BA Animation
About this course
BA (Hons) Animation, an animation degree exploring traditional craft and digital production methods for moving image and visual media. Core topics include Research Methods, Critical & Analytical Thinking, and Ethics & Professional Practice. Students can undertake an optional placement year or a year abroad, as well as an optional foundation year. The first year introduces foundational techniques through The Principles of Animation, Critical Approaches to Animation and Computer-Generated Images, Animation Production, and Pre-Production and Visual Development, covering concept development and creative software. The second year progresses to advanced methods, independent research, and industry roles via Researching Animation and Visual Effects: Principles and Practice, Professional Practice, Advanced Animation Production, and Animation Applications and Contexts. The final year centres on self-directed professional preparation and production through Independent Research Project in Animation, Negotiated Studies in Animation, Portfolio and Promotion, and Specialist Practice in Animation, culminating in a short animated film and portfolio development.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
UCAS tariff: 104 A level: BCC T Level: Merit BTEC: DMM GCSE: GCSE Maths and English Grade 4/Grade C (or above) or equivalent qualification Access to HE: Pass Access to HE Diploma with 60 credits: 45 at Level 3 with a minimum of Distinction: 15, Merit: 24, Pass: 6 English language: IELTS: 6.0 (with at least 5.5 in each skills area)
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What students say
Based on about 7 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 89%
- Learning opportunities: 96%
- Assessment and feedback: 100%
- Academic support: 86%
- Organisation and management: 100%
- Learning resources: 94%
- Student voice: 91%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 10 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 65%
- Gained a higher qualification: 10%
- Left higher education: 25%
What graduates do next
Based on about 11 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 85%
- Working and studying: 15%
Most common jobs
- Web and Multimedia Design Professionals: 35%
- Elementary occupations: 25%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 10%
- Administrative occupations: 10%
- Caring personal services: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 45%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 55%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 30%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 125 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North West: 6%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 12%
- East Midlands: 50%
- West Midlands: 14%
- East of England: 7%
- London: 3%
- South East: 5%
- South West: 2%
- Wales: 2%
Who gets in
Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 75%
- Other HE qualification: 25%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Gold overall, Gold for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Placement Learning and Professional Development
- The Principles of Animation
- Critical Approaches to Animation and Computer-Generated Images
- Animation Production
- Pre-Production and Visual Development
- Researching Animation and Visual Effects: Principles and Practice
- Professional Practice
- Advanced Animation Production
- Animation Applications and Contexts
- Independent Research Project in Animation
- Negotiated Studies in Animation
- Portfolio and Promotion
- Specialist Practice in Animation
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BA Animation at University of Derby earn?
The median salary is £25,000 after 15 months, £17,500 after 3 years, £21,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £18,500 and £27,500. The £21,500 median after five years is £2,000 less than the UK median for Cinematics and photography.
What do graduates of BA Animation at University of Derby do next?
100% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BA Animation at University of Derby?
89% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BA Animation at University of Derby?
The typical offer is BCC at A level. The average entrant had 95 UCAS points.
Does BA Animation at University of Derby include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year and an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on BA Animation at University of Derby?
65% of students continued into their second year, and 25% left higher education.