Get started with Adobe After Effects
Create and manipulate motion graphics, visual effects and more.
Course overview
This introductory course in Adobe After Effects is designed to provide beginners with a solid foundation in the software, guiding them through essential tools, techniques, and workflows for creating motion graphics and visual effects.
By the end of the course, participants will have a clear understanding of the After Effects interface, key concepts of animation, and basic video compositing. They will be able to create simple animations, apply presets, and export their work to various platforms.
Explore our upcoming Short Courses
Mon 12 Oct 2026
12 & 19 October | 18.00 to 21.00 | Price: £125
Get Started With After Effects - Autumn
Online
This introductory course in Adobe After Effects is designed to provide beginners with a solid founda...
Mon 21 Jun 2027
09:00 - 16:00 | £125
Get Started with After Effects - June 2027
Online
This introductory course in Adobe After Effects is designed to provide beginners with a solid founda...
Tue 26 Jan 2027
26th Jan & 2nd Feb | 18:00 - 21:00 | £125
Get Started with After Effects - January 2027
Online
This introductory course in Adobe After Effects is designed to provide beginners with a solid founda...
If no upcoming Short Courses are displayed above, get in touch with us for more information.
Apart from our Short Courses for 14-17 Year Olds, all of our Short Courses are for adults 18+.
Course details
You will learn to create simple animations, like moving text and basic shapes, apply presets and work with layers. You’ll also know how to keyframe animations, add text, and export projects for various platforms.
Session One
- What is After Effects?
- Getting started, creating Compositions in After Effects
- Importing assets: Video and Images
- Creating text and solid layers
- Animation Pre-sets
- Exporting
Session Two
- Colour & Creating shapes
- Animation from the start
- Useful & important keyboard shortcuts
- Other types of animation in the layer
- Introduction to Masks & 3D layers
- Creating & animating Light Layers
Eligibility or prerequisites
We require to be confident in using a computer with some Adobe application experience.
Susannah Travis - Course Lead
Susannah is the Digital Skills Team Lead, delivering a range of courses. With over a decade of experience in teaching Adobe and Microsoft applications, she specialises in both individual training and tailored group sessions. Her aim is to enable students to achieve a high level of digital literacy, enhancing their work and everyday lives.
Find out moreHow you'll learn
Our online short courses are delivered through Canvas, our online learning platform, with scheduled tutor-led sessions delivered through BigBlueButton, a browser-based online meeting tool, ensuring a seamless learning experience. Each session begins with a live online session where the tutor introduces the topic and guides learners through the course materials. Learning is supported through a range of methods, including videos and practical exercises, with tutors available throughout the session to provide guidance and answer questions. Our blended teaching approach combines live tutor support with high-quality online learning resources, creating an engaging and supportive learning experience.
Read our short course terms & conditions
How to apply
Explore our upcoming Short Courses
Mon 12 Oct 2026
12 & 19 October | 18.00 to 21.00 | Price: £125
Get Started With After Effects - Autumn
Online
This introductory course in Adobe After Effects is designed to provide beginners with a solid founda...
Mon 21 Jun 2027
09:00 - 16:00 | £125
Get Started with After Effects - June 2027
Online
This introductory course in Adobe After Effects is designed to provide beginners with a solid founda...
Tue 26 Jan 2027
26th Jan & 2nd Feb | 18:00 - 21:00 | £125
Get Started with After Effects - January 2027
Online
This introductory course in Adobe After Effects is designed to provide beginners with a solid founda...
If no upcoming Short Courses are displayed above, get in touch with us for more information.
Apart from our Short Courses for 14-17 Year Olds, all of our Short Courses are for adults 18+.