BA (Hons) Animation

The BA (Hons) Animation degree uses a blend of practice and theory-based learning. You will be introduced to a range of animation practices. These include: conceptualisation, digital development skills, asset creation, character animation techniques, scripting, storytelling techniques and life drawing. It also includes physical prototyping, communication and presentation, research and idea development.

Key study themes during the Integrated Foundation Year of this course, should you choose the 4 year version, are:

• Fundamental design principles: typography, colour, hierarchy, layout, and imagery
• Developing clear visual narratives, identities, and design systems
• Crafting effective visual storytelling through sequencing, pace, and tone
• Conducting research with cultural, social, and ethical awareness
• Mastery of industry-standard software (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Animate, After Effects, Acrobat, Premiere Pro)
• Managing production workflows from pre-production to post-production
• Critically evaluating design work using relevant criteria
• Creating professional portfolios, slide decks, and pitch presentations

Key study themes for the 3 year version of this course, and Year 1, 2, 3, of the Integrated Foundation Year version of this course are:

• Animation fundamentals
• Acting performance
• Visual narrative
• Body mechanics
• Animation industry
• Observational and contextual subject related areas

If you choose to add an Integrated Foundation Year on this course, you will be first introduced to the fundamental principles of animation and illustration. Your foundation year gives you the time, space and support to explore your strengths, build confidence and prepare for the demands of project-based, industry-focused learning. Modules are as follows:

• Module 1: Diagnostic exploration - making informed choices
• Module 2: Technical - Technical knowledge in practice
• Module 3: Specialist - Innovating specialist practice
• Module 4: Integration - Integrated practice for progression to Higher Education

Please note: Students starting this course with the Integrated Foundation Year in September 2026/27 will study the 2027/28 approved modules in Years 1, 2 and 3.

Year 1

Master essential drawing, mark-making, and animation skills - exploring how timing, movement and performance shape visual narrative. Gain industry perspective through guest speakers, hands-on practitioner briefs and cross-course creative collaborations.

Modules may include:

• Rave Beginnings
• Drawing, Mark-Making & Expression
• History of Visual Culture
• Storytelling & Concept
• Future Directions in Visual Culture & EPC

Year 2

Refine your image-making and characterisation through workshops in acting, sound design and experimental physical animation. Apply your skills to real-world scenarios by working directly on live industry projects and briefs.

Modules may include:

• Character Development
• Animation Performance
• Design Studio
• Play!
• Live & Work-based Learning

Year 3

Develop an ambitious, self-directed portfolio tailored to your specific career path. Focus on research, development and pre-production to deliver a final Major Project that demonstrates your unique creative voice to employers.

• Research & Development
• Pre-Production
• Portfolio
• Rave Futures
• Major Project

A variety of learning and teaching methods are employed in this course. 

These include but are not limited to;

Briefings, lectures, seminars, practical workshops, studio-based project work, demonstrations, collaborative activities, group discussions, individual and group tutorials, critiques, presentations, industry guest lectures, studio visits, industry-informed briefs, field trips, gallery visits and self-directed independent study.

The course is assessed entirely by coursework.

Study hours

BA (Hons) Animation

• 864 hours of face-to-face taught
• 2736 hours independent study learning

BA (Hons) Animation with Integrated Foundation Year

• 1152 hours of face-to-face taught
• 3648 hours independent study learning

Basic drawing / image-making tools, sketchbooks: £100

Note on laptop costs: Students are strongly recommended to have a personal laptop suitable for design software. If a new purchase is needed, budget approximately £600–£1,200 as a one-off cost, ideally timed for the start of Year 1. Studio computers are available on campus for students who do not yet have their own device.

Our campus 

You'll study in a building designed to encourage collaboration between the different disciplines and practices within Ravensbourne, and to stimulate the work of innovative professionals and creative collaboration.

It features a variety of workspaces, including social and quiet areas, high-tech creative suites, technology hubs, design studios and more. 

Want to see where you'd be studying up close? When you book a guided building tour, you can see our fantastic facilities for yourself and find out more from one of our helpful student ambassadors.

Our local area

Ravensbourne is ideally connected - North Greenwich station is just a 2-minute walk away from our campus and offers amazing views from the Greenwich Peninsula.

These transport links offer an easy route to some of London's major business hubs, perfect for reaching possible placements or networking events with employers in the worlds of business or technology.  

At Ravensbourne we accept a wide range of qualifications for entry onto our courses, whilst also considering the context in which they were achieved. For this course, we would usually require a GCSE Grade 4 or above in English in addition to any of the below;

• Three A Levels at grade CCC or above
• BTEC Extended Diploma at grade MMM
• UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma
• T Level (pass or above)
• Access to Higher Education Diploma
• International Baccalaureate at grade 25 or above
• Other/Mixed qualifications equivalent to 96 UCAS Tariff points

At Ravensbourne we take a flexible approach to admissions, as we want you to know exactly what you need to achieve in your exams to guarantee a place on the course. We still think exams are important and look forward to hearing about your successes, but we place just as much importance on the work you will share with us as part of our portfolio process.

Interview and portfolio requirements

Admission onto this course is also subject to successful completion of a portfolio (or showreel). 

If you wish to study our BA (Hons) Animation degree course, we will need to see examples of previous art, new media and/or design work that showcases your suitability for the course. 

This page offers great tips for completing your portfolio. It also details our specific requirements. 

At Ravensbourne we accept a wide range of qualifications for entry onto our courses, whilst also considering the context in which they were achieved. For this course, we would usually require a GCSE Grade 4 or above in English in addition to any of the below;

• Two A Levels at grade DD or above
• BTEC Extended Diploma at grade PPP
• T Level (pass or above)
• International Baccalaureate at grade 24 or above
• Other/Mixed qualifications equivalent to 48 UCAS Tariff points

At Ravensbourne we take a flexible approach to admissions, as we want you to know exactly what you need to achieve in your exams to guarantee a place on the course. 

Interview and portfolio requirements

There are portfolio requirements for this course.