BA (Hons) Animation and Games Art via Study Centres

Develop key digital skills in 2D and 3D animation. Learn the principles of character-led animation and gain expertise in industry-standard software, learning traditional and new animation techniques. Become industry-ready and unlock your potential to work on the next big animated movie or game.

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A close up of a student designing an animation on Wacom Cintiq screen

Start date/study mode:

Course codeCID1335

LocationPartner centre

Course summary

The animation, games and visual effects (VFX) industries are always searching for new talent. The BA (Hons) Animation and Games Art course allows you to explore and develop both traditional and new techniques, learning key digital skills in 2D and 3D, as well as the core principles of character-led animation.

You'll have the opportunity to work on industry-led briefs and entries for festivals and competitions such as Encounters, RTS awards, 11 Second Club, and E4 Stings. We’re affiliated with Game Republic too, and it's all part of our commitment to help you become industry-ready.

We place animation and games art within the broader context of design to help you keep your career options open. You'll also have the creative freedom and flexibility to develop your specific areas of interest, gaining transferable skills crucial for employability.

What you'll study

If you’re studying at a study centre, please contact the centre directly for up-to-date module information.

How you'll learn

Teaching is almost entirely practical and studio-based, supported by lectures, seminars, and tutorials. Our academic team encourage you to express ideas and push the boundaries of creativity. Assessment is mainly through coursework.

In Year 1, you'll learn traditional animation techniques and core digital skills. You'll also learn about the broader context of design with students from other design subjects. In Year 2, you'll be introduced to more advanced concepts and approaches such as 3D, digital sculpting, VR and photogrammetry, character rigging, and motion capture.

In your final year, you'll focus on developing your portfolio and graduate identity, undertaking a personal research project that'll lead into your Final Major Project. You'll exhibit your work at our Degree Show, which will be visited by industry experts and potential employers.

Entry requirements

Our typical offer is 96-112 UCAS Tariff points, from a combination of acceptable Level 3 qualifications which may include: A Levels, T Levels, BTEC Diplomas/Extended Diplomas, Scottish and Irish Highers, Access to HE Diplomas, or the International Baccalaureate.

We accept a maximum of 6 points from Level 3 Key Skills qualifications.

You also need three passes at GCSE grade C or above, which must include mathematics and English language, or a minimum of Level 2 Key Skills in Communication and Application of Number. If you've studied for a GCSE which has a numerical grade, you'll need to achieve a grade 4 or above.

Find out how many points your qualifications are worth using the UCAS Tariff calculator(opens in new tab).

Our admissions policy uses a range of flexible options to support you to study with us. This may include a reduced offer of up to 16 UCAS Tariff points, (or equivalent). Find out if you're eligible for a tariff point reduction.

If English isn't your first language, please see our English language requirements.

If you're studying an HND or Foundation Degree, you may be able to enter the final year of our degree course. For more information, please contact admissions@sunderland.ac.uk.

Portfolio requirements

We'd like to see evidence of your creative potential. You'll be expected to prepare a portfolio of your creative work which shows what you have done so far and what interests you. We're not looking for perfection as we appreciate you're still developing work.

Your portfolio should be a PowerPoint presentation, ZIP file or links to websites or videos. Here are some of our top tips:

Remember it's about quality not quantity – aim for between 10-20 pieces of your work.
Display a range of styles and techniques.
Show us work completed in or outside of your studies.
Include ideas that didn't work.
Demonstrate your research, for example, design sheets or sketchbooks/scrapbooks of things that inspire you.
Include photographs of 3D or large 2D work.
We also like to see uncompleted or work in progress.

Learn more about portfolio requirements and how to submit yours on our Applicant interviews page.

If you're studying at a study centre, please contact the centre directly for more information on their specific requirements and equivalent qualifications from outside the UK.

Fees and finance support

Undergraduate fees are set according to rules from Government in line with forecast inflation. The fee for your first year of study for 2026/27 will be £9,535. You'll pay tuition fees for every year of study. Fees may increase every year based on the Retail Price Index.

Check your fee status(opens in new tab).

See all course tuition fees.

If you're studying at a study centre, please contact the centre directly for information on fees.

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Start date/study mode:

Contact your study centre to find out more information about start dates and how to apply for this course.

Disclaimer

We want to make sure you have clear and accurate information about our courses. Our website always shows the latest updates. If you’ve applied and been offered a place, we’ll contact you in writing if anything important changes.

View our programme specifications(opens in new tab) for further information about what the course covers, learning outcomes and the skills you'll gain when you graduate.