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

In year 1, you will study the key fundamental skills and concepts of drawing, mark-making and animation, and explore how timing, movement and behaviour affect the animation process. Working closely with your peers, you will learn about the broader historical and cultural significance of animation, and its’ place in the creative industry.

You will be expected to invent, improvise 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 quick turnaround tasks set by practitioners, with regular feedback on your work.

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

Year 2

In Year 2, 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 include:

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

Year 3 

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 include:

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

Year 1

In year 1, you will study the key fundamental skills and concepts of drawing, mark-making and animation, and explore how timing, movement and behaviour affect the animation process. Taking an authorial stance, you will also explore the power of storytelling through drawing and movement. Working closely with students from other drawing based courses, you will learn about the broader historical and cultural significance of animation, and its’ place in the creative industry.

You will be expected to invent, improvise 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 quick turnaround tasks set by practitioners, with regular feedback on your work.

Modules may include:

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

Year 2

Year 2 deepens your animation and image-making skills through a combination of technical workshops, specialist projects and broad visual development. You will explore characterisation, acting and performance, working with sound, and animating within the physical realm. At the end of Year 2, you will be working directly with industry on live briefs and projects.

Modules may include:

• Character Development
• Animation Performance
• Design Studio
• Toys, Games & Puppets
• Live & Work-based Learning

Year 3

Year 3 focusses on building a portfolio tailored to your chosen specialism through a focus on pre-production, and research and development. The year will culminate in an extended Major Project, which will allow you to focus on an ambitious self-directed project to allow you to showcase your learning and development.

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

All modules are subject to revalidation.

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.