UK Animation Degree

Learn how to tell stories and engage audiences by creating the illusion of movement with a UK animation degree

Animation courses in the UK teach you the key skills needed for a successful career in drawing, character animation, graphics and video production. Many courses are taught by industry professionals who have extensive knowledge of this highly skilled field.

Course modules will generally include illustration, visual communication, digital film and animation, visualisation, design, animation for computer games and general media. You will be expected to create work which can be used in films, television advertisements, cartoons and computer games, and already have a base talent both creatively and technically.

Alongside learning the core practical skills needed to succeed, students will also study conceptual and theoretical topics such as art, design, communication, narrative and scripting. Animation media allow students to become part of the 3D, CG, games and film production networks in the UK and beyond.

Types of Animation Course

Bachelor of Animation

A BA in Animation in the UK blends creativity and technical skills. Students explore digital design, storytelling, and computer imagery, making characters and scenes vibrant. Graduates develop animation techniques, software proficiency, and teamwork through projects and industry exposure and will unlock doors to careers in film, gaming, and advertising. Situated in a global creative hub, the UK provides ample opportunities for networking and professional growth. With a strong emphasis on practical learning, students refine their artistic talents while mastering the tools of the trade.

• Course Fees: £12,000 to £25,000 per year.
• Course Duration: Usually 3 to 4 years of full-time study.
• International Entry Requirements: A-levels: BBB to CCC; International Baccalaureate (IB): 28 to 32 points or above. 

Master’s of Animation

An Animation MA offers an advanced exploration of the art and technology behind animation. Students delve into intricate storytelling concepts, character development, and visual effects, refining their creative and technical prowess. With access to cutting-edge software and industry insights, graduates gain a deep understanding of animation's diverse applications in film, television, gaming, and virtual reality. The programme fosters collaborative projects and critical thinking, preparing students to lead in the ever-evolving animation landscape. Whether focusing on 2D or 3D animation, graduates emerge with a portfolio showcasing their expertise, poised to contribute innovatively to the global entertainment industry.

• Course Fees: £15,000 to £30,000 per year.
• Course Duration: Usually 3 to 4 years of full-time study.
• International Entry Requirements: A-levels: BBB to CCC; International Baccalaureate (IB): 28 to 32 points or above. 

PhD in Animation

Studying for a PhD will allow you to dig deep into how animation works, the stories it tells, and how different cultures influence it. Experienced mentors will be there to help you learn how to do research and add new knowledge to the world of animation. By working hard and being creative, you'll become an expert in animation. This will help you develop new ideas for movies, games, and even teaching.

Animation Scholarships

Animation scholarships collectively signify the UK's commitment to fostering diverse talent and advancing the realms of animation and creative technology.

Animex Scholarship by Teesside University

Intended for underrepresented students, Teesside University offers the Animex Scholarship within the School of Computing, Engineering & Digital Technologies. Applicants enrolling in animation, stop motion, concept art, visual effects, games art, games design, games development, or games programming for the upcoming academic year could secure £2,500.

Creative Futures Scholarship by the University of the Arts London

International students with a passion for creative fields, including animation, can benefit from this scholarship at the University of the Arts London. With a value of £5,000, it aids outstanding individuals by reducing tuition fees, ensuring access to top-tier creative education.

Royal College of Art Animation Scholarship

Recognising brilliance in animation, the Royal College of Art Animation Scholarship welcomes UK and international students to their MA Animation programme. With potential funding of up to £5,000, it empowers innovative animators and nurtures their potential as future leaders in the field.

Animation Jobs and Careers

The animation industry thrives on innovation and creativity, offering a realm of possibilities for those with a passion for visual storytelling and artistic expression.

• Animator: Breathe life into characters, objects, and scenes, creating mesmerising visuals for films, TV shows, games, and beyond.
• Character Designer: Develop unique and compelling characters, infusing them with personality and charm.
• Visual Effects (VFX) Artist: Add stunning effects and enhancements to live-action films or create entirely digital environments.
• Motion Graphics Designer: Blend animation with typography and graphics, producing eye-catching visuals for advertisements, presentations, and digital media.
• 3D Modeler: Shape intricate 3D assets for animations, games, or architectural visualisations.
• Art Director: Leads artistic vision and style, ensuring consistency and excellence throughout the animation.
• Stop Motion Animator: Craft unique animations by manipulating physical objects frame by frame.
• Visual Development Artist: Conceptualise and design the look and feel of animation projects, from characters to environments.
• Technical Director: Combine artistic and technical skills to ensure smooth production workflows.
• Film and TV Production: Collaborate on large-scale productions as part of animation teams, contributing to blockbuster movies and TV shows.

Where can I study Animation in the UK?

To learn more about the best animation courses in the UK, find details on the top ten ranking Animation and Game Design universities in the Guardian University Guide 2024 below:

1. University of the Arts London
2. Glasgow Caledonian University
3. Birmingham City University
4. Salford University
5. Manchester Metropolitan University
6. Coventry University
7. University of Hertfordshire
8. University of Portsmouth
9. University of Brighton
10. University of South Wales

Study Animation in the UK

If you are interested in studying an animation course in the UK, arrange your free consultation with SI-UK today.

Contact SI-UK about your application

Animation Degree FAQ

Is the UK a good place to study animation?

Yes, the UK has a thriving animation industry, and many renowned universities and colleges offer excellent animation degrees. Students can benefit from the UK's creative environment, experienced faculty, and exposure to industry professionals.

What are the best animation courses available in the UK?

The UK offers a plethora of outstanding Animation courses catering to different interests and career paths. Some of the best courses available include "Digital Animation," "Character Animation," "Visual Effects and Motion Graphics," "Stop-Motion Animation," and "Experimental Animation." Leading institutions like the National Film and Television School (NFTS), Royal College of Art, and Arts University Bournemouth are known for their world-class animation courses.

What is the duration of an animation course in the UK?

For an undergraduate degree, the typical duration is three years. Postgraduate programmes can range from one to two years.

What are the most popular job positions available in the field of Animation in the UK?

The field of animation in the UK offers graduates a range of exciting job opportunities. Some of the most sought-after job positions include:

• Character Animator: Bringing life to characters through movement and emotions in animated films and games.
• Visual Effects (VFX) Artist: Using advanced computer graphics, creating stunning visual effects for films, TV shows, and commercials.
• 3D Modeler: Designing and building 3D models of characters, objects, and environments for animation projects.
• Motion Graphics Designer: Producing dynamic and eye-catching animations for title sequences, commercials, and multimedia presentations.
• Game Animator: Crafting animations for characters and objects within video games to enhance gameplay experiences.

What are some top organisations that hire graduates after an Animation degree in the UK?

Upon completing an animation degree in the UK, graduates can find exciting career opportunities in various industries. Top organisations that actively hire animation graduates include:

• Pixar Animation Studios: Although based in the USA, Pixar is a highly acclaimed animation studio that attracts talent from around the world, including the UK.
• BBC Animation: The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) produces animated content and hires animators for its projects.
• Framestore: A renowned VFX and Animation studio in the UK, known for its work on blockbuster films and commercials.
• Aardman Animations: Famous for creating stop-motion classics like Wallace and Gromit, Aardman Animations offers opportunities for skilled animators.
• Rocksteady Studios: A video game development company known for its Batman: Arkham series and other successful games.
• Industrial Light & Magic (ILM): A division of Lucasfilm and a leader in VFX, which occasionally recruits talent from the UK.