Animation

BA (Hons) Animation programme focuses on preparing students for a career in animation, including specialist areas such as motion capture, visual effects, storyboarding, 2D and 3D animation for video games and narrative development. You will be introduced to the key points in the creative process, from initial concepting through to the production of final animations. You will also develop the technical skills required to create professional standard animations for a variety of digital media formats, such as film, TV, video games and augmented or virtual reality.

Highlights include:

· Up to date workstation hardware and software, including Wacom Cintiq Pros.
· Opportunities to take part in live projects and competitions.
· Guaranteed paid internship with the Northampton Employment Promise.
· Practical working environment with emphasis on a hands-on learning experience

We teach in a practical, studio based environment, with hands-on tutorials led by industry-trained tutors who, alongside practising animation professionals, will provide regular feedback on your work.

You will focus on the production of professional standard animation and visual effects for a variety of digital media, such as film, tv, web-based marketing and video games. You will also be exposed to the whole life cycle of animation production from the initial ideas process, through narrative development, to creation of the final production. You will work with industry-trained tutors to ensure you understand the requirements of animation production processes for specific media platforms and markets.

We will give you the creative and technical software skills, and the industry knowledge required by leading animation and video game studios. You will produce a personal portfolio of your work to reflect industry and professional practice needs, informed by historical and contemporary references.

By studying at the University of Northampton, you can be sure that:

• Our expert academics teach in small groups supported with one to one assistance. Our academics and students form a tight bond, providing individualised support and guidance whilst challenging students academically.

• Whatever your ambitions, we’re here to help you to achieve them. We’ll support you to identify the skills you’re learning during your course, find your strengths and secure practical experience so that when it comes to applying for jobs or further study you’ll feel confident in standing out from the crowd.

• At UON we guarantee a room in our Halls of Residence for all new full-time, first year students who apply and accept their room offer by June 2026 - and we won't ask for a deposit for September 2026*.

• Students enrolling on this course at Northampton will be provided with their own brand new laptop** to keep at no additional cost. All sports clubs and societies are free to join at Northampton and every essential course text book is available via the library, meaning you won’t have to purchase copies. For more information on this visit our website (northampton.ac.uk/benefits).

• You will experience student life at the University’s £330 million Waterside Campus. Come along to an Open Day and find out more.

The Northampton Employment Promise

In fact, we’re so confident in our careers and employability support that if you achieve at least a 2:2 degree and complete either our Employability Plus Gold programme or achieve a Changemaker Gold Certificate during your time studying with us, but still haven’t secured full-time employment 12 months after graduating, we will secure a three – six month paid internship for you or support you into postgraduate study.

✱ eligibility criteria apply. See northampton.ac.uk/student-life/accommodation/ for more information
✱✱ eligibility criteria and terms and conditions apply. See northampton.ac.uk/benefits for more information

Stage 1
• Fundamentals of Animation (Compulsory)
• 2D Visualisation (Compulsory)
• 3D Modelling for Animation (Compulsory)
• Narrative Development (Compulsory)
• 3D Animation (Compulsory)
• 2D Animation (Compulsory)

Stage 2
• Look Development (Compulsory)
• Biomechanics for Animation (Compulsory)
• Advanced 3D Modelling (Compulsory)
• VFX Essentials (Compulsory)
• Advanced 3D Animation (Compulsory)
• VFX Production (Compulsory)

Stage 3
• Final Major Project (Compulsory)
• Animation Innovation (Compulsory)
• Professional Career Development (Compulsory)
• Animation Group Project (Compulsory)

Module information is quoted for 2025 entry. Please note that modules run subject to student numbers and staff availability, any changes will be communicated to applicants accordingly.