Introduction
Did you know that there are 230+ animation and related creative courses in the UK? The UK animation industry is flourishing, with the country home to some notable names like Aardman Animations and the Blue Zoo Animation Studio, two recipients of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) awards. Considering that the UK 3D animation market alone is projected to reach a value of ~£18.9 Bn by the end of 2025, the industry’s growth has been nothing short of remarkable. These numbers point to the future success that students exploring the diverse range of animation courses in the UK can expect.
It’s hard to imagine a world without animation. It’s revolutionising the way we give information and consume content. Animation is a much sought-after course because it has a wide range of applications- in entertainment, education, corporate training, marketing and gaming. In simplifying complex concepts and presenting them in an interactive format, animation is influential in engaging audiences and shaping our knowledge in a way that traditional media cannot compete with.
In the sections that follow, we’ll take a closer look at the staggering variety of animation courses in the UK and provide insight into the most sought-after courses to help you make informed decisions.
Animation Courses in the UK
Animation courses are highly suited to imaginative individuals who love both flexibility and the freedom to express their creativity and versatility. And it does not hurt that it’s a sought-after field. For instance, graduates from Escape Studios. A London-based Visual Effects (VFX) academy has showcased its work in leading productions, including Thor, Dune, and Stranger Things.
Animation degrees earned at an undergraduate level are called Bachelor of Arts (BA), while those obtained at a post-graduate level are called Master of Arts (MA).
The type of animation courses that are taught in the UK are:
- Game Art and Animation
- Visual Illustration
- Animation
- Animation & Visual Effects
- Comics and Concept Art
- Animation & Filmmaking
- Illustration and Animation
- Character and Creature Animation
- Animation Production
| Degree Level | Degree Name | Universities To Study At | Eligibility Requirements | Programme Length | Career Prospects |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BA | BA (Hons) Animation | De Montfort University, University of the West of England (UWE Bristol), University for the Creative Arts, University of Brighton, Edge Hill University, Leeds Arts University, University of East London, University of Greenwich, Buckinghamshire New University, The University of Edinburgh, Teesside University, University of the Arts London, Newcastle College University Centre, Sheffield Hallam University, University of Westminster, Coventry University, University of Greenwich | Completion of secondary education, usually with relevant qualifications; portfolio required at many; English proficiency IELTS 6.0 (min 5.5 bands) or equivalent | 3-4 years full-time | Animator, VFX artist, character designer, storyboard artist, motion graphics designer, game animator, multimedia designer |
| BA | BA (Hons) 2D Digital Animation | University of Hertfordshire | Completion of secondary education + English proficiency; portfolio advised | 3 years full-time | 2D animator, graphic artist, digital animator roles in film, TV, games |
| BA | BA (Hons) 3D Animation & Visual Effects (VFX) | University of Hertfordshire | Same as 2D above | 3 years full-time | 3D animator, VFX artist, game animation specialist |
| MA | MA Animation | University of the Arts London (UAL), Royal College of Art, University of Edinburgh, University for the Creative Arts, UWE Bristol, University of Hertfordshire, Ravensbourne University London, Bournemouth University (NCCA) | Bachelor’s degree in animation or related field; portfolio; IELTS 6.5 or above | 1 year full-time | Senior animator, animation director, VFX supervisor, creative director, producer |
| MA | MA Computer Animation & Visual Effects | Bournemouth University (NCCA) | Bachelor’s degree with 2:2 or equivalent in relevant subject; IELTS 6.5+ | 1 year full-time | VFX artist, 3D animator, CGI specialist in film, TV, games, advertising |
| MA | MA Character Animation | Bournemouth University, University of Hertfordshire | Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline; portfolio and English proficiency required | 1 year full-time | Character animator, specialist in game and film animation |
| BA and MA | UI/UX Games and Interactive Media, Game design,Motion Graphics, Concept Art & Experience Design, 3D Animation, Character & Creature Animation, Gaming Art | Escape Studios (recently licensed to sponsor International Students) | Portfolio required and s | UG courses are 3-4 years; PG courses are for 1 year | VFX artist, 3D Animator, Film Illustrator, Character Designer, Art Director |
Additional Details
- Top Universities for Animation in the UK:
- De Montfort University
- University of the Arts London (UAL)
- University of Hertfordshire
- Bournemouth University (home of the National Centre for Computer Animation – NCCA)
- University for the Creative Arts
- University of Brighton
- University of the West of England (UWE Bristol)
- Sheffield Hallam University
- Coventry University
Popular Animation Courses
A degree in animation opens up a world of opportunities where you can truly unleash your imagination.
It equips you with the skills for storytelling and narrative building, helping you to refine your technique and bring stories to life on screen.
By popular vote, here is a detailed breakdown of some of the most reputed animation courses in the UK that you can apply to study:
1. Bournemouth University - BA Computer Animation and Visual Effects
Bournemouth is home to the National Centre for Computer Animation (NCCA, which is a research-focused animation center in the UK. It has been ranked #1 for two consecutive years in 2023 and 2024 for its animation degree programmes.
The Appeal Factor
- The NCAA, BU offers both undergraduate and graduate programmes. The former lets students earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Computer Animation and Visual Effects, while postgraduate students can study 3D Computer Animation MA, Computer Animation and Visual Effects and the Digital Effects MA.
- Courses are ScreenSkills recognised (The UK body that certifies animation industry courses in immersive media), and teach using a mixture of scenario simulation and collaboration.
- Students get access to highly modernised animation labs, software matching the current standards- including Maya, Zbrush, Unity, Houdini, etc. and virtual reality production environments.
- Several leading studios are repeat visitors to the NCCA- including Disney Animation Studios, Pixar, DreamWorks, Microsoft, DNEG, Epic Games, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Sony Interactive Entertainment Europe (SIEE), Framestore, Moving Picture Company (MPC), Animal Logic, Illumination, and Blue Zoo Animation.
- Students get to participate in the BFX festival, an annual event that draws 1000+ attendees and 60+ panelists comprising industry stalwarts in Animation, Games and Visual Effects. This presents a fantastic networking opportunity for students to connect with them directly.
- At BU, students pursuing Computer Animation and Visual Effects can further specialise in Visual Effects, Art & Design and the Technical Arts. Other popular courses offered here include the BA and MA in 3D Computer Animation.
- Pupils can intern for 30 weeks at a studio and work closely with experienced tutors who will review their work.
- The Computer Animation and Visual Effects BA programme at Bournemouth University ends with a major project and dissertation, which students can choose to do individually or in teams.
- Employment rate is 95%, with graduates landing jobs within 6 months of graduating.
2. Royal College of Art (RCA), London – MA Animation
The School of Communication at the Royal College of Art (RCA) offers multidisciplinary courses in animation, games, film & theater, AR/VR and media.
The Appeal Factor:
- Their postgraduate courses are top-ranked, with the MA in Animation focusing on new media art and creativity. The progamme culminates in a 60-credit Independent Research Project.
- They have strong industry links to major studios, enabling graduates to land their dream jobs in studios like DreamWorks and Aardman.
- RCA Graduates’ work has won numerous awards at the Oscars, BAFTAs, and Jury Prizes at Cannes Film Festival. Most alumni are currently working across various roles in studios such as DreamWorks, Hornet USA and Animade.
3. Escape Studios- BA and MA Animation, VFX and Motion Graphics
Escape Studios offers a host of courses across Animation, Games and Visual Effects (VFX). Boasting partnerships with Industrial Light & Magic, Framestore, DNEG, Milk VFX, Creative Assembly, Cinesite and Blue Zoo, Escape Studios was the UK’s first Unreal Authorized Training Center.
Escape Studios’ courses are recognised and endorsed internationally. They are an Unreal Engine Academic partner and employ instructors who have hands-on experience from working in studios such as Disney, DreamWorks and Warner Bros.
The Appeal Factor:
- Escape Studios is ranked 1st globally for Production Excellence in Immersive Media and ranks #1 and #2 in the UK for Game Design & Development and Visual Effects, respectively.
- Escape Studios received its UKVI license in 2024, enabling it to sponsor students on their UG and PG courses on a student visa.
- Students get access to state-of-the-art software such as Maya and Toon Boom Harmony, housed in modernised facilities.
- Students have the opportunity to participate in Escape Studio’s Annual VFX Festival.
- 85% of Escape Studio undergraduates, who are nicknamed ‘Escapees’, are gainfully employed, with 82% of them working in graduate-level positions.
- One of the few studios to be Houdini and SkillsScreen certified, with several approved courses for VFX production.animation, VR/AR, games, and more.
4. University of Hertfordshire – BA (Hons) in 2D Digital Animation, 3D Animation and VFX
The University of Hertfordshire (UH or Herts) is recognised in the UK and bagged the Rookies Award 2024 for the Best 2D Animation School.
The Appeal Factor:
- Degrees are internationally accredited by The Rookies, SideFX, and The International Association of Film & Television Schools (CILECT).
- Course options for BA and MA degrees include 2D Animation, 3D Animation & VFX and Comics and Concept Art. At the postgraduate level, there are even remote offerings for Animation and Character & Creature Animation. Offers great creative and technical training with dedicated labs and motion capture facilities.University of Hertfordshire
- Course Instructors are seasoned animators who bring their previous experiences on productions such as Thor, Harry Potter and Tom & Jerry to the classroom.
- Animation programmes offer students hands-on experience by placing them on live projects and a final film project that gets screentime at the School of Creative Arts Animation Exposé.
- Students get internship or year-long study abroad options at partner universities in different parts of the globe.
- Coursework follows a model of art and software-based workshops, lectures and work placements which amps up the student’s practical understanding.
- Nearly 96.5% of UH graduates are employed in professions such as 2D/3D Animators (Film), Character Designers, VFX Artists or Creative Directors within the Animation and Film Industry.
5. University of Edinburgh – Edinburgh College of Art (ECA) – BA Animation
The Edinburgh College of Art, Edinburgh, offers Scotland’s oldest animation degree programme..
The Appeal Factor:
- The ECA School of Design offers the award-winning Animation program, which lets students produce individual animal films and games.
- ECA offers individual studio spaces with access to cutting-edge equipment and labs.
- Like the University of Hertfordshire, ECA students can avail internships and complete a year abroad study experience.
- ECA is an Aardman Partner, with some Alumni gaining employment with them, while others have worked on set with directors like Tim Burton.
6. The Glasgow School of Art (GSA)- BSc Immersive Systems Design
The School of Innovation and Technology is located at the Glasgow School of Art (GSA) and offers several animation and sound for animation courses, with the 2-year BDes programme in Sound for the Moving Image launched in 2018.
The Appeal Factor:
- GSA is an industry partner for Sony, Amazon and Microsoft, which offers internships and graduate opportunities to students during and after the programme’s duration.
- The Immersive Systems Design course prepares students for roles as a Character Animator, Texture Artist, Look Development Artist, Film and Games 3D Modeler and Environment Artist.
- Students get access to the latest, outfitted production and sound studios at the Hub in Pacific Quay.
- The teaching methods are varied and include studio workshops, lectures and seminars taught by visiting faculty.
7. Teesside University, Middlesbrough- BA in 2D Animation and Stop Motion and Applied Immersive Technology
Teesside University, formerly the Constantine Technical College, offers multiple ScreenSkills recognised programmes at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The programmes are taught at the School of Computing, Engineering & Digital Technologies.
The Appeal Factor:
- Teesside University is the first Adobe Creative Campus in Europe.
- Courses at the MA level cover subjects in 2D Animation and Stop Motion, Applied Immersive Technology (Creative Industries) and Animation.
- Teesside hosts an Expo called Expotees, which invites companies such as Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Double Eleven, Ubisoft, Animmersion, and Creative Assembly to attend. The university also hosts Animex, an international festival of Animation and Computer Games, which offers students the opportunity to network with industry leaders and gain a solid understanding of prospects after they graduate.
How to Apply with Fateh Education
Fateh Education streamlines the process to make it less labor-intensive and more thoughtful. The step-by-step process is
- Get in touch with Fateh’s education experts for assistance on researching specific degrees and the universities offering them. We can help you verify accreditations and their validity and shortlist relevant degrees based on your area of interest.
- Register for accounts on the application portal and fill out your personal details.
- Create a portfolio and make shareable links that can be uploaded to the portal. Test the share rights to avoid hiding it from potential reviewers.
- Work on your Statement of Purpose (SOP) and upload it along with other academic documents such as transcripts, letters of recommendation and more.
- Remember to save your work through the application stages. At Fateh, we ensure that your efforts don’t go to waste by carefully examining every section before the final submission.
Conclusion
Animation courses in the UK reward you with employment that you’ll enjoy. As a creative field, you’ll be working in an environment that encourages imagination and expression, and carve out your niche.
The number of courses available is like staring at a buffet spread- there’s a lot to choose from, but with the right approach, you can pursue a degree that leads to a fulfilling and rewarding career.
Fateh Education has helped thousands of students navigate the application process and reduce the timeline, ensuring students submit applications that showcase their strengths and potential. Reach out to Fateh Education today and take the first confident step towards studying animation courses in the UK. Your creativity deserves to be paired with strategic guidance- which we’re ready to provide.
FAQS
Yes, Many animation courses in the UK are Houdini and SkillScreen certified, with graduates advancing their careers in production environments hosted at renowned studios such as DreamWorks, Pixar, Warner Bros, Blue Zone Animation and Aardman.
You can pursue degrees in animation in Glasgow and Edinburgh in Scotland, and Hertfordshire, London, Teesside (Middlesbrough) and Bournemouth.
The cost of Undergraduate courses varies between £12,000 to £25,000 per year, while an MA costs between £15,000 to 30,000 per year. For reference, the 1-year postgraduate courses offered by Escape Studios cost a home student £14,250 and ~ £20,000 for international students.