BA (Hons) Animation

The BA Animation degree at the University of Northampton focuses on preparing students for a career in animation, including specialist areas such as motion capture, visual effects, storyboarding, 2D and 3D animation for video games and narrative development. 

You will be introduced to the key points in the creative process, from initial concepting through to the production of final animations. Animation degree students will also develop the technical skills required to create professional standard animations for a variety of digital media formats, such as film, TV, video games and augmented or virtual reality.

Highlights

• Up to date workstation hardware and software, including Wacom Cintiq Pros.
• Opportunities to take part in live projects and competitions for BA animation students.
• Guest lectures that provide the opportunity to meet with industry specialists. Recent visitors have included: Aardman Animations, Naughty Dog, Rare, Unity, Splash Damage, Playground Games, Codemasters, Ubisoft, and Sony.
• Opportunities to visit digital industry events such as EGX Rezzed and take part in national student competitions such as Brains Eden or Tranzfuser
• Course and module support via the course web site and University Virtual Learning Environment (VLE)
• A supportive approach to tuition with small class sizes (<20) and approachable tutors with practical industry experience.
• Practical working environment with emphasis on a hands-on learning experience
• Guaranteed paid internship with the Northampton Employment Promise.
• HP laptop and software included with this course for eligible students (see Eligibility criteria and Terms and Conditions)

Throughout your BA Animation degree, you will focus on the production of professional standard animation and visual effects for a variety of digital media, such as film, tv, web-based marketing and video games. You will also be exposed to the whole life cycle of animation production from the initial ideas process, through narrative development, to creation of the final production. You will work with industry-trained tutors to ensure you understand the requirements of animation production processes for specific media platforms and markets.

Studying a degree in Animation at UON will give you the creative and technical software skills, and the industry knowledge required by leading animation and video game studios. You will produce a personal portfolio of your work to reflect industry and professional practice needs, informed by historical and contemporary references.

We teach our Animation university course in a practical, studio based environment, with hands-on tutorials led by industry-trained tutors who, alongside practising animation professionals, will provide regular feedback on your work.

Careers and Employability
Graduating with an Animation BA degree from the University of Northampton will open up a range of career opportunities, including:

• Animator
• Technical Animator
• Rigging Artist
• Compositor
• Cinematic Artist
• VFX Artist
• Storyboard Artist