Animation BA (Hons)

 

Course Code

UCAS Code: WW27
International Code: AHU059

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

 

Study mode

Full-time
Sandwich

Duration

3 years full-time
4 years full-time with study abroad / professional placement

Start date

September 2022

How to apply
Book an Open Day
Download a prospectus
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Course overview

Study level: Undergraduate

The BA Animation at Coventry University is for storytellers and artists who want to bring life to their creations through the application of movement.

  • For an artist who feels driven towards character-based narrative, nowhere is this more refined than in animation. By the end of the course, our aim is that you will be confident to engage with the industry across the diverse roles associated within the subject area.
  • Our graduates will be expected to work as 3D animators, 2D animators, riggers, modellers, character designers, environment artists, story boarders, animation directors, writers and comic artists. 
  • The course cultivates a form of teaching where students experiment, exercise and practise. Our students explore, experiment and design with both analogue (drawing and primary visual research) and digital technologies and generate outcomes in 3D and 2D. 
  • The Animation team fosters inclusivity in character development and narrative, drawing upon the traditions of cultures from around the globe, both contemporary, historical and mythological, with considerations of race, age, gender, disability and variety of body type.
globe decorative icon

Global Ready

An international outlook, with global opportunities
human silhouette teaching in front of a blackdoard

Teaching excellence

Taught by lecturers who are experts in their field
Resume icon displaying a paper and a pen

Employability

Career ready graduates, with the skills to succeed

Why you should study this course

From the outset, this course gives you the opportunity to create a highly creative portfolio relevant to your chosen area of creative practice. Other benefits include the following:

  • The outward facing nature of the course. Professional practice is a key component of the course with scope to undertake placements and briefs that respond to the needs of the creative industries.
  • A flexible approach enabling you to individually develop your creative practice and portfolio towards a wide range of potential career paths.
  • Opportunity to develop skills and experiment with a wide range of technology and traditional media.
  • Opportunity to take a placement or study abroad year (subject to additional costs).
  • Teaching staff are industry experienced practitioners and/or research active. Staff have worked for a wide range of clients and on major arts funded projects. Staff bring this experience into the teaching environment through practical teaching activities and project work that is core to the curriculum - it also helps to maintain currency and professional alignment to course content. Staff maintain a continuous relationship with industry and have a significant and growing portfolio of collaborative and industry-focused projects that inspire student research and development activities.

More than just a degree

Studying animation has helped me with numerous things. But the one thing that stands out the most is that it guided me out of my comfort zone. This helped me find my own style of drawing and approach to animating my characters which I’m truly grateful for. This method and study helped make my portfolio more diverse and unique which got me where I am today.

Guedi Absiyeh, Animation and Illustration BA (Hons) Graduate of 2020
Student in the studio surrounded by drawings and a large flat screen

What you'll study

This exciting course aims to keep you up to date with the latest industry developments and encourages you to enhance your abilities to respond to creative briefs. We adopt a diverse learning approach, familiarising you with a wide range of software packages, digital and physical production, character design and animatics.

Our current links with local, regional, national media industries, including companies like The Walt Disney Company, ITV and Aardman Animations, provide numerous opportunities for location work, site visits and talks by visiting media professionals, together with live projects and a professional experience scheme. In short, you’ll be taught to tell interesting stories and distribute those stories to the largest possible audience.

The first year focuses on developing new skills and applying these to project briefs. You are taught essential software packages, character design and narrative structure as well as developing your drawing skills and ideas generation for both illustration and animation outcomes. Alongside this, you study professional practice and have contextual modules.

Modules

  • This module will introduce the knowledge and practical skills required to develop a strong understanding of animation. You will learn on an individual and group basis through a series of practical workshops, including traditional and experimental observational drawing, creative thinking, and essential computer software. These workshops will be supported by lectures, seminars, one-to-one tutorials, group critique and a studio culture.

    Compulsory

    Assessment: coursework

  • This module aims to develop your abilities to understand the application of narrative to a range of media. You will be provided with a project brief and a range of concept visualisation workshops to run throughout the duration of the module. Specific core skills including storytelling, writing for screen and the image-to-text relationship will also be addressed within this module.

    Compulsory

    Assessment: coursework

  • In this module, you will explore the development stages that should be employed to produce a tiered and achievable animation production. Throughout this module, you will be taken through the stages of pre-production through a series of workshops including scriptwriting, character development, character design, storyboarding and animatics, culminating in a single combined output.

    Compulsory

    Assessment: coursework

  • In this module, you will create an animation based upon pre-production work. With an emphasis on the application of animation theory, you will demonstrate narrative through the animation of characters and the use of appropriate 2D or 3D software.

    Compulsory

    Assessment: coursework

Year two builds upon the skills developed in the first year, with greater emphasis on professional expectation, technical processes and the expanded application of character design and narrative. You will also be expected to begin to identify your chosen area of creative professional practice.

Modules

  • The module encourages experimentation and problem solving whilst taking a broader approach to animation production, learning new techniques to address new challenges. You will develop your understanding of two-dimensional and three-dimensional digital animation theory and practice whilst developing a personal visual language.

    Compulsory

    Assessment: coursework

  • In this module, you will explore both digital and physical production methods, and have the opportunity to explore form through the use software or physical/mechanical production. You will develop a body of work that demonstrates a personal visual language that responds to market trends, innovation and emerging markets and avenues of employment, whilst simultaneously identifying the area of professional practice that you wish to pursue.

    Compulsory

    Assessment: coursework

  • In this module, you will look at the industry conventions that underpin effective modelling and rigging for animation, games and live action content. Exploring both digital and physical production methods, you will have the opportunity to explore form through the use software or physical/mechanical production.

    Compulsory

    Assessment: coursework

  • In this module you will work as part of a creative team to produce a completed animation-related project, offering you the opportunity to experience first-hand the requirement for effective interpersonal engagement and professionalism across number of disciplines. You will gain understanding of the team dynamics and how to utilise own and collaborators’ skills and abilities to the advantage of the overall team leading to a successful project.

    Compulsory

    Assessment: presentation

After your second year, you have an opportunity to take a sandwich year, studying abroad or on professional placement*. If you do so, you'll take a non-credit bearing module which will help to ensure that you learn from and reflect upon your experiences.

You will be given advice but may be responsible for finding your own placements (with guidance). Similarly, study-abroad years with your first choice of international institution cannot be guaranteed. You will pay no fees to Coventry University for your placement or study-abroad year though you are responsible for covering your own costs.

Modules

  • Optional

  • Optional

In the final year, you will undertake will develop the pre-production elements in preparation for the creation of a final major project or develop a range of work that can be made into a showreel. You can build a creative and professionally credible portfolio in order to pursue your chosen specialism.

Modules

  • You will undertake projects that are relevant to their professional goals and will address issues including visual development, scheduling, turnaround times, verbal and visual presentation, budgeting and meeting the expectations of clients and contractees. Emphasis will be on ideas generation, encouraging students to formulate solutions, professionally, articulately and within strict deadlines.

    Compulsory

    Assessment: presentation

  • This module places particular emphasis on recognising the relationship between professional practice, ethical conduct, critical reflection and personal planning, and developing skills to enhance career progression. You will work towards identifying your particular career ambitions and developing effective strategies for navigating the pressures, requirements and responsibilities that may shape your working life.

    Compulsory

    Assessment: coursework

  • This module allows the opportunity to consolidate and refine your practice, produce a substantial, sustained and coherent body of work leading towards a relevant professional portfolio. This module also provides you with the opportunity to both conceive and manage complex and challenging projects, by responding to a variety of live externally set briefs, and/or by extending your own studio practice.

    Compulsory

    Assessment: coursework

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.

How you'll learn

Each year builds upon the previous one to allow you to enhance your abilities to respond to creative briefs with an increasing focus on your plans beyond graduation. The course responds to developments in the industry and this is supported not only by the expertise of the teaching staff and contextual studies lectures, but with the input of experts from the creative industries in the form of visiting lectures and externally generated briefs.

Teaching is a mixture of lecture, seminars, workshops and tutorials with an emphasis on conceptual development, skills acquisition and an increased awareness of the expectations of professional creative practice.

The modules are designed to enable practical skills acquisition, experimentation and risk taking, confidence with processes and the development of conceptual development skills.

In a typical teaching week, you will have approximately 17 ‘contact’ hours of teaching. Typically this might include some or a combination of the following:

  • Lectures
  • Seminars
  • Studio Practice
  • Workshops
  • Personal and group tutorials
  • Online teaching delivery

Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module. Assessment methods include practical project work, presentations and written work.

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

International experience opportunities

Our sandwich degree option allows a full-year placement, which can be taken abroad. The art and design course teams work hard to ensure that all students have the opportunity to widen their cultural understanding and feed their creative research through travel. Our students have gone on study trips to Lisbon, Barcelona, Paris and Copenhagen (subject to additional costs). These experiences often underpin independent projects and allow you to gain confidence in travelling abroad.

Entry requirements

Typical offer for 2022 entry.

Requirement What we're looking for
A level BBC to include at least one Art or Design subject
GCSE Minimum 5 GCSE's graded 9-4 / A* - C including English
BTEC DMM in an Art or Design subject
IB Diploma 29 points to include Visual Arts or Design Technology at Higher level

If you do not have the typical entry requirements, you may want to consider studying this course with a foundation year. We recognise a breadth of qualifications, speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

Chat with UK admissions

You may be required to attend a portfolio showcase, activity session or audition or submit a portfolio via email (as is appropriate to your course), either virtually or face to face, as is practical to arrange. Invites for these sessions will be sent directly to your contact email.

Each application will be considered on its merits.

Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:

Europe

Americas

Middle East

South Asia

South East Asia

East Asia

Africa

Russia and Central Asia

You can view our full list of country specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page.

If you do not have the typical entry requirements, you may want to consider studying this course with an international foundation year. Upon successful completion our International Foundation Year - Art, Design and Media will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to progress onto this undergraduate degree.

Alternatively, visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on finding in-country agents and representatives, joining our in-country events and how to apply.

You will be required to submit a portfolio via email or alternatively attend a showcase activity session or audition (as is appropriate for your course) which can be virtual or face to face, as is practical to arrange. Invites to send in your portfolio or attend these sessions will be sent directly to your contact email.

Each application will be considered on its merits.

English language requirements

  • IELTS: 6.0 overall

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course. 

For more information on our approved English language tests visit our English language requirements page.

Chat with International admissions

Fees and funding

2022/23 Tuition fees

Student Full time Part time
UK £9,250 per year Not available
International £18,050 per year Not available

For advice and guidance on tuition fees and student loans visit our Undergraduate Finance page and see The University’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

We offer a range of International scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them. Find out what's included in your tuition costs.

Facilities

Coventry University is home to superb facilities and our new Arts and Humanities building is set to open in 2022. With access to industry-standard software, workshops and studio environments, you’ll gain practical experience through a mix of in-house assignments, self-initiated tasks, national and international competition opportunities, project briefs and concept visualisation briefs.

We have a thriving studio culture with dedicated workspaces for all students in purpose-built studios with permanent exhibition displays, supported by wide-ranging technical facilities in both traditional and new technologies. In our Media Loan shop, you will have access to a range of photographic and media resources.

Student in fashion studio, working with fabric.

Fashion studios

You will have access all kinds of industry-grade equipment* for a range of textiles: from laser cutting, digital embroidery, sonic wielding and screen printing, to manufacturing tools for accessories, embroidery and garments.

Female student creating a clay model in the clay studio at Coventry University.

Clay studio

In our clay studio*, your ideas become realised by using technological software and clay. Here you can create whatever you imagine, whether that’s an animated character, a sleek car design or theatre props.

Student using VR headset in Games Technology lab.

Games Technology laboratory

Our gaming lab is a technological paradise, equipped with high-end gaming PCs that have all of the industry-standard software necessary for your course*. It also houses virtual reality game development and motion capture technology.

Careers and opportunities

Graduates are expected to work as animators, graphic novel artists, environment artists and storyboard artists as well as pursuing careers in teaching and study at postgraduate level. Many graduates return to share their experiences and advice as visiting lecturers and continue to support the next generation of Animation students.

Where our graduates work

After studying, students go on to work in the following areas: fashion, advertising, comic books, tv and film production, children’s picture books, textiles and homewares design, artists, art direction, games art and animation, teaching and study at postgraduate level.

Further study

You can choose to continue your studies at Coventry University with the Illustration and Animation MA. You may be entitled to an alumni discount on your fees if you decide to extend your time with us by progressing from undergraduate to postgraduate study.

How to apply

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Your next steps

Student life
Accommodation
Fees and funding

  • Student Contract

    By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the 2021/22 Contract can be found here. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.

    Tuition fees

    The tuition fee for the course that is stated on the course webpage and in the prospectus for the first year of study will apply. We will review our tuition fees each year. For UK and EU students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, we may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation. Following the UK’s exit from the European Union, EU students should be aware that there may be a change to UK laws following the UK’s exit, this may change their student status, their eligibility to study part time, and/or their eligibility for student finance. We will act in accordance with the UK’s laws in force in relation to student tuition fees and finance from time to time.

    For International students the tuition fee that is stated on the course webpage and in the prospectus for the first year of study will apply. We will review our tuition fees each year. For international students, we may increase fees for each subsequent year of study but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation.

    Accreditations

    The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships shall be renewed in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery. 

    Facilities

    Facilities mentioned on this page may not be relevant for every course. Due to the ongoing restrictions relating to COVID-19, some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) and some non-academic offerings (particularly in relation to international experiences), may vary from those advertised and may have reduced availability or restrictions on their use.

    Placements and study abroad opportunities

    Please note that we are unable to guarantee any placement or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (e.g. travel, visas and accommodation etc.), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the requirements in this regard, please contact the International Office for further details if you are an EU or International student.

    Additional costs

    This course may incur additional costs associated with any field trips, placements or work experience, study abroad opportunities or any other opportunity (whether required or optional), which could include (but is not limited to), equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas).