Computer Animation BA/BSc
Learn how to create animated characters, environments and visual effects using digital tools. Develop creative and technical skills for animation, games, film and interactive media.
Is this for you?
This degree could suit you if you:
Enjoy both technology and creativity
Are interested in gaming or film
Like digital tools and software
Want a technical creative career
Enjoy problem-solving
Popular Career Fields
Film & Television
Gaming & Interactive Media
Advertising & Marketing
Digital Media & Technology
Your Personality Might Be:
Technical creativity
Gaming & Interactive Media
Visual thinker
Patient worker
What is it?
What Is a Computer Animation Degree?
Computer Animation focuses on creating moving images using digital technologies. You will study 2D and 3D animation, modelling, rigging, lighting and rendering. The course explores how animation is produced using computers and how storytelling, design and technology work together.
Why Study Computer Animation?
This degree suits students who enjoy creativity, digital design and technology. It prepares you for work in animation studios, games development, visual effects and digital media by combining artistic thinking with technical skills.
Course Summary
Learn how to create animated characters, environments and visual effects using digital tools. Develop creative and technical skills for animation, games, film and interactive media.
What you'll study
Most Computer Animation degrees cover:
Principles of animation and movement
2D digital animation techniques
3D modelling and digital sculpting
Character rigging and animation
Lighting, texturing and rendering
Visual effects and compositing
Storyboarding and visual storytelling
Animation software such as Maya, Blender, Houdini or Unreal Engine
Optional Modules
Later in the course you can often specialise in areas such as character animation, visual effects, game animation, motion graphics, real time animation or technical animation.
Skills You'll Gain
A Computer Animation degree helps you develop creative, technical and professional skills, including:
A degree in Computer Animation builds a broad mix of technical, creative, and professional skills, including:
3D modelling and animation – enabling you to craft characters, environments, and motion using industry-standard software such as Maya, Blender, and Cinema 4D.
Visual storytelling – developing your ability to convey narrative, emotion, and meaning through movement, timing, and design.
Technical and creative problem-solving – equipping you to navigate the constant tension between artistic intent and software or hardware limitations.
Production pipeline awareness – giving you insight into how animation projects move from initial brief through rigging, rendering, and final delivery in real studio environments.
Critical analysis and reflection – training you to assess your own work constructively and engage with peer critique as part of the creative process.
Collaboration and teamwork – preparing you to contribute to interdisciplinary teams on shared projects, mirroring the collaborative nature of the animation and games industries.
Pathways, Placements and Work Experience
CAREERS
Career Pathways
Computer Animation graduates work across a range of creative and technical industries, including:
Animation and visual effects studios
Games development and interactive media
Film and television production
Advertising and digital content creation
Virtual and augmented reality
Work Experiences & Placements
Many universities offer:
Industry placements with animation studios or games companies
Opportunities to work on student films, games or collaborative projects
Live briefs and industry mentoring
Access to professional software and production pipelines
These experiences help you build confidence and prepare for industry roles.
Salary Profile
Coming soon
Qualifications, Personal Satement, What to do Next?
AM I ELIGIBLE?
Entry Requirements
A-levels or equivalent, often including Art, Design, Computing or Media
Personal Statement Tips
Include animation tests, digital models or short films
Show your creative process and technical development
Demonstrate understanding of movement and design
Reflect on your influences and career interests
What to do Next
Practise animation using free or student software
Watch animated films and analyse how they are made
Attend open days or online taster sessions
Build small animation projects to strengthen your portfolio
Wider Reading
The Animator’s Survival Kit — Richard Williams
Fundamental principles of movement and timing applied to digital animation.Digital Character Animation 3 — George Maestri
Focused guidance on 3D animation workflows, rigs, and motion techniques.The Illusion of Life — Ollie Johnston & Frank Thomas
Core animation principles that underpin both 2D and 3D character work.Stop Staring: Facial Modeling and Animation Done Right — Jason Osipa
Practical techniques for expressive facial animation in CG.Acting for Animators — Ed Hooks
Performance-centred insight applicable to animated characters in any medium.