Animation

Bring your imagination to life with an animation degree that’s built for the real world.

Step into a world of creativity where you’re not just learning about animation – you’re doing it. Our BA (Hons) Animation course is designed with industry leaders and taught by the pros who’ve brought characters and stories to life for the likes of DreamWorks, Aardman Animations, the BBC, Channel 4, and ITV.

Our Animation BA (Hons) course scored 100% for academic support and 97% for teaching satisfaction in the National Student Survey 2025. This means our students feel supported, inspired, and ready to thrive.

You’ll train in cutting-edge, industry-spec studios using the exact same tools the professionals use: Adobe After Effects, Adobe Animate, Photoshop, TVPaint, Toon Boom Harmony, and Autodesk Maya, all while working with professional-grade Wacom Cintiq tablets. Whether you’re into 2D, 3D, experimental, or character animation – you’ll have the freedom and flexibility to find your voice and build your unique portfolio.

Learn from award-winning animators, visit top studios and top festivals in Manchester, Cardiff, London, France, as examples, and start building your professional network before you graduate.

If you’re ready to turn your passion for animation into a career, this is where your story begins.

This is a highly practical course taught by professional animators – you’ll be animating from the first session.

Modules are delivered over 12 weekly sessions of 3 hours each for practical modules. You will create portfolio work over the course of each module and expand upon the work created in-class. Each module builds your animation tool-kit. Your first and second years are weighted mainly towards technical sessions, giving you the chance to fly during your third-year Major Animation Project.

Contact time is around 20% and we expect you to add 80% of your own, self-directed time. For instance in the first-year module, MD4441 Intro to 2D animation, where you might learn the mechanics of a bouncing ball, by the time this clip ends up in your portfolio submission, we would like to see it transformed into a magic animal in the fabulous setting, or a beautifully created abstract piece. This would demonstrate your understanding of not only the principles, weight, timing and motion, but the importance of design and form.

Integrated foundation year

This course is available to study with an integrated foundation year – an extra, introductory year at the beginning of the full degree. If you don’t meet the stated entry requirements or you’re returning to education, it could be a great option that enables you to study this course.

As well as an introduction to your subject, it will help you to develop valuable study skills, and communication, teamwork and problem-solving techniques, giving you the confidence and skills set you need to progress.

If you’re applying to study as an international student, an integrated foundation year can also support you to improve your English language skills alongside your studies.

To apply for this course with an integrated foundation year, select the ‘With foundation year’ study type from the options at the top of this page before clicking ‘Apply’.

Whether you dream of directing animated films, mastering the technical side of 3D worlds, or breathing life into characters as a 3D animator, our Animation course is your launchpad into the industry.

At the heart of our programme is a dynamic blend of artistry and technology. You’ll sharpen your creative vision while building the technical skills demanded by today’s top studios. You’ll benefit from expert mentorship, industry tools, and real-world insight.

Our hands-on curriculum covers everything from traditional techniques to cutting-edge digital animation. You’ll explore storytelling, character design, and visual effects while discovering your own unique creative voice.

Whether your future lies in film, television, video games or digital media, this comprehensive course prepares you to stand out in a fast-moving, ever-evolving industry.