Animation

Our BA (Hons) Animation degree is designed for creative students who want to develop their passion for 2D animation into a professional career. This flexible and inclusive course supports a wide range of creative approaches, encouraging you find your own ways of working and gain the skills needed to thrive in the industry, whether that be as an animator, storyboard artist, character designer, rigger, layout artist or independent filmmaker or related field. From the beginning, you will work with the tools and used by contemporary studios, such as Toon Boom Harmony, Moho and the Adobe Creative Suite. Modules will allow you to develop confidence in 2D character performance, design principles, digital art, storytelling, and the production processes that underpin professional animation. You will create polished sequences and explore visual styles across multiple stages of animation production. Year 1 focuses on skills. You will learn the fundamentals of animation, motion and storytelling while strengthening your artistic ability and software skills. This lays the foundations that will guide the rest of your development. Year 2 encourages you to expand your abilities and personal practice. You will explore specialist areas such as character design, client work, scene layout and motion design. A self-directed creative project also gives you space to experiment and begin forming a portfolio that reflects your individual style. Year 3, allows you to refine your specialism. For the major project you will produce a substantial body of work that showcases your creativity and skill. You will develop a professional portfolio supported by staff with industry experience. During the course workshops and regular feedback will help you grow as an animator. Industry engagement offers valuable insight, so by graduation, you will have a distinctive portfolio and a clear understanding of industry workflows and the confidence to progress into animation and wider creative roles.

Course Modules

Level 4
Design Fundamentals for Animation This module introduces the core visual foundations of animation, including composition, colour theory, shape language, and visual communication.

Introduction to Animation You will explore the history, techniques and terminology of animation, gaining an understanding of industry practices and production pipelines.

Animation Principles This module focuses on the 12 principles of animation and how they are used to create convincing, expressive movement. You will analyse professional examples and apply each principle through short exercises using traditional and digital tools.

Storyboarding You will learn how to translate ideas into clear visual narratives through storyboarding. The module covers narrative, shot types, transitions and composition. Using industry workflows, you will create storyboard sequences that communicate action, intention and emotion in preparation for animated production.

Rigging for 2D Animation This module introduces digital rigging techniques for 2D character animation. You will explore hierarchy, bone structures, pivots and controls used to prepare assets for efficient movement.

Introduction to Motion Design This module provides an introduction to motion graphics and animated visual communication. You will experiment with typography, graphical elements and dynamic layouts to create short motion sequences.

Level 5
Animation Practices This module develops your technical and creative skills through a series of practical animation tasks. Emphasis is placed on problem-solving and building confidence in producing longer and more complex animated work.

2D Character Design for Animation Focusing on character creation, this module explores shape language, appeal, expression and functional design. You will produce character sheets, turnarounds and expression tests while considering how design elements support performance and storytelling.

Client Set Project You will work on a live or simulated client brief, responding to professional expectations and collaborative processes. It provides insight into industry workflows and encourages adaptability in creative problem-solving.

Background and Layout This module examines the role of environments, layouts and staging in animation. You will study perspective, lighting, colour and cinematic composition to design backgrounds that support narrative and character action.

Motion Design Practices Building on your previous experience, this module expands your motion graphics skills through more advanced workflows. You will explore typography, transitions and design-led animation.

Creative Animation Project This module offers the opportunity to develop an extended piece of work that reflects your interests and personal style. You will take a project from concept to final animation, managing planning, production and refinement.

Level 6

Professional Development for Animation This module prepares you for employment by focusing on industry roles, networking, self-promotion and career planning. You will review your skills, build professional documentation and develop strategies for entering the animation sector.

Specialist Animation Investigation You will undertake a self-directed investigation into a specialist area of animation, such as character animation, motion design, visual development or experimental practice.

Animation Portfolio This module guides you in producing a polished, industry-ready portfolio or showreel. You will curate your best work, revise key pieces and present your skills to potential employers or clients.

Major Animation Project The final major project is a substantial piece or collection of animated work that reflects your specialist interests and showcases your creative identity. You will manage all phases of production, from concept and development through to final delivery.