Mercy College

What you'll study

This programme combines foundation art and design studies with specialist animation training. Early modules develop drawing, colour, composition and visual storytelling skills alongside digital fundamentals such as image-making software and basic 3D modelling. Core animation topics include 2D character animation, 3D character and environment modelling, rigging, motion and timing, traditional animation principles, storyboarding, animatics and layout.

• Foundation studies: observational drawing, design principles, colour theory and visual communication.
• Digital tools: industry-standard software workflows for 2D and 3D production, compositing and motion graphics.
• Animation techniques: frame-by-frame 2D animation, keyframe 3D animation, rigging and character performance.
• Narrative and pre-production: story development, scriptwriting for animation, storyboarding and animatics.
• Production practice: pipeline management, collaborative team projects, short film production and post-production finishing.
• Professional practice: portfolio and showreel preparation, pitching, IP and freelance business skills, internship placements.

Final-year work centres on a capstone project — typically a short animated film or a substantial showreel — produced individually or as part of a team. Modules emphasise iterative feedback, critiques and exhibition-ready presentation.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to demonstrate both academic readiness and creative potential. Typical admissions requirements include a completed secondary-school qualification or equivalent and a creative portfolio that shows drawing ability, visual ideas and any animation work. Mercy College also considers applicants with related college diplomas or practical experience.

• Academic background: Secondary-school qualification (for example high school diploma, A-levels or equivalent). Specific subject prerequisites are not usually required, but art, media or digital technology experience is beneficial.
• Portfolio: A curated selection of visual work such as sketches, storyboards, character designs, animation reels or digital art. Short films or animatics are particularly relevant.
• Interview or practical task: Applicants may be asked to attend an interview or submit additional work samples or a short practical exercise.
• English language: Proof of English proficiency is required if your prior education was not in English (accepted tests and levels are determined by the college).

Career prospects

Graduates enter a range of roles across film, television, advertising, games and digital media. The programme is designed to produce adaptable graduates who can work across production pipelines and in both creative and technical roles.

• Character animator (2D and 3D)
• Storyboard artist and concept designer
• Motion graphics designer and compositor
• 3D modeller and rigger for games and VFX
• Producer or production coordinator for animation projects
• Freelance creative, studio founder or independent filmmaker
• Progression to postgraduate study in animation, visual effects or related creative disciplines

Alumni commonly work in small studios, larger production houses, game developers, advertising agencies or as independent practitioners creating commercial and festival work. The practical focus of the degree is intended to help graduates build a market-ready showreel and professional network.

Why study at Mercy College

Mercy College offers a small-class learning environment where students receive regular critique and one-to-one guidance from tutors with professional animation and design experience. The curriculum balances hands-on studio practice with taught theory and industry-facing projects.

• Studio-based teaching that emphasises portfolio and showreel development.
• Access to digital labs and production software commonly used in the industry.
• Opportunities for collaborative projects that mirror real-world animation pipelines.
• Support for internships, placements and career-readiness through college services.

This combination of practical training, professional preparation and small-group mentorship aims to help motivated students transition from study to careers in animation and related creative industries.