Overview
The animation, games and visual effects (VFX) industries are always searching for new talent. BA (Hons) Animation and Games Art allows you to explore and develop both traditional and new techniques, learning key digital skills in 2D and 3D as well as the core principles of character-led animation.
You'll have the opportunity to work on industry-led briefs and entries for festivals and competitions such as Encounters, RTS awards, 11 Second Club and E4 Stings. We’re affiliated with Game Republic too, it's all part of our commitment to help you become industry ready.
We place Animation and Games Art within the broader context of design to help you keep your career options open. You'll also have the creative freedom and flexibility to develop your specific areas of interest, gaining transferable skills crucial for employability.
Why us?
- This course gives a strong foundation in traditional animation principles while also teaching key digital skills in both 2D and 3D
- Our graduates are working in the film, VFX, games and television industries on projects including Grand Theft Auto, Hey Duggee, Miffy, Corpse Bride, Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings
- Our industry contacts, including Game Republic Ltd provide opportunities to work on live briefs, access placements, studio visits, workshops and game jams
- You’ll have the creative freedom to work in any medium and technique allowing you to find and develop your personal style
- Our course places focus on a vibrant community of like-minded creative practitioners, both on campus and online within a thriving discord community of both students, graduates and those working within the creative industry sharing skills, works and technique. This provides you with the opportunity to extend your creative and technical skillset, professional understanding, and to develop a deeper creative vision.
?
Course structure
Teaching is almost entirely practical and studio-based, supported by lectures, seminars and tutorials. Our academic team encourage you to express ideas and push the boundaries of creativity. Assessment is mainly through coursework.
In the first year you'll learn traditional animation techniques and core digital skills. You'll also learn about the broader context of design with students from other design subjects. In the second year you'll be introduced to more advanced concepts and approaches such as 3D, digital sculpting, VR and photogrammetry, character rigging and motion capture.
You'll have the opportunity to apply to undertake an optional placement year out in industry between your second and final year, this is sometimes known as a sandwich degree.
In your final year you'll focus on developing your portfolio and graduate identity, undertake a personal research project that will lead into your Final Major Project. You'll exhibit your work at our Degree Show, which will be visited by industry experts and potential employers.
Facilities
The David Puttnam Media Centre provides well-equipped facilities and industry-standard design software so it's easy to make a seamless transition from your studies to the workplace.
Career ready
Our graduates have gone on to work throughout the film, special effects, games, and television industries, and worked on projects including The Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, Grand Theft Auto, Creature Comforts, Miffy and Hey Duggee. Recent employers have included: animation studios such as Cartoon Saloon, Aardman and Studio AKA; TV companies such as Cartoon Network, CBeebies and CITV; games companies such as Rockstar, Ubisoft and Sumo Digital.
Placements and visits
You'll have opportunities to apply for internships and we actively encourage you to build up a compelling creative portfolio. We also encourage you to participate in competitions and award schemes.
In addition, you'll be encouraged to attend annual animation festivals such as the Manchester Animation Festival (MAF), as well as visits to arts venues across the UK and in cities such as Barcelona, Amsterdam and New York.
Guest speakers
Through our links with industry we attract professionals in animation to come into the University and give talks. These help you gain valuable insights and contacts in the world of work.
Past visiting speakers include quadruple-BAFTA Award-winning Jardine Sage (CITV) - a graduate of the course, Curtis Jobling (creator of Bob the Builder), Susannah Shaw (Aardman), Barry Purves (Lord of the Rings), alumni and award-winning Catherine Salkeld (Story Artist and VR director at Blue Zoo Studios), and Andy Davies (Sony Games).
Work experience
All students studying on-campus undergraduate Animation and Games Art courses can take up a CV-enhancing work placement, a University-led industry initiative, or a professional and business development boot camp.
By the term placement, we mean we are offering you a taste of the industry which might last anything from two days to four weeks on a part-time basis.
Creative Industries Week
Creative Industries Week gives everyone in the Faculty of Arts and Creative Industries the opportunity to participate in a range of projects, workshops, talks, industry visits and career events. This exciting week encourages interdisciplinary working, broadens your experience, to build your confidence and help develop your career path.
My name is Kavisha Prince Anthony, and I always had a dream of studying abroad. Thankfully, that dream came to life since I applied to the Study Advisor. I was able to receive my visa within four days. I also had some visa refusals in the past; I had about six UK visa refusals in the past, but thankfully, it was not an issue since the Study Advisor was able to make things work this time. I highly recommend Study Advisor for your dreams of going abroad, whether it be the UK or any other European country there is.