BA Animation
University for the Creative Arts
About this course
BA (Hons) Animation is an animation degree centred on frame-by-frame manipulation of visual imagery, covering 2D, 3D, stop motion, and experimental approaches. Core topics include Research Methods, Ethics & Professional Practice, and Design & Creative Practice. Students may undertake an optional year abroad or a compulsory foundation year. The first year covers foundational animation principles, collaborative filmmaking, and hybrid practices through modules such as Animation Principles, Career Catalyst: Skills & Capability, Group Film, and Hybrid Practices. The second year focuses on individual production, research, and professional contexts through modules like Short Film, Career Catalyst: Communities & Influence, Research & Concept, and Festival. The final year involves advanced creative research and project realization through modules including Creative Research, Career Catalyst: Futures & Direction, and Major Project.
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
For these courses we’ll need to see a portfolio, see the portfolio requirements section for more details. The standard entry requirements* for these courses are one of the following: 112 UCAS tariff points, see accepted qualifications; Pass at Foundation Diploma in Art & Design (Level 3 or 4); Distinction, Merit, Merit at BTEC Extended Diploma / BTEC National Extended Diploma; Merit at UAL Extended Diploma; 112 UCAS tariff points from an accredited Access to Higher Education Diploma in appropriate subject; 27 total points in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program with at least 15 IB points at Higher Level (HL), see more information about IB entry requirements . And four GCSE passes at grade 9-4/A*-C including English (or Functional Skills English/Key Skills Communication Level 2). Other relevant and equivalent Level 3 UK and international qualifications are considered on an individual basis, and we encourage students from diverse educational backgrounds to apply.
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What students say
Based on about 116 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Teaching on my course: 72%
- Learning opportunities: 67%
- Assessment and feedback: 75%
- Academic support: 86%
- Organisation and management: 47%
- Learning resources: 80%
- Student voice: 68%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 95%
- Left higher education: 5%
What graduates do next
Based on about 47 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Working: 87%
- Working and studying: 3%
- Unemployed: 7%
Most common jobs
- Artistic, literary and media occupations: 21%
- Elementary occupations: 19%
- Sales occupations: 12%
- Leisure, travel and related personal service occupations: 7%
- Web and Multimedia Design Professionals: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 65%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 45%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 20%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 295 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North West: 6%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 2%
- East Midlands: 1%
- West Midlands: 3%
- East of England: 9%
- London: 25%
- South East: 46%
- South West: 4%
- Wales: 2%
- Scotland: 1%
- Northern Ireland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 10 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 100%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Silver for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Animation Principles
- Career Catalyst: Skills & Capability
- Group Film
- Hybrid Practices
- Short Film
- Career Catalyst: Communities & Influence
- Research & Concept
- Festival
- Creative Research
- Career Catalyst: Futures & Direction
- Major Project
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BA Animation at University for the Creative Arts earn?
The median salary is £24,000 after 15 months, £20,000 after 3 years, £25,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £19,500 and £31,000. The £25,000 median after five years is £1,500 more than the UK median for Cinematics and photography.
What do graduates of BA Animation at University for the Creative Arts do next?
91% 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 for the Creative Arts?
72% 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 for the Creative Arts?
The typical offer is 27 points in the IB. The average entrant had 76 UCAS points.
Does BA Animation at University for the Creative Arts include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on BA Animation at University for the Creative Arts?
95% of students continued into their second year, and 5% left higher education.