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Undergraduate

Animation BA (Hons)

What is Animation BA (Hons)?

Created in conjunction with industry leaders, the course is taught by practising professionals who’ve worked on animation projects for the BBC, Channel 4, ITV, Dreamworks, Aardman Animation and Sony Computer Entertainment.

Our Animation BA (Hons) course scored 95% for academic support in the National Student Survey 2023 and our animation & games design courses are ranked 6th in the UK for student satisfaction and teaching satisfaction by the Guardian University Guide 2023.

Working in our industry-spec animation studios, you’ll use the latest industry-standard animation equipment, including Adobe After Effects, Adobe Animate and Adobe Photoshop, Autodesk Maya, TVPaint, Toon Boom Harmony and Wacom Cintiqs.

You’ll have the freedom to develop your own style and career path. Learning from award-winning animators you’ll develop the skills you need to flourish in this rapidly-changing industry. You’ll also have the opportunity to visit animation studios and festivals in Bristol, Manchester, Cardiff, London and France – allowing you to network and showcase your work with animation professionals.

Consisting of 80% practice and 20% theory, the course is built around workshops and portfolio development. You’ll be able to work on live projects and industry-led work experience placements. Previous partners have included the BBC, A Productions, Aardman, Rumpus, Reflective Films and The Annecy Animation Festival.

In your final year you’ll attend 2 full-day workshops in the Aardman Animation studios in Bristol – arranged by the Aardman Academy and taught by Aardman’s world-class in-house talent.

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’.

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Entry requirements

    • 96 – 120 UCAS tariff points, CCC – BBB at A levels, MMM – DDM at BTEC, or a Merit in your T-Level.

      Entry to this course is by interview. Check out our Interview Guide to learn what to expect and help you prepare.

    • English Language or Literature and Maths Grade 4/C in GCSE (or equivalent) are normally required.

    • This course is available with an additional integrated foundation year. This four year option has lower entry requirements – see below – than the other study type/s available.

      Typical offers
      48 UCAS tariff points, DD at A levels, PPP at BTEC or a Pass in your T Level.

      GCSEs
      Grade C/4 in English Language/Literature and Mathematics, or equivalent (e.g. Level 2 Functional Skills).

      To apply for the integrated foundation year degree, select the ‘With foundation year’ option from the study types listed at the top of this page before clicking ‘Apply’.

      See course overview for more information about the interated foundation year option.

    • We welcome applications from mature students (aged 21 and over) and do not necessarily require the same academic qualifications as school leaving applicants, although some entry requirements may still apply for Professionally Accredited Courses. We accept Access to Higher Education Diplomas and make offers on an individual basis.

Course modules

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Fees and costs

See the further details of fees and potential extra costs when studying a course at the University of Gloucestershire.
Start date Location UCAS code Fee (UK)
Fee per year
Fee (international)
Fee per year
Sep 2024 Park, Cheltenham W615 £9,250 £16,600
Sep 2025 Park, Cheltenham W615 TBC TBC

Ready to apply?

UoG Career promise

At UoG we create a climate for bravery and growth. We instil confidence in all our students, so you can graduate career-ready and meet your ambitions.

96% of our graduates are in work or further study*, but if you’re not in a job 6 months after graduating we’ll guarantee you 6 months of free support, followed by the offer of a paid internship to kickstart your career – plus we’ll commit to lifetime career coaching. Eligibility conditions apply**

Discover our promises

Careers

Embark on an exciting career journey with our Animation course. Whether your dream is to become an Animation Director, Technical Director, or a 3D Animator, we provide the necessary skills and creative expertise required in the animation industry.

Our course nurtures your artistic talent, supported by technical proficiency, through partnerships with esteemed institutions such as Humber College and Vancouver Film School. Experience a curriculum that seamlessly blends traditional animation techniques with digital innovations, preparing you for a range of opportunities in film, gaming, and media.

This comprehensive program not only enhances your animation abilities, but also encourages you to discover your unique storytelling voice, setting you up for a successful and fulfilling career in this dynamic and ever-changing field.

Develop your own style

You’ll learn in an environment with state-of-the-art facilities, expert lecturers and leading industry links. You’ll develop your own animation style and specialise in your chosen career path.

Learn 2D and 3D animation from industry experts

You’ll learn from lecturers with successful careers in the world of 2D and 3D animation. Their projects include developing Max Bear, How to Train Your Dragon, Tweenies, Total Recall and Bottom Knocker Street.

Showcase your work at Europe's largest animation festival

Travel to the French town of Annecy for the largest animation festival in Europe – the Annecy International Animated Film Festival.

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Ranked 6th in the UK for student and teaching satisfaction

Our animation & games design courses are ranked 6th in the UK for student satisfaction and teaching satisfaction by the Guardian University Guide 2023.

Trips and experiences

Every year you’ll have the opportunity to go the French town of Annecy for the largest animation festival in Europe – Annecy International Animated Film Festival. This is a great opportunity to showcase your work and network with leading industry players such as Disney, Dreamworks, Illumination, ILM and Sony.

"It gave me the confidence and determination to push myself as an animator."

“I’m a CG Animator at Cloth Cat Animation. The course has been great for me because I was able to explore different areas of animation to see what I liked most. On a work placement, I helped on a BBC Bitesize animation at Sun and Moon in Bristol. I genuinely loved my time on the course because the lecturers and other students were like a family and always passionate and full of encouragement, it gave me the confidence and determination to push myself as an animator.”

Luke Clark, Animation student

“I’ve worked on many productions throughout my animation career"

“A real highlight for me was when my wife and I were first commissioned, by Channel 4, to produce a 24 minute Christmas special based on our food loving character, Max Bear. This pilot episode, first broadcast on Christmas Day 1998, was very well received and closely followed by a series in 2000 featuring the voice of Tom Baker. A new Christmas Special was produced in 2008 and a series in 2011 – it was a huge achievement for an independent company.”

Bryan Panks, Academic Course Leader for Animation

"The tutors were extremely supportive throughout the course"

“During the animation course at University of Gloucestershire I was given the room to grow as an animator. The different levels of practical work meant I was constantly experimenting and learning through trial and error until eventually, I discovered my own process and style. The tutors were extremely supportive throughout the course and have become mentors that I have come to truly respect. I carry fond memories of my time as an animation student there as I now prepare to make my mark on the industry.”

Fahim Motahar, Animation student

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