Animation

UCAS code: W617

Here's what University Centre Leeds, Leeds City College says about its Animation course.

Bring your creations to life with our BA (Hons) Animation degree. You’ll study both traditional and digital animation methods to produce work for film, TV, computer games, interactive media, and virtual or augmented reality, preparing you for a dynamic career in the creative industries.

Master the illusion of movement at our purpose-built Mabgate Campus, where cutting-edge Mac suites, industry-standard software, and professional studios give you the tools to unleash your creativity. You’ll explore 2D and 3D animation and modelling, developing concepts into wireframes, digital imagery, and character and prop models.

You’ll gain hands-on experience with stop motion, motion capture, analogue and digital techniques, and learn how to work in a professional animation studio. The course includes major projects and live briefs with industry partners, helping you develop professional workflows and a strong portfolio. By applying your animation skills across multiple contexts including games, TV and Film and immersive media—you’ll graduate ready to succeed in the ever-evolving animation industry.

Our modules focus on skills development and may include:

Level 4 (Year 1)

2D & 3D Techniques (20 credits): In this module you will develop your skills in a range of fundamental 2D and 3D animation techniques and use industry standard software.

Pre-Production Techniques (20 credits): This module will develop your pre-production techniques including storyboarding, concept art and character design.

The Creative Professional (20 credits): This module will introduce you to professional practice and working in the creative industries.

Commercial Practice (20 credits): In this module you will explore a range of commercial outlets for your practice and introduce freelance working practices.

Motion Techniques (20 credits): In this module you will explore analogue and digital motion techniques.

Animation in Context (20 credits): This module will introduce you to key theories and principles throughout the history of animation.

Level 5 (Year 2)

Personal Project (40 credits): This module provides the opportunity for you to develop and produce a creative animation project.

Collaboration (20 credits): Collaboration is increasingly important in animation as you will work with a wide variety of creatives to deliver projects. This module provides the opportunity to collaborate with creatives from another discipline.

Contemporary Issues in Animation (20 credits): In this module you will explore the issues and debates that surround your personal animation practice.

Hybrid Techniques (20 credits): In this module you will experiment combining a range of analogue, digital and VFX which is increasingly used in contemporary animation.

Self-Promotion in the Animation Industry (20 credits): This module helps you develop a professional creative identity and showcase your skills within the animation industry.

Level 6 (Year 3)

Specialist Animation Practice (20 credits): This module encourages self-directed experimentation with innovative animation techniques. You’ll explore emerging practices, including VR and AR applications, to push the boundaries of your work and create immersive, cutting-edge experiences.

Live Brief (40 credits): This module introduces the realities of working in the animation industry, giving you experience with live briefs from external clients.

Major Project (60 credits): This module guides you in creating a sustained, self-devised body of work for public exhibition, grounded in focused research.

Assessments will include:

• Practical Projects
• Portfolio Work
• Pitch Bibles
• Collaborative work
• Reflections
• Exhibitions
• Case Studies