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

In year one, your will study key fundamental skills of animation and using industry-standard software, explore the likes of timing, posing, movement and behaviour. 

You will be encouraged to experiment and improvise with your ideas and take responsibility for your work. You will be given insight into the industry through guest speakers and adopt a learning-by-doing approach with live tasks set by practitioners and receive feedback directly on your work.  

The modules are designed to build a solid understanding of the animation pipeline and prepare you for progression into year 2 and 3.  

Modules include:

• Introduction to Visual Culture
• Visual Culture Futures
• Mark-Making in Motion
• Expressive Motion
• Professional Life Practice: Developing your Practice
• Professional Life Practice: Exploring your Practice

In year two, you will build on your animation skills through acting workshops and the exploration into visual development. Each module will challenge and develop your storytelling techniques and narratives in preparation for industry. You will also work on live projects with mentors there to assist you.

Industry guests will continue to support the modules in year 2 through a series of masterclasses and workshops. At the end of your second year, you will undertake a mandatory work-based learning module within industry.

Modules may include:

• Animation Character Performance
• Visual Development (Character Design)
• Animation Narrative(s)
• Professional Life Practice: Applying your Practice
• Work Based Learning

In year 3, you will focus on tailoring your portfolio to suit your chosen specialism for employment. Your portfolio will reflect your skills and achievements which will be relevant to the sector of your choice.

As an aspiring animator, you'll collaborate with peers from other courses like 3D Animation, Games, and Music & Sound Design. This cross-disciplinary approach will deepen your understanding of related industries.

Each module blends theory and practice, helping you develop creative processes while building your personal brand as an animator. You'll also gain key life and professional skills to thrive in today’s job market.

Modules may include:

• Animation Industry Prep
• Animation Production
• Professional Life Practice: Situating your Practice
• Animation Portfolio

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 CC or above
• BTEC Extended Diploma at grade MPP
• UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma
• T Level (pass or above)
• Access to Higher Education Diploma
• International Baccalaureate at grade 24 or above
• Other/Mixed qualifications equivalent to 64 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
• UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma
• T Level (pass or above)
• Access to Higher Education Diploma
• 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 no interview or portfolio requirements for this course.