Digital Animation

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https://www.bcu.ac.uk/courses/digital-animation-ba-hons-2027-28

Digital Animation - BA (Hons) - 2027/28 Entry | Birmingham City University

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Digital Animation - BA (Hons)

Currently viewing course to start in 2027/28 Entry.

This cutting-edge BA programme will develop your skills across the Digital Animation practice conventions. You will be taught by established practitioners, who will provide their knowledge on 2D and 3D animation disciplines....

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Undergraduate

Study mode

Full Time

BA (Hons)

Start date

September 2027

View course fees

Subjects

Games, Animation and Sound

Computing

Location

City Centre

This course is:

Available with Professional Placement year

Open to International Students

Open Day Book now

Overview

This cutting-edge BA programme will develop your skills across the Digital Animation practice conventions. You will be taught by established practitioners, who will provide their knowledge on 2D and 3D animation disciplines.

The course is part of Birmingham City University’s Film suite, designed to develop graduates with knowledge of the theory, practice and industry trends that will enable them to succeed in a rapidly changing industry environment.

What's covered in this course?

The course will help you establish the core art fundamentals, such as anatomy, gesture, pose, weight distribution, perspective, composition and an understanding of how they underpin digital animation practice. You will also learn about the 12 principles of animation required to create engaging animation performance, whether you choose a Film/Television or Games/Interactive pathway. The course will introduce you to industry standard project management and pipelines methodologies that mirror industry production procedures.

Depending upon the route you choose to take on the course (Film/TV or Game/Interactive) you will produce a range of assessed material including but not exclusive to:

Storyboards & story-reels

Animation foundation exercises

Performance animations

Specialist portfolios and showreels

Short films, made collaboratively, demonstrating animation principles and pipelines

Game animation sets, demonstrated within the Unity and Unreal game engines

A key focus of this course is developing performance within character animation. You will develop acting techniques that will promote the development on your inner actor to project performance through your characters. You will also develop an understating of and demonstrate visual storytelling, with ‘show don’t tell’ philosophies.

While theoretical and practice-based considerations of animation techniques and principles remain a central focus to the award, the course also provides shared modules within film and games courses, offering wider collaborative opportunities which help provide core skills relevant to industry.

We're ranked top 10 in the UK for Film Production and Photography for three consecutive years Guardian League Table 2026, 2025 and 2024

Professional Placement year

This course offers an optional professional placement year. This allows you to spend a whole year with an employer, following successful completion of your second year, and is a great way to find out more about your chosen career. Some students even return to the same employers after completing their studies.

If you choose to pursue a placement year, you will need to find a suitable placement to complement your chosen area of study. You will be able to draw on the University’s extensive network of local, regional, and national employers, and the support of our Careers teams. If you are able to secure a placement, you can request to be transferred to the placement version of the course.

Please note that fees are payable during your placement year, equivalent to 20% of the total full-time course fee for that year.

This course is designed in response to the growing demand within the UK and International animation industries that require job ready graduates who can demonstrate within their showreels, animation foundation principles and skilled use of industry standard tools

Shaun Magher - Course Director, BA Digital Animation

Why Choose Us?

You’ll enjoy the benefits of outstanding resources, at the heart of a thriving creative community in our City Centre campus.

You will be taught by tutors with over 30 years of experience within the UK and International Animation industries.

The BA Digital Animation course is an employment-led programme, so your knowledge and skills will be up to date and relevant, making you industry ready upon graduation.

Top 20 in the UK for student satisfaction for Computer Science (Complete University Guide 2025).

We have a partnership with the BFI, which offers students free access to the BFI player.

of students said that academic support was good or very good.NSS 2026

Similar Courses

Filmmaking - BA (Hons)

Illustration - BA (Hons)

Game Art - BA (Hons)

Game Design - BA (Hons)

Open Day

Join us for our next Open Day where you'll be able to learn about this course in detail, chat to students,

explore our campus and tour accommodation.

Next Open Day: 21 November

an Open Day

Course in Depth

Year one

Year two

Year three

In order to complete this course you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):

Art Theory & Practice 20 credits

The purpose of this module is to give you the opportunity to learn and then apply fundamental art techniques and methodologies. Students will work individually to produce a sketch book based upon a defined theme.

The work students will be given mirrors animation industry advice about art practice and will require an element of research and skill application.

Film Primer 20 credits

You will learn how visual languages are applied and how to compose shots which are adaptable to other mediums such as animation. Students You will learn to storyboard professionally and to succinctly convey your ideas and visions to produce a short film.

2D Animation Principles & Production 20 credits

You will be introduced to key animation principles, processes, and techniques in the creation of 2D digital animated sequences. You will explore the historical context and understanding of contemporary practices in animation, then apply this knowledge in developing ideas for their animated sequences.

3D Modelling Theory & Practice 20 credits

The purpose of this module is to give you the opportunity to learn and then apply fundamental 3D modelling techniques and texturing methodologies. Students will work individually to produce a production ready asset.

3D Animation Production 40 credits

You will be given an up-to-the-moment introduction to the working methodologies of 3D Animation production. This will allow you to experience the challenges of completing the research, development, and production of a 3D Animated short film.

In order to complete this course you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 100 credits):

Action Mechanics 20 credits

This module introduces the principles of Action Mechanics, where students will develop an

understanding of weight, balance and force in progressive motion, and apply these principles into animated sequences, demonstrating anticipation, exaggeration, drag, follow through and secondary action principles. Working in either a 2D or 3D pipeline, students will create a range of animated sequences demonstrating action in dance, sports, acrobatics or combat.

Character Concept and Production 40 credits

This module focuses on the development of a character, from initial concept design to its final production ready form.

During the Concept Design process, you will learn how various modes of narrative storytelling, histories, locations, events, and cultures would influence your design decisions to create compelling concepts and believable characters. You are required to experiment and engage with different approaches to concept design from sketches to 3-dimensional forms. You will explore design processes and techniques based on basic geometric shapes, and will explore shape language, silhouettes, structure, proportion, gesture, actioning, value and form and colour theory, to design unique characters that could be applied to animation, visual effects and video game pipelines.

Performance Practice 40 credits

This module introduces the principles of Acting for Animation, where students will learn how to project a performance into an otherwise, inanimate object. Character Animators at their core are Actors and students will be introduced to the practical methods of developing a performance from script through to final character animation, whether in a 2D or 3D pathway.

In order to complete this course you must successfully complete at least 20 credits from the following list of OPTIONAL modules.

Collaborative Practice 20 credits

The module is an opportunity to learn and critically reflect on the skills of collaboration by enabling you to create an interdisciplinary project with students from complementary disciplines, or with academic staff. Collaboration is a vital employability skill within the Creative Industries and this module allows you to develop these skills, making use of University facilities and with the support of academic staff. Within this module framework, several kinds of collaborative opportunities are available. For example, with the approval of your supervisor, you can determine a project based on your own interests; your supervisor may set you a predetermined project to enable you to work with other students in a way that is appropriate to your subject area; or there may be opportunities for you to collaborate with staff on research projects. In all cases, you must apply your subject skills to an interdisciplinary project which will be agreed in advance with your supervisor.

Work Placement 20 credits

The purpose of this module is to enable you to develop professional attributes and subject skills through experience in the work place, and to critically reflect upon your learning in that context. You will normally be expected to arrange your own placement, with support from academic staff and the Careers team.

Live Project 20 credits

This module provides an opportunity for you to apply your knowledge and skills to an external, professional brief. The brief will be set by or in discussion with an external client/agency/community and could be a ‘real life’ problem to be solved, or a simulation. It is an opportunity for you to engage in a responsive, imaginative and professional manner with an aspect of your subject area, which contributes to the development of employability skills within the supportive infrastructure of the University.

Core modules are guaranteed to run. Optional modules will vary from year to year and the published list is indicative only.

Animation Pipelines 20 credits

The purpose of this module is to give students the opportunity to learn and then apply fundamental animation techniques, methodologies and pipeline design for an animation production or development.

Professional Practice 40 credits

The module is an opportunity to learn and critically reflect on the skills of collaboration &/or your own professional practice. The module enables you to create either an interdisciplinary project with students from complementary disciplines or your own self-defined project.

Final Major Project 60 credits

The purpose of the module is to enable you to undertake a sustained, in-depth and theoretically informed research project exploring an area that is of personal interest to you. It is important that we can support you appropriately, so you will be guided towards choosing a research topic which is relevant to your discipline and in which your lecturers have expertise. The outcome may take the form of a written dissertation or a practice-based portfolio.

Download course specification

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You will learn through a series of lectures, seminars and practice-based workshops, as well as gaining valuable collaborative skills within Animation production.

Year One

In the first year of study, you will develop your skills within core Art and Animation principles.

You will receive intensive training in industry standard 2D and 3D digital Art and Animation tools.

You will experience working collaboratively to make short films and establish practical and theoretical skills within Digital Animation production.

Year Two

In the second year of study, you will develop your practical skills and knowledge within Character development. From Concept, through to animation ready character creation.

You will begin to explore your chosen specialisms, in 2D or 3D Animation production, either within a Film/TV or Games pathway.

You will have the option to collaborate with film and game students, to make short films or to participate in Game jams.

You will develop your skills within acting for animation, where you will learn to capture and project performance within your animation.

Year Three

Our Professional Practice modules will help you develop and consolidate your theory and practice within Animation, enabling you to create a body of work that demonstrates the quality of work required to enter the Animation industry and start your future career.

Entry Requirements

These entry requirements apply for entry in 2027/28.

All required qualifications/grades must have been achieved and evidenced at the earliest opportunity after accepting an offer to help confirm admission and allow for on-time enrolment. This can also include other requirements, like a fee status form and relevant documents. Applicants can track their application and outstanding information requests through their BCU mySRS account.

Essential requirements

112-72 UCAS Tariff points. Applicants will also need to submit a good portfolio.

The offer we make you takes into account the creative potential illustrated in your portfolio, along with your individual circumstances, predicted grades, achieved qualifications and potential to succeed at university.

GCSE and other level 2 requirements

This course does not require evidence of GCSE qualifications. Please see A Level, BTEC and other level 3 requirements below.

A Level, BTEC and other level 3 requirements

Qualification

Entry requirements

A Level / AS Level

A Level: 112-72 UCAS Tariff points / BBC-CDE (or equivalent)

AS Level: Must be in a different subject to A Levels

A maximum of four subjects will be considered

Pearson BTEC (Diploma / Extended Diploma/ Extended Certificate)

112-72 UCAS Tariff points

Diploma accepted with one A Level or equivalent level 3 qualifications

Extended Certificate accepted with two A Levels or equivalent level 3 qualifications

Typical offers vary according to individual circumstances and may be equivalent to a Merit or Pass overall grade

All subjects accepted but Digital Production, Design and Development; Craft and Design preferred.

Access to HE Diploma

Pass with 60 credits, 45 credits at level 3

OCR Cambridge Technical qualifications

NCFE CACHE Level 3 qualifications

WJEC Level 3 qualifications

Considered with two A Levels or equivalent level 3 qualification(s)

Irish Leaving Certificate (Highers)

112-72 UCAS Tariff points, achieved in five Higher level subjects

Scottish Higher / Advanced Higher

112-72 UCAS Tariff points, achieved from three Advanced Highers or two Advanced Highers plus two Highers

Welsh Baccalaureate

112-72 UCAS Tariff points. Considered with three A Levels or equivalent level 3 qualifications

UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma

Typical offers vary according to individual circumstances and may be equivalent to a Merit or Pass overall

Foundation Studies (Art and Design, and Art, Design and Media)

Typical offers vary according to individual circumstances

If you're applying with an International Baccalaureate Diploma or international qualifications, please see further information below.

Mature students

Applications from mature students (21+) with alternative qualifications and/or considerable work experience will be considered on their merits.

International qualifications

International Baccalaureate Diploma

Obtain a minimum of 28-24 points overall

EU / International students

Please see your country page for further details on the equivalent qualifications we accept. In addition to the academic entry requirements listed above, international and EU students will also require IELTS 6.0 overall with no less than 5.5 in each band.

If you do not meet the required IELTS score, you may be eligible for one of our pre-sessional English courses. Please note that you must have a Secure English Language Test (SELT) to study on the pre-sessional English course. More information on pre-sessional English courses.

If you have a qualification that is not listed, please contact us.

Fees & How to Apply

Please select your student status to view fees and apply

UK Student

International Student

UK students

Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.

Award: BA (Hons)

Starting: Sep 2027

Duration

£10,050 in 2027/28

Apply via UCAS

International students

£19,220 in 2027/28

Apply Online

Included in your course fees

Access to computer equipment

You will require use of a laptop, and most students do prefer to have their own. However, you can borrow a laptop from the university or use one of our shared computer rooms.

Printing

You will receive £5 print credit in each year of your course, available after enrolment.

Field trips

All essential field trips and associated travel costs will be included in your course fees.

Access to Microsoft Office 365

Every student at the University can download a free copy of Microsoft Office 365 to use whilst at university and for 18 months after graduation.

Key software

You will be able to download SPSS and Nvivo to your home computer to support with your studies and research.

Key subscriptions

Subscriptions to key journals and websites are available through our library.

Specialist software

Free Adobe Creative Cloud licence

Students studying on this course can request a free licence to install the entire suite of applications on up to two personal devices.

Specialist equipment

This course requires specialist equipment You with have access to high end PCs in our computer labs, and also access to motion caption facilities.

Not included in your course fees

Project materials (mandatory)

This course includes project work that requires you to develop and produce a portfolio or collection. You'll be expected to provide the materials for use in your individual major projects. Costs will vary depending on the materials selected, but we recommend you budget £XXX.

Media consumable items (mandatory)

This course requires the use of consumables, such as sketchbooks and pencils, ranging from £20-100.

Excess printing (optional)

Once you have spent your £5 credit, additional printing on campus costs from 5p per sheet.

Personal stationery and study materials (optional)

Based on the past experience of our students, you might find it helpful to set aside about £30 for each year of your studies for your personal stationery and study materials.

Personal equipment (optional)

Whilst not essential, it is advised you own a computer or laptop capable of running specialist animation software. It is also advised that students purchase a graphics tablet, such as Wacom or Huion. Tablets start at around £80.

Software (optional)

Most software is available for free, with student licences, however, you may need to purchase educational licences for specialist software, such as Maxon ZBrush 9 Annual fee of $60).

Accommodation and living costs (optional)

The cost of accommodation and other living costs are not included within your course fees. More information on the cost of accommodation can be found in our accommodation pages.

Guidance for UK students

UK students applying for most undergraduate degree courses in the UK will need to apply through UCAS.

The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) is a UK organisation responsible for managing applications to university and college.

Applying through UCAS

Register with UCAS

Login to UCAS and complete your details

Select your course and write a personal statement

Get a reference

Pay your application fee and submit your application

Guidance for International students

There are three ways to apply:

1) Direct to the University

You will need to complete our International Application Form and Equal Opportunities Form, and submit them together with scan copies of your original academic transcripts and certificates.

2) Through a country representative

Our in-country representatives can help you make your application and apply for a visa. They can also offer advice on travel, living in the UK and studying abroad.

3) Through UCAS

If you are applying for an undergraduate degree or a Higher National Diploma (HND), you can apply through the UK’s Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).

You can request a printed form from your school or nearest British Council office. You will be charged for applying through UCAS.

Birmingham City University’s UCAS code is B25 BCITY.

Portfolio guidance

If you receive an offer to study this course, you will be required to submit a portfolio. We ask that this is submitted within four weeks of receiving your offer.

Please see our portfolio guidance page for tips on putting your portfolio together.

Personal statement

The personal statement gives you a crucial opportunity to say why you’re applying and why the institution should accept you.

Here are the three areas you’ll need to address:

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

Here’s where you explain what makes this course exciting to you. Think about your motivations for studying the course and your future plans. If you’re planning to take a year out, don't forget to give your reasons.

How have your qualifications and studies helped you to prepare for this course or subject?

This is your chance to show what you’ve learned at school or college. You should include the skills and knowledge you’ve gained from education or training and how this will help you succeed in your chosen course.

What else have you done to prepare outside of education, and why are these experiences useful?

Not everything you’ve learned comes from the classroom. Life experience counts too! You might want to talk about work experience, employment, or volunteering and how they’ve helped you develop the skills needed for your chosen course or future career.

Worried about Personal Statements?

If you've got no idea where to start or just want to check you're on the right track, we’ve got expert advice and real examples from our students to help you nail your personal statement. You can even download our ultimate personal statement guide for free.

Get personal statement advice

Financial Support

We offer further information on possible undergraduate financial support. This includes the type of loans, grants and scholarships available both from the government and from Birmingham City University.

View fees for continuing students

Employability

You will learn of range of skills which will be key to enhancing your future employability.

Specifically, you will learn to:

Develop your own practice within a professional context that would enable future employment options in the Animation industry.

Identify the relationship of theory to practice and effectively demonstrating it through your work.

Produce animation shorts, effective animation pipeline to a professional standard.

Work independently and collaboratively.

Be a self-motivated, organised and independent effective learner.

Be confident in showcasing your work for critique and highly reflective of your processes.

You will also learn skills in a range of workshop practices in relation to individual development, including but not limiting to the use of camera and photography, 3D printing, motion capture, sculpting and life drawing.

Professional practice guidance will teach you a range of skills such as CV writing; portfolio development, editing showreels , use of social media and other platforms for self-promotion, presenting yourself and your work in a professional framework.

Placements

You will have the option of an international exchange, and the opportunity to get involved in a range of live projects. Placements are not part of the curriculum but are encouraged and supported by staff should an opportunity arise.

In such an example, our students have worked closely with Flatpack Festival in programming some of the events, organised and ran animation workshops and volunteering throughout the festival.

Graduates and students were also involved in the production of a Rube Goldberg animation for Second Home Studios which subsequently won the RTS Best Production Craft Skills award.

Students have also participated in Animation Festival submissions such as Annecy, Encounters, New Designers, and the prestigious Royal Television Society Awards amongst others.

Students have been wining RTS Awards dating back to 1997 with more than a dozen winners and nominees.

The Jury Distinction was also awarded to one of our graduates for his outstanding Animation at Annecy Animation Festival which was of the highest accolade.

Facilities & Staff

Film, Animation and Photography facilities

Take a look around the facilities available to you as a Film, Animation and Photography student at BCU.

See our Film, Animation and Photography facilities

Our staff

Shaun Magher

Course Director BA (Hons) Digital Animation, MA Feature Film Development

Shaun has spent 30 years working as a Director, Creative Director and Animation Director within the UK and International Film and Television industries. A graduate from St Martins school of Art (1985) and the National Film and Television school (1989).

More about Shaun

Kelvin Wong

Animation Lecturer

Kelvin has over 14 years’ experience in animation, visualisation and education, and supports both home and international franchises in Hong Kong and Thailand, respectively. Kelvin has a keen interest toward new technologies, including CGI, projection mapping and the application of 3D printing.

More about Kelvin

Discover Uni information for this course

UK prospective students

Contact the enquiries team

T: +44 (0)121 331 6295

Non-UK prospective students

E: International enquiry form

T: +44 (0)121 331 5389

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