Animation BA
Develop your artistic, technical, and storytelling skills to create animated films, characters, and worlds. Learn traditional, digital, and experimental animation techniques for careers in film, TV, games, and creative media.
Is this for you?
This degree could suit you if you:
Enjoy drawing and storytelling
Are interested in film, TV, or media
Like creative expression
Want a career in animation
Are imaginative and patient
Popular Career Fields
Film & Television
Gaming & Interactive Media
Advertising & Marketing
Digital Media & Technology
Your Personality Might Be:
Visual storyteller
Gaming & Interactive Media
Technically skilled
Imaginative
What is it?
What Is an Animation Degree?
Animation is the study of bringing drawings, characters, and objects to life through movement. You’ll explore 2D, 3D, stop-motion, and digital animation, learning how to create stories, design visuals, and produce sequences from concept to final film.
Why Study Animation?
This degree is ideal for students who enjoy drawing, design, storytelling, and using digital tools. It develops both creative and technical expertise, preparing you for a wide range of roles in animation, games, visual effects, and media production.
Course Summary
Develop your artistic, technical, and storytelling skills to create animated films, characters, and worlds. Learn traditional, digital, and experimental animation techniques for careers in film, TV, games, and creative media.
What you'll study
Most Animation degrees cover:
Drawing, visual storytelling, and narrative design
2D animation techniques (hand-drawn, digital, vector-based)
3D animation fundamentals
Character design and development
Storyboarding and animatics
Stop-motion and model-making
Digital illustration, layout, and backgrounds
Editing, sound design, and post-production
Animation software such as Toon Boom, TVPaint, Maya, Blender, or After Effects
As you progress, you can often specialise: for example, in character animation, motion graphics, VFX, concept art, or animation for games.
Skills You'll Gain
An Animation degree helps you build both artistic and professional skills, including:
Character & Motion Design – creating expressive characters and believable movement.
2D/3D Animation Techniques – using software such as Toon Boom, Maya, Blender, or After Effects.
Storyboarding Skills – planning visual narratives, scenes, and camera movement.
Digital Illustration – producing polished visuals, assets, and concept art.
Visual Storytelling – conveying emotion, pacing, and narrative through animated sequences.
Explore Uni Open Days
Pathways, Placements and Work Experience
CAREERS
Career Pathways
Animation graduates work in a variety of creative fields, including:
Film, TV, and animation studios
Games, interactive media, and VR/AR
Advertising and motion graphics
Illustration, concept art, and digital media
Post-production and visual effects
Work Experiences & Placements
Many universities offer:
Industry placements with animation studios, game developers, or post-production companies
Opportunities to collaborate on live briefs set by film festivals, charities, or creative agencies
Projects and mentoring schemes through industry bodies like ScreenSkills
These experiences help you understand production workflows and build networks in the creative industries.
Salary Profile
Coming soon
Qualifications, Personal Satement, What to do Next?
AM I ELIGIBLE?
Entry Requirements
A-levels or equivalent. Most universities accept a broad range but Art, Design Technology, Media Studies, Film Studies, or Computer Science are beneficial.
Personal Statement Tips
Include drawing, character designs, storyboards, or short animations
Show your creative process, experimentation, and development
Demonstrate observational drawing skills and original ideas
Reflect on your influences (animators, studios, films) and how they inspire your work
What to do Next
Compare courses to find ones that match your preferred style (2D, 3D, stop-motion, mixed media)
Attend open days or join online taster workshops to meet staff and see facilities
Practise regularly with free software like Blender, Krita, or OpenToonz
Watch animated films, behind-the-scenes content, and tutorials to understand the industry
Wider Reading
The Animator’s Survival Kit by Richard Williams – The essential guide to animation technique.
The Illusion of Life by Frank Thomas & Ollie Johnston – Disney’s foundational work on animation principles.
Prepare to Board! by Nancy Beiman – A practical guide to storyboarding and character-based storytelling.
Timing for Animation by Harold Whitaker & John Halas – A classic reference on movement and timing in animation.