Animation BA (Hons)

Course Content

• Course Details

  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.

  Please note the modules shown here relate to the academic year 23/24. The modules relating to the academic year 24/25 will be available from June 2024.

  • Stage 1
    • Fundamentals of Animation (20 Credits)
      Module code: CSY1070

      Status: Compulsory
      This module equips students with the core practical, theoretical and critical skills needed to start animation development. Students will develop core knowledge to support Animation for 2D, 3D, Visual Effects and Games. They will explore different animation methods using traditional techniques.
    • Narrative Development (20 Credits)
      Module code: CSY1071

      Status: Compulsory
      This module explores the fundamentals of storytelling within animated sequences. Students demonstrate their ability to intepret specified requirements, express their ideas for and produce thematical interpretations. Collaborative production techniques will be utilised to generate uniquely emotive products for a specified target audience.
    • 3D Animation (20 Credits)
      Module code: CSY1072

      Status: Compulsory
      This module introduces the fundamentals of 3D Animation, utilising industry standard software. Students will develop technical skills and learn how to produce key framed animations and looping sequences. The outcome of this module will be learner proficiency using professional software tools and 3D Animation techniques.
    • 2D Animation (20 Credits)
      Module code: CSY1073

      Status: Compulsory
      This module equips students to understand and implement the use of 2D animation in a digital format. Industry relevant 2D software, processes and terminology will be taught through practical tutorials and workshops. Students will also learn the fundamentals of sequence drawing for animation.
    • 2D Visualisation (20 Credits)
      Module code: CSY1085

      Status: Compulsory
      This module equips students to understand and implement the use of 2D graphics in a digital format. 2D software, figure drawing and perspective drawing will be taught through practical tutorials and workshops. Students will also learn the fundamentals of solid drawing through character design.
    • 3D Modelling for Animation (20 Credits)
      Module code: CSY1086

      Status: Compulsory
      This module introduces the fundamentals of 3D modelling, utilising industry standard software. Students will develop technical skills and learn how to produce low polygon models and correctly topologized 3D models. The outcome of this module will be learner proficiency understanding 3D basics and essentials.
  • Stage 2
    • Look Development
      Module code: CSY2098

      Status: Compulsory
    • Biomechanics for Animation
      Module code: CSY2099

      Status: Compulsory
    • Advanced 3D Animation
      Module code: CSY2100

      Status: Compulsory
    • VFX Production
      Module code: CSY2101

      Status: Compulsory
    • Advanced 3D Modelling
      Module code: CSY2118

      Status: Compulsory
    • VFX Essentials
      Module code: CSY2119

      Status: Compulsory
  • Stage 3
    • Animation Innovation
      Module code: CSY3070

      Status: Compulsory
    • Professional Career Development
      Module code: CSY3071

      Status: Compulsory
    • Animation Group Project
      Module code: CSY3072

      Status: Compulsory

  Collapse
• Entry Requirements

  Standard entry requirements apply. A typical offer to study BA Animation is:

  • BCC at A Level or,
  • DMM at BTEC or,
  • Pass (C and above) at T Level

  All selected applicants will be invited for a portfolio review and discussion.

  For more information on how to make an application, please visit our How to Apply page.

  For more information on how to apply as an International student, please visit our How to Apply page.

  Integrated Foundation Year (IFY) Entry Requirements

  Admission to the Animation degree foundation course is normally:

  • DEE at A Level or,
  • MPP at BTEC or,
  • Pass (D or E) at T Level

  However, we would also like to hear from you if you have professional or industry experience instead, a range of other qualifications or self-developed subject knowledge that relates to the course you wish to study.

  English Language Requirements

  All International and EU students applying for a course with the University of Northampton must meet the following minimum English language requirements:

  • IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) with a minimum of 5.5 in all bands
    for study at undergraduate level

  For information regarding English language requirements at the University, please see our IELTS page.

  If you would like information on making an application, please see our How to Apply page.

  Collapse
• Fees and Funding

  2024/25 Tuition Fees

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 24/25 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  • UK – Full Time: £9,250
  • UK – Part Time: £1,540 per 20 credit module
  • UK – Integrated Foundation Year: £9,250 as part of a four year programme (subsequent years will be charged at standard BSc rate)
  • International – Full Time: £15,200
  • International – Integrated Foundation Year: £15,200 as part of a four-year programme (subsequent years will be charged at standard BSc rate)

  Additional costs

  There are no additional costs for our BA Animation university course for students beginning their studies in September 2023. Should this change, applicants and students will be contacted by the university with details of the costs.

  2023/24 Tuition Fees

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 23/24 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  • UK – Full Time: £9,250
  • UK – Part Time: £1,540 per 20 credit module
  • UK – Integrated Foundation Year: £9,250 as part of a four year programme (subsequent years will be charged at standard BSc rate)
  • International – Full Time: £14,750
  • International – Integrated Foundation Year: £14,750 as part of a four year programme (subsequent years will be charged at standard BSc rate)

  Additional costs

  There are no additional costs for our BA Animation university course for students beginning their studies in September 2023. Should this change, applicants and students will be contacted by the university with details of the costs.

  For information on the scholarships available to you, please see our scholarships page.

  For more information about possible funding options, please visit our Fees and Funding pages.

  Collapse
• Student Perks

  At the University of Northampton, everything we do, from funded trips to paid internships, is to give you everything you need to make a difference when you leave.

  If you join our full-time BA Animation degree at Northampton, you will receive a laptop when your course begins*. The laptops are built to a bespoke custom specification ideal for use in the seminar room, collaborative group work or studying at home.

  Whatever your ambitions, we’re here to help you to achieve them. We’ll support you to identify the skills you’re learning during your course, find your strengths and secure practical experience so that when it comes to applying for jobs or further study you’ll feel confident in standing out from the crowd. We’ve created the Northampton Employment Promise because we are so confident that if you focus on your studies and complete one of our awards you’ll be highly employable by the time you graduate. Putting you in a great position to secure employment or continue your studies.

  To check out the full list of perks, visit our Student Perks page or dedicated International Perks page.

  *UK fee payers only (see Terms and Conditions for further details).

  Collapse
• Integrated Foundation Year (IFY)

  The Integrated Foundation Year (IFY) offers a new and exciting route into studying for a degree, attracting ambitious and driven students who are willing to learn and advance.

  If you have non-standard qualifications or do not quite meet the admissions requirements, we can offer you a fantastic opportunity to study a four year programme which includes an Integrated Foundation Year. The Integrated Foundation Year will help you develop the theoretical/practical and academic skills you need, in order to successfully progress to the full award on the Animation degree course.

  Our four year courses will enable you to successfully follow the degree pathway of your choice while gaining essential study skills. The foundation year of your chosen degree will be studied on a full-time basis and is aimed at supporting the transition to higher education. Years two, three and four are then studied as a standard degree programme.

  Collapse
• FAQs

  How will I learn on the Animation BA course?

  All teaching occurs in classroom tutorials of up to 25 people. We as staff demonstrate the objectives and tasks from the ground up so it’s very practical

  How am I assessed on the Animation BA course?

  All assessed work is primarily portfolio based with reflective reports and essays.

  What skills do I need to be an animator?

  The following skills would generally be required:

  • Ability to work to client briefs and self-management
  • Excellent understanding of animation principles
  • Production and presentation to industry standards
  • Knowledge of diverse processes for producing unique animative content
  • Specialism in a wide range of animation software
  • Technical knowledge regarding optimisation
  • Working both individually and as part of a team
  • Analysing and critiquing of own work and work of others

  What software might I use on the BA Animation course?

  • Adobe Creative Suite, specifically Photoshop, Substance Painter/Designer, Premiere Pro, Animate, After Effects.
  • Blender
  • Autodesk Maya
  • Houdini
  • Unreal Engine
  • Toon Boom
  • ZBrush

  Collapse