Study Animation, why & how to study

CONTENTS

1. What’s Animation?

2. What Animation degrees can you study?

3. What do you need to get onto an Animation degree?

4. What topics does an Animation degree cover?

5. How will you be assessed?

6. Why study Animation?

7. What do Animation graduates earn?

8. What jobs can you get as an Animation graduate?

9. What are the postgraduate opportunities?

10. Similar subjects to Animation

11. Have any questions?

What’s Animation?

Animation is the process of creating moving visuals with drawings, designs or puppets.

Study Animation to learn how to create animated works. This could be through using 2D and 3D techniques, cameras, CGI and other software and equipment. You’ll learn about things like storyboarding, character development, scriptwriting and cinematography.

Degrees set you up for a career creating animations for computers, games, TV, film and more.

Animation falls into the broader subject area of Art & Design. Take a look at the university league table for Art & Design.

What Animation degrees can you study?

Undergraduate Animation degrees are usually awarded with a Bachelor of Arts (BA). You will also come across Bachelor of Design (BDes) degrees.

Examples of degrees:

Animation BA/BDes

This degree gives you a broad foundation in the subject, covering most areas of animation theory. You’ll develop creative skills through practical projects.

Search for Animation courses.

Illustration with Animation BA

Learn the principles of both animation and illustration and how each complements the other. This may suit you if you’re interested in visual storytelling and expression.

Find Illustration with Animation courses.

Graphic Design and Animation BA

If you’re interested in both areas, you can learn how to apply principles of graphic design to animation projects. You’ll use different software packages and learn various techniques.

Search for Graphic Design and Animation courses.

Game Animation BA

Specialise in animation for video games and create characters, virtual locations and special effects. The course will prepare you for work in the gaming industry.

Find Game Animation courses.

Other options 

Many universities offer an integrated foundation year or industry experience. You may even have the chance to study abroad as part of the course. 

What do you need to get onto an Animation degree?

Most undergraduate Animation courses ask for around 96–120 UCAS points. Not every university will base an offer on UCAS points. Some courses may have lower or higher requirements. You can get UCAS points from one of the following:

• A Levels: BBB–CCC
• BTECs: DMM–MMM
• Scottish Highers: BBBB–ABCC
• International Baccalaureate: 32–26
• Universities will usually ask that you have studied a creative arts subject

Other good subjects to have studied include:

• Art and design
• Graphic design
• Media
• English
• IT
• Creative writing
• Film
• Computer science

Experiences that would look good on your application:

• Volunteering or work experience with an animation, computer games, broadcasting or advertising company
• Knowledge of CAD and computer software programmes
• Illustration or other creative arts courses
• Membership of an animation-focused community

Other requirements for this subject include:

• You may be invited to an interview to show a portfolio of work, demonstrating your drawing, storytelling and character design skills

What topics does an Animation degree cover?

Typical modules on a course in this subject include:

• Structure and narrative
• Visual language
• Contextual and theoretical studies
• Animation strategies
• Character animation
• Process and production
• 2D and 3D techniques
• Cameras and CGI

How will you be assessed?

Depending on your modules, you could be assessed through:

• Showreels
• Portfolios
• Presentations
• Essays
• Reports
• Final-year dissertation

Why study Animation?

Courses often have partnerships with industry organisations like the BBC, Channel 4, the National Trust, MTV, the Tate and Nickelodeon.

Career-specific skills:

• Handmade and digital animation
• Drawing and illustration
• Model making
• 2D and 3D
• Film
• Stop-motion
• Kinetic technology

Transferable skills:

• Time management
• Attention to detail
• Creativity
• Project management
• Communication
• Problem-solving
• Interpersonal
• Teamwork
• Presentation

Professional accreditations:

• CILECT (the International Association of Cinema, Audiovisual and Media Schools)
• Adobe Certified Associate (ACA)

What do Animation graduates earn?

Graduates of animation degrees currently earn an entry-level salary of £20,000–£24,000. Computer game animation roles start at the higher end.

Average salaries are around £25,000; if you have over ten years' experience, it may be possible to earn as much as £40,000 if you're in a high-level position.

Read more about what graduates do and earn. 

What jobs can you get as an Animation graduate?

Many graduates work in the entertainment and digital industries, working on films, TV, advertising, computer games and other media. Examples of roles that graduates go into:

• Animator
• Director
• Producer
• Production designer
• Storyboard artist
• Motion designer
• Model maker
• Games developer
• Concept artist
• Interface developer
• Illustrator
• VFX producer
• Multimedia specialist
• Special effects technician
• Production coordinator
• Runner

Take a look at the careers you can get with an Art & Design degree.

What are the postgraduate opportunities?

Examples of postgraduate courses available at universities in the UK:

• Animation MA
• Animation & VFX MSc
• Game Art and Animation MSc by Research, MPhil, PhD
• Illustration and Animation MA
• 2D Animation and Stop Motion MA

Similar subjects to Animation

Other subject areas that might appeal to you include:

• Art & Design
• Communication & Media Studies
• Drama, Dance & Cinematics
• Film Making
• Game Design
• Graphic Design

Search undergraduate Animation courses now!

Have any questions?

Get in touch with our experts by emailing ask@thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk. We’ll be happy to hear from you!

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