Program Overview

BA (Hons) 3D Animation

Course Overview

The BA (Hons) 3D Animation course is designed for creatives who want to harness their skills and connections to thrive in the world of character animation. This three-year full-time course will help students develop creative techniques through a range of digital mediums, including film, television, games, and online platforms.

Key Study Topics

The course uses a blend of practice and theory-based learning, introducing students to a range of animation practices, including:

• Animation fundamentals
• Rigging
• Acting performance
• Visual narrative
• Body mechanics
• Animation industry
• Observational and contextual subject-related areas

Course Structure

The course is divided into three years, with each year focusing on different aspects of 3D animation:

Year 1

• Animation Fundamentals (3D)
• Animation Character Mechanics (3D)
• Look Development for 3D
• Pre-Visualisation for (3D)
• Professional Life Practice- Developing your Practice
• Professional Life Practice- Exploring your Practice

Year 2

• Animation Character Performance (3D)
• Modelling and Rigging (3D)
• Animation Industry Exercises
• Professional Life Practice- Applying your Practice
• Work-Based Learning

Year 3

• Animation Industry Prep
• Animation Production
• Professional Life Practice- Situating your Practice
• Animation Portfolio

Assessment

Students will be continually assessed through the presentation of project and written work, including:

• Practical work
• Essays
• Blog entries
• Business plans
• Reports
• A dissertation

Entry Requirements

• Two A Levels at grade CC or above
• BTEC Extended Diploma at grade MPP
• UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma
• T Level (pass or above)
• Access to Higher Education Diploma
• International Baccalaureate at grade 24 or above
• Other/Mixed qualifications equivalent to 64 UCAS Tariff points

Selection Criteria

• Students should ideally have a background in art, creative media, or design
• Applicants are expected to submit a portfolio of work showcasing their skills and demonstrating why they would be a good fit for the course

Fees and Funding

• UK: £9,535 (2025/26)
• INT: £17,000 (2025/26)

Career Pathways

Animation graduates often go on to secure work as 3D/2D generalists or specialists in areas such as:

• Concept
• Modelling
• Animation
• VFX production

Facilities and Industry

• Industry-ready animation lab
• Access to industry-standard software, including Maya and the Adobe Suite
• Strong industry links with high-profile companies, including Apple, Barclays, the BBC, and more

Alumni Stories

• Dan Edgely, Co-founder and Director of Ritzy Animation
• Jessica Siu, Junior Designer, Smoke and Mirrors, and BA (Hons) Animation graduate, 2016

Unistats Details

• 90% of students say staff value their views and opinions about the course
• 98% of students say teaching staff have supported their learning well
• 80% of students are in work or doing further study 15 months after the course

Lecturers

• Dan Dalli
• Sanjay Sen
• Alan Postings, BA (Hons), MA

News and Honours Board

• British actor works with animation students to bring characters to life
• Animation student receives Rigging Award for ‘first class’ work at BFX Festival
• Join Animation alumnus Dan Edgley on a trip down memory lane
• Students’ eerie animations featured in Gothic opera