attained throughout your studies.

We have a professional studio facility called ‘in CUBE 8’ where students, supported by Technical staff, provide year-long animation services in response to Live Briefs and external client needs - a space for students to gain experience of production management and professional production skills.

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: BA (Hons) Animation with the option of achieving a specialism in 2D Digital Animation, 3D Digital Animation, Computer Games Animation or Stop Motion Animation.