Working as an individual and in teams, you'll develop your core animation skills in 2D, CG and stop-motion. Learning through practical workshops, lectures and tutorials, your first year expands your understanding of storytelling, animation history, film language and sound. You’ll also study life drawing, sound development, timing, character production management and acting, and performance and production management.

Modules

The Forge – learning the principles of movement, drawing & performance
The Foundry – creating your first group film
Mainframe 1 – developing your CG skills
Mainframe 2 – refining your CG skills
Animation Perspectives – an introduction to history and theory

Year two is designed to put your work on the international stage. This is where you’ll specialise as an animator or visual effects artist, honing your skills and aligning them to your specialism. Working in teams, you’ll learn how to collaborate with students on other courses, and how to succeed at festivals by making films for the public. Your second year also gives you the opportunity to study abroad with one of our international partners.

Modules

Reboot 1 – focusing your CG skills
Reboot 2 – mastering your CG skills
Research & Proposals – define and articulate your area of research

Optional modules

Short Film 1 – team-based animation production
VFX Widescreen – team-based VFX production
Short Film 2 – team-based animation production
VFX Resolution – team-based VFX production

Working in your chosen specialist role, you'll complete a major team-based animation or visual effects practice project spanning the whole year. Working with an industry mentor, you’ll continue to collaborate with specialists from other subject areas, including film, television, music and acting. You’ll also support your practice project and prepare for the industry with an extended research project, and by refining your portfolio, showreel and web presence - fully priming you for a successful career.

Modules

Extended Research – focusing your area of research
Professional Outlook – preparation for employment

Optional modules

Animation Pre-Production – team-based animation pre-production
VFX Pre-Production – team-based VFX pre-production
Animation Production – team-based animation production
VFX Production – team-based VFX production

We consider all applications on their own individual merit and potential. We invite all applicants to an interview day or audition to give them the opportunity to demonstrate this along with what inspires and motivates them in their field. Applicants will also be able to show their portfolio or give a performance depending on the course. We welcome applications from all subject backgrounds, whether you’ve specialised in STEM, the arts or humanities.  

As a guide our typical offer at undergraduate level is 104 – 120 UCAS Tariff points, primarily from Level 3 qualifications such as but not limited to A-levels, a BTEC Extended Diploma or a Foundation Diploma. 

Check how many points your qualifications are worth

For applicants whose first language is English we require you to have or be working towards GCSE English Language Grade 4 (C), or equivalent. 

If English is not your first language you will need to meet the same standard which is equivalent to the IELTS Academic 6.0 overall score, with at least 5.5 in Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening. We accept a range of in country equivalencies and approved tests.  

If you need a Tier 4 student visa to study in the UK, you’ll need to take an approved Secure English Language Test (SELT). You can read our English Language Requirements for more information.

UK/EU applications: 15 January 2020 (for equal consideration) 

Late applications will be considered if there are places available. 

International fee payers can apply throughout the year. But we recommend applying as early as possible, to make time for visa and travel arrangements.