The animation, games and visual effects (VFX) industries are always searching for new talent. BA (Hons) Animation and Games Art allows you to explore and develop traditional animation techniques, key digital skills in 2D and 3D, and learn the core principles of character-led animation.
You’ll be working on industry-led briefs and entries for festivals and competitions such as Encounters Film Festival and E4 Stings. It’s all part of our commitment to help you become industry ready.
We place Animation and Games Art within the broader context of design to help you keep your career options open. You will also have the creative freedom and flexibility to develop your specific areas of interest, gaining transferable skills crucial for employability
Why us?
- Our graduates are working in the film, VFX, games and television industries on projects including The Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, Grand Theft Auto, Miffy, Hey Duggee and Corpse Bride
- ‚World-leading’ research in Art and Design, according to the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF)
- Our Art and Design courses were ranked 2nd overall in the UK in the 2018 UK Engagement Survey
- Our industry contacts provide opportunities to work on live briefs
- Our Cinematics and Photography courses (which include BA (Hons) Animation and Games Art) are ranked 9th in the UK for Learning resources and are in the top 25% for Organisation and management, Student voice and Overall satisfaction, according to the National Student Survey 2018
- Gives a strong foundation in traditional animation principles while also teaching key digital skills in both 2D and 3D
- Allows you the creative freedom to work in any medium and technique
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Course structure
Teaching is almost entirely practical and studio-based, supported by lectures, seminars and tutorials. Our academic team encourage you to express ideas and push the boundaries of creativity. Assessment is mainly through coursework.
In the first year you will learn classical animation techniques and core digital skills. You will also learn about the broader context of design with students from other design subjects. In the second year you will be introduced to more advanced approaches such as 3D, character rigging and motion capture. In your final year you will build your portfolio, undertake a personal research project that will lead into your Final Major Project. You will exhibit your work at our Design Degree Show, which will be visited by industry experts and potential employers.
Part-time study
If you study this course on a part-time basis you will typically complete 40-80 credits in a year, rather than the 120 credits of full-time students. All modules are taught during the day time and you will be studying alongside full-time students.
View more student work in our student galleries.
Employment
Our graduates have gone on to work throughout the film, special effects, games, and television industries, and worked on projects including The Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, Grand Theft Auto, Creature Comforts, Miffy and Hey Duggee.
Recent employers have included:
- Animation studios such as Blue Zoo, Aardman and Studio AKA
- TV companies such as Cartoon Network, CBeebies and CITV
- Games companies such as Rockstar, Ubisoft and Sumo Digital
Placements and visits
You will have opportunities to apply for internships and we actively encourage you to build up a compelling creative portfolio. We also encourage you to participate in competitions and award schemes.
In addition, our students are actively encouraged to attend annual animation festivals such as the Manchester Animation Festival (MAF), as well as visits to arts venues across the UK and in cities such as Barcelona, Amsterdam and New York.
Guest speakers
Through our links with industry we attract professionals in animation to come into the University and give talks. These help you gain valuable insights and contacts in the world of work.
Past visiting speakers include quadruple-BAFTA Award-winning Jardone Sage (CITV) – a graduate of the course, Curtis Jobling (creator of Bob the Builder), Susannah Shaw (Aardman), Barry Purves (Lord of the Rings), alumni and award-winning Catherine Salkeld (Story Artist and VR director at Blue Zoo Studios), and Andy Davies (Sony Games).
Work experience
All students studying on-campus undergraduate Animation and Games Art courses can take up a CV-enhancing work placement, a University-led industry initiative, or a professional and business development boot camp.
By the term placement, we mean we are offering you a taste of the industry which might last anything from two days to four weeks on a part-time basis. View an example of one of our students’ work experience project completed on placement at The TV Agency.
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