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Course Overview

Animation endures as one of the truest forms of creative expression. It is a vessel for humour, a voice for social or political commentary and an evergreen form of entertainment. It has the liberty to go anywhere, in any style and tell any story, which remains one of the reasons it is still so loved; it challenges narrative limits.

Digital animators are enviably positioned within the creative world; our skills are used for character design/concepts, environments, pre-visualisation/animatic within 2d, 3d, stop motion and hybrid work. We understand timing, nuance, style, representation and above all, story.

Animators are found within film, games and of course animation itself as standalone work. This is the cultural space of the creators, the dreamers, the outsiders and the storytellers. Our own sensibilities and skills allow us to work in concept, production and post-production comfortably across all areas of media. We have the opportunity to both embrace technology but also retain character and humanity of voice.

We aim to give learners the knowledge, skill, support and environment in which to explore animation. We will look at various areas which can include...

  • life drawing
  • 2D/digital design and illustration
  • Stop motion and model making
  • character design/expression/acting/movement
  • writing for animation
  • storyboarding/shot and camera
  • animatic work
  • environment/asset design, colour and lighting (2D, 2.5D and 3D)
  • post production, effects, colour grading
  • pitching your idea
  • working independently and within a team as an animator
  • workflow and roles

You will attend lectures and seminars delivered by a passionate and engaging team, in a positive environment. The course aims to equip learners with a thorough knowledge of the processes and skills expected for a professional animator. You will build a portfolio demonstrating these aspects of animation which will be further underpinned by more established creative sector skills such as pre and post production, editing, working with sound and so on.

By the end of the course you will be able to...

  • Work confidently on all stages of an animation production.
  • Work independently as an animator or as part of a production team.
  • Demonstrate a strong understanding of the medium and its storytelling potential.
  • Work at a higher academic level, managing your own future learning and development.
  • Take a strong portfolio of your work forward.

48 UCAS Tariff points from two full A Levels or equivalent (e.g. BTEC National Diploma, NVQ 3)

and Level 2 in English & Maths (e.g. GCSE grade 4 or above, Functional Skills Level 2 or NVQ Level 2)

Or

A relevant Access to Higher Education Diploma

Examples of relevant subjects: Multimedia, Graphics, Computing, Art, Illustration

£7,750 per academic year

Students who are eligible, can apply for a student loan via Student finance login - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) to cover the cost of the tutiton fees.

International Fees 

We currently do not offer this course to International applicants due to UKVI regulations.

 

Modules

Year 1

  • Animation Fundamentals
  • Practical Skills and Techniques 1
  • FMP 1: Proof of Concept (individual)

Year 2

  • Professional Case Study
  • Practical Skills and Techniques 1
  • Individual Pitch/Proposal
  • FMP 2: Proof of Concept (group)

Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the programme specification, the information is liable to change to take advantage of exciting new approaches to teaching, learning and industry developments.

Awarding Body:
Arts University Bournemouth (AUB)

Curriculum Area:
Creative and Digital Industries - Design and Media

Course Options

Start Date

Mon 22nd September 2025

Attendance

Full-time

Duration

2 Years

Location

Poole Campus

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