Nottingham Trent University

What you'll study

This programme balances artistic development, technical training and professional practice across a progressive three-year degree. You will learn traditional drawing and visual storytelling alongside digital production techniques, covering areas such as 2D character animation, 3D modelling and rigging, stop-motion and puppet animation, motion graphics, compositing and basic visual effects.

Typical modules and themes include:

• Foundation Studies: drawing for animation, visual storytelling, figure and movement studies, and principles of animation.
• Digital Production: 2D and 3D workflow, modelling, texturing, lighting, rigging and keyframe animation using industry-standard software.
• Stop-motion and Physical Media: armature construction, set-building, lighting for miniature work and frame-by-frame capture techniques.
• Post-production and Compositing: video editing, motion graphics, rotoscoping and compositing for finishing animation sequences.
• Narrative & Development: scriptwriting for animation, storyboarding, character development and pitching.
• Collaborative Projects: cross-discipline group briefs to simulate studio pipelines and client-led assignments.
• Professional Practice and Portfolio: business skills, freelancing, showreel development, and live briefs with industry partners leading to a final honours project or short film.

The course is delivered through workshops, studio-based practice, lectures and project briefs, supported by demonstrations, technical clinics and visiting industry professionals. Assessment is primarily by practical project work, portfolios, showreels and reflective documentation.

Entry requirements

Typical entry is through UCAS. Applicants are expected to have completed an appropriate level 3 qualification or equivalent, such as A-levels, BTEC Nationals or an international qualification. Offers are normally made on a combination of academic achievement and the strength of a creative portfolio.

• Academic: Typical offers are in a moderate UCAS tariff range for creative degree programmes (please check the university website for the current tariff guidance and accepted qualifications).
• Portfolio: A demonstrable portfolio of creative work is required. Portfolios should show observational drawing, sequential/story work, character ideas and examples of any animation or time-based work where available. Universities welcome process work as well as finished pieces.
• English language: If English is not your first language, an approved English language qualification is required (e.g. an academic IELTS profile or equivalent; check current university requirements for exact scores).
• Other: Applicants may be invited to interview or to submit further work. GCSE (or equivalent) passes in English and maths are typically expected or recommended.

Career prospects

Graduates from BA Animation progress into a wide variety of roles across creative industries. Common career pathways include:

• 2D and 3D animator for film, television and advertising
• Storyboard artist, concept artist or character designer
• Rigging and technical artist roles in games and VFX
• Motion graphics designer for broadcast and digital media
• Stop-motion practitioner or independent filmmaker
• Compositor or post-production assistant
• Freelance animator, creative director or studio founder

The course emphasises development of a professional showreel and portfolio, and many graduates secure entry-level roles in animation studios, post-production houses, games companies, or work as freelancers producing content for agencies and broadcasters.

Why study at Nottingham Trent University

Nottingham Trent University provides a practical, industry-oriented animation education with a strong focus on employability. The London delivery brings the benefits of a capital-city location, including closer access to studios, agencies and a network of creative employers. The course is taught by staff experienced in professional animation practice and regularly invites practitioners for masterclasses and crits.

Students gain hands-on experience using industry-standard production workflows and software, and the programme supports the creation of showreels, festival-ready short films and professional portfolios. Collaborative projects and live briefs with external partners help prepare students for working in studio environments, while careers support and enterprise resources assist with freelancing, pitching and job applications.