We deliver a mix of teaching methods, from project work to software and art-based workshops and lectures. You’ll be assessed on group and individual project work. We’ll ask you to submit portfolio submissions, sketches, storyboards, 2D animations and presentations. Plus, you’ll develop your analytical thinking, critical curiosity and easy writing skills.

In your first year, you’ll benefit from common modules within the wider animation programme, gaining valuable knowledge of the digital media industry. You’ll study alongside peers on comics and concept art, games, 3D animation and visual effects, expanding your network from day one. We’ll teach you the fundamental principles of 2D animation. You’ll spend time storyboarding and perfecting your technique. Together we’ll explore digital illustration techniques. You’ll practice life drawing, designing characters and environments. You’ll research animation and film history to bring cultural context to your craft. At the end of this year you’ll have the choice to switch to a different animation degree course if your passion has led you in a new direction.

In your second year, you’ll develop your individual and illustrative style. You’ll take part in acting workshops to gain an insight into how characters move and display emotions. You’ll apply this knowledge to your animations, creating believable characters and sequences of movement. You’ll work on simulated real-world briefs, exploring motion graphics, idents and interactive media. You'll also create your first short film. The best will be invited to be screened in our Animation Exposé show at the end of the year. To see the show’s live stream in 2020 please click here The best will be invited to be screened in our Animation Exposé show at the end of the year. Plus, we’ll encourage you to enter your work into international competitions like The Rookies.

In your third year, you’ll write your dissertation on an area of popular culture, linked to 2D animation, that fascinates you. Plus, you’ll immerse yourself in an ambitious final film project. Be authentic. Be brave. You’ll take your own concept through all stages of production, showing excellent project management and leadership qualities. Your animated short film will showcase your talent and be screened in our Animation Exposé show. You can enter it for awards judged by a panel of industry experts. Previous judging panels have included companies such as Blue Zoo, Blink Ink, Golden Wolf, The Animation Guys and Slurpy. Plus, we’ll encourage you to enter your work into The Rookies and other international competitions. When you graduate, you’ll have an impressive showreel and website to launch your career to prove yourself to be an animator of tomorrow.

Work placement

Graduate with invaluable work experience alongside your degree and stand out from the crowd.  

This course offers you the opportunity to enhance your study and CV with a work placement sandwich year. It’s a chance to explore career possibilities, make valuable contacts and gain sought after professional skills.  

Our dedicated Careers and Employment team are here to help guide you through the process.

If you take up a work placement between your second and third year of study, at the University of Hertfordshire you’ll pay no tuition fee for this year. We’ll ask you to make your decision in your second year, so there is plenty of time to think about it. 

What's next for my career?

The digital animation programme prepares you for a range of careers within the industry. These include 2D animator, concept artist, 3D animator, 3D generalist, FX technical director, compositor, environment artist, character artist and a huge variety of roles in between. Our graduates have gone on to work at Blue Zoo to animate cartoon series, Sony to work as concept artists and to Golden Wolf and The Animation Guys to produce 2D animated commercials and advertising.