Do you have a passion for drawing, creating characters and story telling? Are you curious about how to create an animation? Do you dream of working on the next big, animated movie or game? If you’ve said yes to any of those questions, you may be interested in studying BA (Hons) Animation and Games Art here at the University of Sunderland.
Why choose an animation degree?
Meet Courtney Welsh, who graduated from her animation degree in 2022, as she shares her three reasons to study animation:
1. Industry-standard facilities
As an almost entirely practical course, BA (Hons) Animation and Games Art is great for those who want that hands-on experience with industry-standard equipment and software. You’ll be allocated your own studio space and have access to facilities such as our digital design suites, (equipped with Apple Macs, PCs, HTC VIVE VR and Wacom Cintiqs with Adobe Creative Suite Design Premium), motion capture suite, shadow motion capture system, a green screen TV studio and much more besides. The software you’ll have access to includes Toon Boom Harmony Premium, Autodesk Maya, Adobe Creative Suite (including After Effects, Illustrator and Photoshop), Pixologic Z Brush, Blender and Unity. Courtney says that having the use of industry-standard facilities while you’re studying means that once you graduate and begin your career, you don’t need to learn how to use something new as you are already up to speed with how to use the equipment and software – good news for employers as you can jump straight into work!
2. Highly experienced staff
The staff who teach on the Animation and Games Art course have a wealth of experience, having worked in the animation industry for several years. Some staff continue to work in the industry, keeping teaching up to date with the latest trends and techniques. They have experience ranging from advertising, TV and cartoons, to 3D video games and concept art, which means that whatever area of animation you’re interested in, there is someone who can share their real-life experience with you and help you shape your portfolio. What’s more, our team of specialist technical staff, who are experts in their fields, are on hand to support you with making the most of the software and getting the best out of your work. The team have strong links with industry contacts, such as Game Republic Ltd, who provide placement opportunities, the chance to get involved with live briefs and game jams and offer access to studio visits and workshops.
3. You'll never be bored!
Courtney says that the course is so broad and there are so many different skills to learn that you’ll never be bored studying animation. By placing your study of animation and games art within the broader context of design (studying everything from life-drawing, to 2D and 3D animation, modelling and character rigging), you’ll benefit from gaining transferable skills so you can keep your career options open, including the possibility of further study in you want to change direction. The broadness of the course also enables you to have creative freedom so you can explore your area of interest further, developing the specific skills you need for the career path you want to follow.
What jobs can you get with an animation degree?
If you’re interested in studying animation, you might be wondering what you can do with an animation degree after graduation. With a BA in Animation and Games Art from the University of Sunderland under your belt, you’ll be well placed to work in the design and screen industries. Our previous students have gone on to work in film, TV, games design and special effects and worked on projects including: Grand Theft Auto, The Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, Hey Duggee, Miffy and Creature Comforts. Recent employers include animation studios (such as Aardman and Studio AKA); TV companies (such as CBeebies and Cartoon Network); and games companies (such as Rockstar and Ubisoft).
Graduate Ross Phillips had always wanted to pursue a career in animation and chose to study at Sunderland because he wanted to learn a broad range of animation techniques. After working as a freelance designer for a short period after graduation, he landed a job with Studio AKA, working on popular children's TV show, ‘Hey Duggee’.
Find out more
Check out our animation degrees to find more reasons to choose animation:
- BA (Hons) Animation and Games Art
- BA (Hons) Animation and Games Art with Integrated Foundation Year
- MA Design (Animation route available)
Published: 20 December 2022