Animation - BA (Hons) Degree at Cardiff Metropolitan University

Course Overview

Animators breathe life into stories, making even the simplest line drawing magically come alive, and engaging everyone in a language understood by all.

On our BA Animation degree, you become familiar with the techniques, principles and skills that open up the world of animation. You will learn to create the illusion of motion using time, sound and form to bring images, ideas and stories to life. You will take complex information and use traditional media as well as new and emerging media and technology to assemble meaningful narratives.

Our Animation degree course allows you to build on your critical and analytical skills. You will develop your individual voice as well as your expertise and learn how to apply your skillset across the creative industries.

You will engage with cutting edge studio practice, collaborate with other disciplines, explore methods and theory, work on live briefs and competitions and undertake self-directed projects.

You’ll start the course by gaining a broad understanding of the animation process, while creating your first projects using digital and analogue techniques. You’ll take your personal practice further – expanding your knowledge and exploring the historical, theoretical and social context of your subject.

You’ll spend your time in specialist studios, using industry standard equipment to hone your technical skills in a broad range of disciplines, including:

• Fundamentals of animation. Understanding the language of movement through diverse animation production techniques.
• Storyboarding and film language for animation
• Life drawing
• Storytelling and direction
• Camera, lighting and composition
• Art direction; creating and designing characters and worlds
• Characterization and acting for animation
• Mixed media and experimental animation

Employability & Careers​

Graduates from the programme are well placed to work as independent animators, join media & design companies or advertising agencies, or to be employed in the film, television and broadcast industries.

During the course, there will be the opportunity to undertake live briefs, work experience, This will include building contacts and undertaking placements as well as exposure to animation professionals through industry talks and mentoring. You will be offered support in forming your own business should you choose to do so.

Some graduates become teachers by taking a PGCE. Some graduates elect to take their studies further by studying at CSAD for a Master's level qualification and there are opportunities to take this further still, into research with a PhD or a Professional Doctorate in Art or Design.