Enter OTP
The Animation BA (Hons) at the University of Edinburgh offers a vibrant, hands-on learning experience where students explore a wide range of animation techniques, technologies, and storytelling approaches. This program is ideal for creative individuals who are passionate about movement, storytelling, and developing a distinctive visual voice.
Curriculum Structure:
Year 1:
Students are introduced to the fundamentals of animation, covering key areas such as 2D and 3D animation, storyboarding, and basic character design. The first year emphasizes experimentation with different animation methods and encourages students to begin discovering their personal creative style within a supportive studio environment.
Year 2:
The second year builds on foundational skills with more advanced modules like animation production pipeline, motion studies, and digital techniques using industry-standard software. Students often collaborate on group projects, gaining practical experience while refining their storytelling abilities and technical competence.
Year 3:
In the final year, students focus on specialized animation projects, professional practice, and portfolio development. Emphasis is placed on producing a cohesive body of work, including solo and collaborative projects, preparing graduates for a successful entry into the animation industry.
Focus areas: Character animation, digital and traditional animation techniques, storytelling, collaborative and solo project development.
Learning outcomes: Mastery of animation principles, proficiency with industry-standard tools, strong visual storytelling, and ability to work independently or collaboratively on creative projects.
Professional alignment (accreditation): Partnered with Aardman Academy and actively engaged with industry events like Scotland Loves Anime, ensuring industry relevance.
Reputation (employability rankings): Recognized as Scotland’s oldest established degree-level animation programme, offering strong industry connections and a highly supportive studio environment that enhances graduate employability.
Studying Animation at Edinburgh College of Art gives you an exceptional opportunity to develop practical, hands-on skills across a wide range of animation methods and technologies. From classical hand-drawn techniques to cutting-edge digital tools, you’ll gain experience at every stage of the animation production pipeline. The programme emphasizes both individual creativity and collaborative teamwork, allowing you to experiment, innovate, and bring your stories to life in a professional studio environment.
This immersive approach is supported by access to top-notch facilities and industry-standard software, ensuring that your learning is deeply connected to real-world animation practice:
Work in a thriving studio environment with continuous access to space and resources.
Learn the full animation production pipeline, from concept to final render.
Gain experience with classical techniques using lightboxes, real cameras, lights, and puppets.
Utilize a Render farm with Pixar’s Renderman software for high-quality digital animation.
Collaborate on projects with students from other disciplines, including the Reid School of Music and Film & TV programmes.
Take part in team-based projects as well as solo creative assignments, developing both collaboration and independent skills.
Engage in industry exposure through partnerships with the Aardman Academy and Scotland Loves Anime, including networking events with international directors and producers.
Opportunities for placements and study abroad to gain professional and global experience.
Access to Edinburgh College of Art libraries and research facilities to support your creative development.
This programme ensures that you graduate not just with theoretical knowledge, but with a portfolio of practical work, professional experience, and a distinctive creative voice.
Graduates from the Animation BA (Hons) at the University of Edinburgh leave with strong creative and technical skills, ready to make an impact in the animation and media industries. Typical roles include Animation Director, Storyboard Artist, and 3D/2D Animator:
University services supporting employment: The Careers Service provides tailored guidance, industry workshops, portfolio reviews, and internship placements to help students secure roles in top studios.
Employment stats & salary figures: Many graduates find employment in leading animation and media companies within six months of graduation, with starting salaries typically ranging from £25,000 to £35,000, scaling higher with experience.
University–industry partnerships: Collaborations with the Aardman Academy and Scotland Loves Anime provide students with direct exposure to major studios, networking events, and professional mentoring.
Long-term accreditation value: The degree is widely recognized within the creative industries, giving graduates credibility and professional standing both in the UK and internationally.
Graduation outcomes: Graduates go on to work in film, television, advertising, and interactive media, often contributing to high-profile projects or launching independent studios.
Further Academic Progression:
Students can continue their studies through postgraduate programs such as an MSc in Animation, Visual Effects, or Digital Arts, or explore specialized short courses and professional certifications to deepen technical expertise or expand into related creative fields.
A-level: ABB / You must also have the following at GCSE: English at C or 4International Baccalaureate (IB) Standard Level English at 5 (English ab initio is not accepted for entry)IB: 34 points with 655 at HLIELTS Academic: total 6.5 with at least 5.5 in each component.We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 92 with at least 20 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.For Indian Applicants: CBSE All India Senior School Certificate Examination (SSC), CISCE Indian School Certificate (ISC) Standard XII: overall 80% with three subjects at 75%.For US Applicants: ACT score of 27 plus two AP scores at 4+SAT score of 1290+ (650+ in Evidence based reading and Writing and 620+ in Math) plus two AP scores at 4+ 3 AP scores at 4+AnimatorStoryboard ArtistCharacter Designer3D ModelerVisual Effects ArtistGame DesignerMotion Graphics DesignerConcept ArtistArt DirectorMultimedia SpecialistTexture ArtistRigging ArtistCompositorGraphic DesignerCreative Director
Embark on your educational journey with confidence! Our team of admission experts is here to guide you through the process. Book a free session now to receive personalized advice, assistance with applications, and insights into your dream school. Whether you're applying to college, graduate school, or specialized programs, we're here to help you succeed.
University of Edinburgh
