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 Film Production & Photography courses are ranked in the top 20 in the UK for student satisfaction and career prospects by the Guardian University Guide 2022.
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.
104 – 120 UCAS tariff points, BCC – BBB at A levels, MMM – DDM at BTEC, or a Merit in your T-Level.
If you are using a combination of qualifications to achieve the required UCAS tariff points, they must either include at least 2 A levels, a BTEC or an equivalent qualification.
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 integrated foundation year to help you prepare. A degree with an integrated foundation year starts your studies with a year spent learning the skills required to progress onto a full honours degree. You will develop valuable study skills, communication, team work and problem-solving techniques which help to build your confidence and prepare you for the rest of your course.
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).
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.
Please read the entry requirements for your country – and you’re welcome to contact our admissions team if you have questions.
Here's an example of the types of modules you'll study (it's unlikely but the contents and structure of the course could change).
Module information is not available for this programme.
| Start date | Location | UCAS code |
Fee (UK) per year |
Fee (international) per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 2022 | Park, Cheltenham | W615 | £9,250 | £15,000 |
| Sep 2023 | Park, Cheltenham | W615 | TBC | TBC |
Graduates from this course can go on to work as:
We have links with Humber College (Toronto), VanArts School (Vancouver) and Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (Calgary) in Canada – as well as Aardman Animation, Rumpus, Manchester Animation Festival, Cardiff Animation Festival, Annecy Animation Festival and Bristol Animated Encounters.
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.
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.
Travel to the French town of Annecy for the largest animation festival in Europe – the Annecy International Animated Film Festival.
Get creative in our state-of-the-art Media Centre, using the same facilities as professionals around the world. We can offer you the perfect space to practice your craft and prepare for careers in the creative industries.
Our Film Production & Photography courses are ranked in the top 20 in the UK for student satisfaction and career prospects by the Guardian University Guide 2022.
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.
“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
“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
“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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