Animation Degree Course BA (Hons)

Program Overview

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Animation

BA (Hons)

Attendance

Full-time

Campus

Preston Campus

Start

September 2025

Duration

3 years

UCAS Code

WW27

Delivery

In-person

Foundation year available

Our award-winning Animation degree course covers stop motion, 2D animation and 3D digital animation. These techniques will help you develop the practical skills and technical expertise you need to create your own film by the end of the course.

Why study with us

• 3rd in the UK for career prospects (Guardian University Guide, Animation and Games Design, 2024)
• 3rd in the North West for graduate prospects - outcomes (Complete University Guide, Drama, Dance and Cinematics, 2025)
• 2nd in the North West for Student Satisfaction (Complete University Guide, Drama, Dance and Cinematics, 2025)
• Each year, the Royal Television Society (RTS) organises a series of regional student awards which you will be able to enter. In addition, students will be encouraged to enter festivals like Annecy Animation Festival and Manchester Animation Festival.
• Our Animation students have been North West Royal Television Society Student Award winners nine times.
• We are one of only a few institutions in the country to provide Toon Boom training. Delivered by an accredited Toon Boom user.

What you’ll do

• Gain employability skills by working on client briefs for organisations such as the NHS and Preston City Council. Learn how to work with clients and overcome hurdles met by professional animators.
• You'll be encouraged to enter the annual Royal Television Society (RTS) student awards. As well as festivals such as Annecy Animation Festival and Manchester Animation Festival.
• Our close links with employers will give you the chance to work on 'live' projects from the industry. Helping you to test your skills and become graduate work-ready.

Modules

Year 1

• Contextual Studies in Animation (AX1000)
• Introduction to Animation (AX1001)
• Introduction to Model Making (AX1021)
• Skill Development & Software Training (AX1101)

Year 2

• Focus Studies (AX2000)
• Animation Practice (AX2021)
• Animation Production and VFX (AX2022)
• Advanced Model Making (AX2023)

Year 3

• Research and Preproduction (AX3021)
• Honours Project and Promotion (AX3022)
• Animated TV Series (AX3333)

Entry requirements

• UCAS: 96 points at A2
• BTEC Extended Diploma: MMM
• BTEC Diploma: DD
• Pass Access Course: 96 UCAS points
• International Baccalaureate Diploma: Pass including 96 points from Higher Level subjects
• T Level: P (C+)
• IELTS: 6.0 with no component lower than 5.5
• GCSEs: 5 at grade C/4 including Maths and English or equivalent
• Applicants are required to submit a portfolio for consideration.

Fees and funding

• UK: £9,535 per year (2025/26)
• International: £17,325 per year (2025/26)

Scholarships and bursaries

• The Royal Television Society Bursary
• Care Leaver Bursary
• Estranged student support
• Dependants Bursary

Learning and assessment

• A three-year degree qualification typically comprises 360 credits.
• Every 20 credits (a standard module) equates to 200 hours of study.
• Assessment is 100% coursework including group work and formative assessment.

Industry links

• Our animation course is closely aligned with industry demand and recognises the gaps within the sector.
• The course is designed to help you move forward into the entertainment and media industry.
• We'll work together with studios and professionals to gain opportunities to kick-start your career.

Research areas

• Animation
• Film making
• VFX
• Model making
• Stop motion
• 2D animation
• 3D digital animation

Facilities

• Animation Studios
• The Library (Preston Campus)
• Creative Simulation Zone
• Worldwise Learning Centre

Academic expertise

• Mario Kkounnous (Course Leader)
• Mark Mason (Lecturer in Animation)

Your Portfolio - FAQs

• What should I include in my animation portfolio?
  • We are looking for 10 to 20 pieces. These can be mixed media or traditional outcomes.
  • Consider including:
    • Inspiration points
    • Development work
    • Showreels and completed artwork
    • Personal projects you have done outside college
    • Written work including essays, blogs, written reflection of your work
    • Any traditional drawings and sketch work. You can also include images of sculpts and miniature sets you may have produced.
    • Any animations that you have produced (though not essential).
• What should I keep in mind when putting together my portfolio?
  • Show your skills and passion
  • Explain your inspiration
  • Tell a story
  • Tailor it
  • Organise clearly

Future careers in digital animation

• Animation is a flourishing industry due to recent government support.
• Our graduates enjoy careers as animators, model-makers, editors, directors, scriptwriters, set designers, and sound designers.
• They've gone on to work at companies such as Nintendo, The Factory, McKinnon and Saunders, Sony Pictures, TT Games, Soccer Manager, the BBC and many others.