Animation BA (Hons)

Overview

This degree in Animation is designed to equip you with the knowledge, skills, and vocational experience needed to enter this dynamic and rapidly growing industry.

With access to high-tech facilities such as our six camera Motion Capture Studio, you’ll use innovative techniques and practices to create professional standard digital animations, and develop a strong foundation of knowledge in areas such as:

classical animation techniques
storytelling
still and moving image capture/manipulation
design, cinematography, modelling and animation
concept art
digital sculpting and compositing
CGI lighting

This comprehensive programme is part of Screen Yorkshire’s prestigious Connected Campus initiative and carefully blends creativity and conceptual development with technical theory to produce talented multi-skilled graduates who are primed to embark on exciting and stimulating careers within the world of animation.

With opportunities to collaborate with partners in Qingdao (China), attend workshops and talks by award-winning professionals, as well as the chance to work on a bespoke studio project in your final year, you’ll develop into a competent and confident professional all set to enjoy a fulfilling career in animation.

Entry Requirements

At Bradford, we take into consideration a number of factors when assessing your application.

Below outlines the typical entry requirements for this course:

A levels: BBC - there are no subject specific requirements.
T levels: Merit - there are no specific subject requirements.
BTEC Extended Diploma: DMM — there are no specific subject requirements.
Applicants on Access Programmes: Meet UCAS tariff of 112 points. There are no specific subject requirements.
International Baccalaureate Requirements: 112 UCAS tariff points to include at least 80 points from 2 HL subjects. Plus HL 3 or SL 4 in Maths and English Language and Literature A or English B. Plus minimum of GCSE English and Mathematics at grade C or 4 (equivalents accepted).
English language requirements: Minimum IELTS at 6.0 or the equivalent.

Foundation Year Entry

If you are a UK student and do not meet the entry requirements for this course, our Foundation Year in Engineering and Digital Technologies has a route to Animation BA (Hons)

Foundation Year Entry Requirements

64 UCAS points or equivalent plus an English Language qualification equivalent to GCSE Grade 4 and a Maths qualification equivalent to GCSE Grade 3.

Study and Progression Requirements

This foundation programme is currently under review. Module information and progression requirements for 2025 entry will be available soon.

Transferring from Another University

If you are currently studying at another university and would like to transfer to the University of Bradford, this course accepts students into the second or third year. This is called advanced entry.

Applications for advanced entry will be considered on a case-by-case basis and must include an official transcript (not a screenshot of a portal), all module descriptors, and relevant qualifications. Module descriptors must include learning outcomes.

Your Learning Journey

All module information is for 2025 entry, and is subject to change.

First Year

Conventions of Animation
3D Computer Modelling
Design for Production
3D Computer Animation
Creative Studio

Second Year

Advanced Animation
Classical Animation
Specialism
Advanced Creative Studio
Professional Pathways

Third Year

Study abroad.

Final Year

Individual Project
Group Project
Advanced Specialism

Teaching, Learning, and Assessment

Learning takes place in a wide variety of formats. Some days you will be in lectures and seminars, others you will be having personal tutorials, having a casual chat in a group project, or even having a transatlantic discussion with an industry professional.

All modules require you to undertake independent study, supported through distance learning technologies such as our Virtual Learning Environment.

Reading lists and suggested resources for independent study provide further direction, and regular contact hours and informal feedback throughout the course provides you with ongoing guidance and support. Assessments for modules mostly take the form of practical coursework, lab tests and written exams.

Our Facilities

Access state-of-the-art motion capture equipment - using Vicon motion capture cameras, you can record the movement information of human actors which can be fed into specialist software, manipulated, and transferred to models.

Fees, Finance, and Scholarships

Tuition Fee

UK: £9,535 (sandwich year: £954)
International: £24,456 (sandwich year: £2,446)

Additional Course Costs

While there are no compulsory additional costs associated with this course, there may be general additional costs that you may incur as a student. A list of the sort of costs you might expect can be found on our fees and finance section.

Funding Your Studies

It can be hard to know what financial help is available to you as a student.

Further information about the variety of options that can help fund your studies and maximise the money available to you is available on our funding your studies section.

Scholarships

Every year we award numerous non-repayable scholarships to UK, EU and international students on the basis of academic excellence, personal circumstances or economic hardship. For full details, visit our scholarships section.

Career Prospects

This course will prepare you for a successful career in computer animation. We are very proud of our graduates: they have gone on to work in the UK and overseas for organisations including the BBC, Warner Brothers, Vicon, MGM, Industrial Light and Magic, Disney, Universal, Weta Digital, Pixamundo, Dreamworks, Andy Serkis’ Imaginarium and many others.

Our graduates have worked on blockbuster movies including Avatar, Hugo, Gravity, Inception, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, Warhorse, The Dark Knight trilogy and all of the Harry Potter films as well as numerous games.

Career Opportunities

The University is committed to helping students develop and enhance employability and this is an integral part of many programmes. Specialist support is available throughout the course from Career and Employability Services including help to find part-time work while studying, placements, vacation work and graduate vacancies. Students are encouraged to access this support at an early stage and to use the extensive resources on the Careers website.

Study Abroad

A study abroad year is a fantastic opportunity to broaden your horizons, build connections with people from different backgrounds and cultures, and strengthen your skills and experience to make you stand out in the job market.

We have opportunities for students to study, work or volunteer in more than 150 countries across the world and will support you every step of the way.

Support for Your Studies

At Bradford, we’re committed to supporting your success, well-being and future ambitions.

We’re here to provide everything you need to make the most of your time with us, ensuring you not only excel in your studies, but also step confidently into the world of graduate employment.

In addition to the support you receive from your academic tutors, our Student Support Services are here for you throughout your journey - before, during, and after your studies.

University of Bradford: Rankings, Course Details and Scholarships

Animation BA (Hons)