Animation, BA (Hons)

This specialist course equips passionate students for careers in animation production across film, TV, games, and beyond. It emphasizes practical and technical skills in traditional and digital animation, building a strong foundation in theories and concepts to guide specialization. Through hands-on experimentation, creative collaboration, live briefs, and international competitions, students develop expertise while gaining insights from industry speakers, work experience, and studio visits. Visiting experts from renowned brands like Aardman Animation and independent professionals enhance learning, fostering real-world networking and career opportunities.The curriculum progresses over three years: Year one introduces animation principles, from idea generation to production techniques in 2D, 3D, and stop motion. Year two focuses on collaborative projects, critical thinking, and skills in pre-production and beyond. Year three emphasizes personal ambitions, research, and portfolio development to launch successful careers.

Year one – Develop a comprehensive understanding of the principles of animation, from idea generation to end production processes. Exploration of the animation cycle covers research, narrative development, worldbuilding, character design, storyboarding, background/layout, and innovative media and animation techniques. Learn skills across 2D, 3D computer-generated, and stop motion animation. You’ll consider the practical, conceptual, and theoretical pathways open to you as an animator. Year two – Collaborate with others to develop your own specialist practice using briefs and self-identified projects. You will focus on critical thinking, pre-production, animation, or post-production techniques as you progress. This enables you to further understand job roles and your interests within the animation production pipeline. Competitions, live briefs, and teamwork teaches you essential social, communication, professional, employability and entrepreneurial skills. Year three – Using your new knowledge, you will focus on your own creative ambitions and develop a strategy for becoming a professional animator. You’ll be involved in practice based research, negotiate your own projects, participate in competitions, attend conferences, and meet visiting professionals. Year three focusses on building a striking and unique portfolio that reflects the skills you have to offer any future employer or client, setting you up for a successful career in the industry.