Animation courses

About BA (hons) Animation in University of the Arts London

BA (Hons) Animation encourages you to explore formats and outcomes beyond traditional modes. In Year 1 you’ll learn core creative skills in idea development, design, pre-production and production techniques all of which underpins the wide range of contemporary animation practices.

After discussion with tutors you will then choose a pathway that fits with your developing skills and specific creative interests and abilities.

The Animation Arts pathway will encourage you to experiment with design, technique, content and format. You can explore a range of approaches and processes beyond conventional formats such as performance, installation, interactive, projection mapping, stop-motion, short film or documentary form.

On the 2D Applied Animation pathway, you’ll engage with a wide range of current and emerging technical skills and knowledge. Specialising in character animation, you will learn skills in 2D animation, character design, storyboarding, storytelling and creative writing while developing your understanding of the professional production pipeline.

The 3D Computer Animation pathway will equip you with the specialist skill-set needed to create 3D digital art in industries such as animation, film and television, or to explore the potential of emerging technologies such as 3D printing, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR) and Mixed Reality (MR). You’ll develop your understanding of software, workflow and pipeline principles to bring digital worlds and characters to life.

The Visual Effects (VFX) pathway offers a working knowledge of the expertise needed for a career in the VFX industries. With an emphasis on concept development and visual storytelling complemented by technical tuition and support, you’ll create powerful, convincing imagery that can bring your concepts to life. You’ll have opportunities to collaborate with students on other pathways and courses, and be equipped with the industry-standard techniques needed for your future career.

What to expect

• You’ll look at animation in a broad context and develop your expertise across the whole production process while working both individually and in teams.
• You’ll be taught drawing as a key skill that informs your subject and technical knowledge, and learn how to deal with the challenges of being a professional creative practitioner, such as the importance of flexibility and the value of entrepreneurial skills.
• An emphasis on developing your communication and presentation skills, giving you the confidence to share your ideas to colleagues and clients in professional contexts.

Industry experience and opportunities

The course is designed to ensure you’ll benefit from access to the specialist creative industries in London, as well as other Colleges within the University, a network of professionals, and key industry partners.

Industry-led and mentored ‘live’ projects and competitions are delivered in collaboration with external industry partners, giving you the opportunity to practice your skills in a professional context and to build a professional portfolio of work. Previous industry partners include: Channel 4, MTV, National Trust, All Saints Records, Marmite, The Royal Society, Tate, V&A Museum of Childhood, Westfield, British Library, Hostelworld, Child Poverty Action Group, and Horniman Museum and Gardens.

Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to undertake the Diploma in Professional Studies or the UAL Diploma in Creative Computing between Years 2 and 3 to enhance your learning experience and employability skills.

Entry requirements

• High School leaving examinations - We will consider any High School leaving examinations that are considered to be the equivalent to A-level examinations in the UK.

English language requirements

• IELTS: 6.0 - 6.5 overall, with no less than 5.5 in each component.
• TOEFL iBT: 80 - 90 overall.
• PTE Academic: 51 - 58 (with no less than 51 in each component).

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