Animation is a lively and exhilarating medium that expresses story and character through light, line and movement. Whether putting together a compelling narrative, creating environments, storyboards and illustrations, or experimenting with new technologies and abstract forms of movement, the process of animation is rich and complex.

On this course you’ll have the opportunity to experience every aspect of animation, from mastering existing techniques and technologies to developing something new. You’ll collaborate with other subjects in art, design and technology offering you the chance to encounter new materials, styles and production processes to give you a well-rounded experience. You’ll develop your own visual language and gain the technical skills to help your ideas take shape though illustration, 3D, film, stop-motion, and kinetic technologies. We’ll help you define your preferred area of interest early in the course, and you'll continue to develop your skills throughout.

You will:

• Work in a lively and dynamic studio environment and be encouraged to develop your creative and conceptual thinking, whilst being supported by our widely experienced, specialist tutors and technicians.
• Engage and experiment with the tools and technologies of other disciplines within the Barbara Hepworth building to develop experimental and expanded modes of practice.
• Be exposed to a range of inspiring guest speakers and participate in live sessions and workshops delivered by professional animators external to the University.
• Use our links with industry and professional practitioners to gain the opportunity to take part in live projects, national competitions, awards and exhibitions.

Placements

The course offers an optional one-year (36 week minimum) work placement after the second year, in the UK or abroad. This will give you the opportunity to gain valuable hands-on experience, insight into your chosen career and open up your graduate employment prospects. Our Placement Unit and academic staff have excellent industry links and can support you in applying for and finding your placement(s), as well as during your placement year.

Alternatively, if you are a student from within the UK or the EU, you could consider starting your own small business by applying for the Enterprise Placement Year in conjunction with the University’s Enterprise Team. You’ll have the opportunity to benefit from business advice, mentoring and networking sessions. 

Your Career

Courses within the subject area of Art and Design aim to help you to develop the skills needed for roles such as director, producer, art director, storyboard artist, 3D animator/artist, modeller, VFX (visual effects) producer, motion designer, digital designer, advertiser, interaction designer, interface developer, effects/technical director, editor, production co-ordinator and runner.

Graduates of our Animation degree have gone on to senior positions at The Mill, Man vs Machine, TILT (Amsterdam), Brown Bag and Territory Studios.**

We can also support you in developing a career as a freelance artist or designer and in setting up your own company.