BA Animation
About this course
BA (Hons) in Animation, a photography degree centred on animation methods, technologies, and theories. Core topics include Research Methods. The curriculum includes partnerships with the Aardman Academy and Scotland Loves Anime, offering students access to industry events and guest speakers. The first year introduces the subject through modules such as Animation 1A Introduction, Animation 1B Principles, and Language of Animation. The second year builds technical and creative competence via Animation 2A Character, Animation 2B Narrative, and Animation 2C Documentary. The third year advances professional skills through Animation 3A Animation For Clients, Animating Stories, and Animation 3B Experimental Animation. The final year culminates in major independent work spanning Animation 4A Research & Pre-Production, Design & Screen Cultures (Dissertation), and Animation 4C Production, complemented by Animation 4D Promotion & Distribution.
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
A level: ABB (required: no specific A level subjects required) IB: 34 points with 655 at HL
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Admissions (2022 entry, home applicants)
Offer rate 12%: 32 offers from 278 applications, from the university's Freedom of Information return.
What students say
Based on about 18 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 88%
- Learning opportunities: 76%
- Assessment and feedback: 90%
- Academic support: 94%
- Organisation and management: 67%
- Learning resources: 87%
- Student voice: 87%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 100%
What graduates do next
Based on about 58 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Working: 83%
- Working and studying: 3%
- Further study: 4%
- Unemployed: 3%
Most common jobs
- Artistic, literary and media occupations: 22%
- Sales occupations: 8%
- Teaching Professionals: 6%
- Elementary occupations: 6%
- Skilled trades occupations: 6%
- Find their work meaningful: 70%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 50%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 40%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 255 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 4%
- North West: 4%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 2%
- East Midlands: 2%
- West Midlands: 2%
- East of England: 3%
- London: 21%
- South East: 8%
- South West: 2%
- Scotland: 49%
- Northern Ireland: 2%
Who gets in
Based on about 20 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 55%
- Other HE qualification: 40%
- No formal qualifications: 5%
Modules
- Animation 1A Introduction (20 credits)
- What’s Up Doc? Introducing Animation Studies (20 credits)
- option course of your choosing (20 credits)
- Animation 1B Principles (20 credits)
- Language of Animation (20 credits)
- Design & Screen Cultures (20 credits)
- Animation 2A Character (40 credits)
- option course of your choosing (20 credits)
- Animation 2B Narrative (20 credits)
- Animation 2C Documentary (20 credits)
- Design & Screen Cultures (20 credits)
- Animation 3A Animation For Clients (20 credits)
- Animating Stories (20 credits)
- Design & Screen Cultures (20 credits)
- Animation 3B Experimental Animation (20 credits)
- Animation 3C Disseminated Animation (20 credits)
- Issues Of Representation (20 credits)
- Animation 4A Research & Pre-Production (40 credits)
- Design & Screen Cultures (Dissertation) (20 credits)
- Animation 4C Production (40 credits)
- Animation 4D Promotion & Distribution (20 credits)
- presenting film pitches to a panel of invited industry guests
- collaborating with sound designers and composers
- ultimately contributing to a degree exhibition at ECA and a public screening at a cinema in Edinburgh
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BA Animation at University of Edinburgh earn?
The median salary is £26,000 after 15 months, £21,000 after 3 years, £26,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £20,500 and £34,500. The £26,500 median after five years is £3,000 more than the UK median for Cinematics and photography.
What do graduates of BA Animation at University of Edinburgh do next?
90% 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 Edinburgh?
88% 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 Edinburgh?
The typical offer is ABB at A level, or 34 points in the IB. The average entrant had 160 UCAS points.
What is the offer rate for BA Animation at University of Edinburgh?
12% of home applicants received an offer for 2022 entry: 32 offers from 278 applications, according to the university's Freedom of Information return.
Does BA Animation at University of Edinburgh include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on BA Animation at University of Edinburgh?
100% of students continued into their second year, and 0% left higher education.