I am researching animation courses for 2020 entry of 5 different universities using UCAS. I am interested in animation for games – less so for film and TV at the moment. I’m looking for a course that is able to teach me the fundamentals before helping me to build on that to an extent where I have flexibility between the types of things that I can create. Although I am very interested in 2D animation, 3D animation and CGI are also very useful areas to be skilled in for future job prospects.
* TOP CHOICES
Here are my options and their relevant information:
1. Norwich University of the Arts *
https://www.nua.ac.uk/study-at-nua/courses/ba-hons-animation/
Course code: W615
Qualification: BA (Hons)
Study mode: Full-time
Duration: 3 years
Annual cost: £9,250
Entry requirements: BTEC Extended Diploma – DMM, portfolio and interview
In the first year, you explore hand-drawn and 2D digital animation, stop-motion and 3D animation whilst gaining an understanding of the principles of animation, media roles and practices and theory in character analysis
In the second year, you can start to focus on your preferred area of production in conjunction with building on the fundamentals that you initially learned. You’ll develop a better understanding of topics such as film language and compelling storytelling.
In your third year, you will choose a specialism and create a personal portfolio. Whilst working on a collaborative project with peers to a professional industry standard, you will continue to enhance and refine the skills you have learned.
Whilst there isn’t a year in industry, the course is supported by industry guests such as the BBC and Blue Zoo to whom you get the chance to pitch projects in live briefs.
2. Arts University Bournemouth *
https://aub.ac.uk/courses/ba/ba-animation-production/
Course code: W615
Qualification: BA (Hons)
Study mode: Full-time
Duration: 3 years
Annual cost: £9,250
Entry requirements: BTEC Extended Diploma – DMM, portfolio and interview
In the first year, you will be taught about the fundamentals of animation including the principles of animation as well as character performance and cinematic storytelling. You will also focus on the development of your observational drawing skills and learn to use industry software like Maya.
In the second year, you will gain an understanding of your specialism within animation through working on collaborative projects – experiencing what the production process of a full animation is like in a team whilst building your skills further. You will also develop a personal project to be pitched utilizing professional industry practices. You also get opportunities for industry experience or overseas study to aid you in developing skills for your personal management and professional development.
In your third year, you get the opportunity to demonstrate the skills of your specialist area. Within this, you’ll put together a portfolio as part of a production that is either 2D, CGI or Stop-Motion whilst utilizing communication and team-working skills. During this process, you’ll develop a sense for personal planning and self-reflection which will aid you when considering future career prospects.
3. Canterbury Christ Church University
https://www.canterbury.ac.uk/study-here/courses/undergraduate/animation-production-20-21.aspx
Course code: W616
Qualification: BA (Hons)
Study mode: Full-time
Duration: 3 years
Annual cost: £9,250
Entry requirements: 88 – 112 UCAS points, portfolio and interview
4. University of Gloucestershire
https://www.uca.ac.uk/study/courses/ba-animation/
Course code: W615
Qualification: BA (Hons)
Study mode: Full-time
Duration: 3 years
Annual cost: £9,250
Entry requirements: BTEC Extended Diploma – DDM, portfolio and interview
For this course, you may get the opportunity to study in Canada for 6 months to a year.
5. Anglia Ruskin University – Cambridge School of Art
https://aru.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/illustration-and-animation
Course code: WW26
Qualification: BA (Hons)
Study mode: Full-time
Duration: 3 years
Annual cost: £9,250
Entry requirements: 96 UCAS points, portfolio and interview
During the second year, you will get the opportunity to take part in work placements, research trips and projects with live clients.
6. Escape Studios
https://www.pearsoncollegelondon.ac.uk/find-a-course/undergraduate/ba-ma-the-art-of-computer-animation-integrated-masters.html
Course code: I700
Institution code: P34
Qualification: BA (Hons)
Study mode: Full-time
Duration: 3 years
Annual cost: £9,250
Entry requirements: GCSE English and maths at grade C or equivalent and to have/or to be predicted 2 A levels or equivalent. Creative portfolio and Creative Workshop.
7. University of the Creative Arts: Farnham
https://www.uca.ac.uk/study/courses/ba-animation/
Course code: W615
Institution code: C93
UCAS campus code: F
Qualification: BA (Hons)
Study mode: Full-time
Duration: 3 years
Annual cost: £9,250
Entry requirements: 112 UCAS tariff points, BTEC Extended Diploma – DMM, 4 GCSE passes at grade A*-C and/or grade 4-9 including English (or Functional Skills English/Key Skills Communication Level 2).
Jasmine Cooper 