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BA (Hons) 2D Digital Animation

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Key information

Typical offer:
Entry requirements
Fees: See below
Full details
UCAS code: W618
Institute code: H36
Study abroad option
Work placement option
Find out more

Entry requirements

UCAS points A Level BTEC
112-120 BBC-BBB - An art and design or creative subject which involves drawing DMM-DDM - In art and design, games art, animation or creative media production.

Additional requirements

GCSE: Grade 4/C in English language and 4/C mathematics
Access course tariff: Diploma with 45 credits at merit.
All students from non-majority English-speaking countries require proof of English language proficiency, equivalent to an overall IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band.
If you do not have the required IELTS or equivalent for direct entry on to your degree programme, our Pre-sessional English and International Foundation courses can help you to achieve this level.
For more details on the University of Hertfordshire's entry requirements, please visit our Undergraduate Entry Requirements page.
Find out more about International Entry Requirements.
The University of Hertfordshire is committed to welcoming students with a wide range of qualifications and levels of experience. The entry requirements listed on the course pages provide a guide to the minimum level of qualifications needed to study each course. However, we have a flexible approach to admissions and each application will be considered on an individual basis.
Professional accreditations

The digital animation programme is accredited by The Rookies, SideFX and CILECT.
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UCAS points	A Level	BTEC
112-120	BBC-BBB - An art and design or creative subject which involves drawing	DMM-DDM - In art and design, games art, animation or creative media production.

Why choose this course?

no. 1 in the UK for Animation and Game Design (2023 Guardian League Table)
Work on simulated real-world briefs & build an impressive portfolio
Learn traditional animation techniques & apply to today’s industry

You want to join the No.1 Animation School in the UK and Europe (and No.3 in the World) as acclaimed by The Rookies Awards 2020.

Described by the Rookies as an ‘innovative and enterprising university’ our students regularly achieve critical acclaim for their work. Our award-winning 2D animation course produces outstanding graduates, renowned for their creativity, technical skills and employment potential. Our digital animation programme as a whole, is accredited by The Rookies, SideFX and CILECT. This means, you’ll be joining a department that’s gained international recognition for training the animators of the future. Learn more about our Rookies ranking and view examples of our student work. Our facilities will also help you to thrive. You’ll have access to dedicated PC labs, kitted out with everything you need to bring your creations to life. The Learning Resource Centre contains clones of our animation labs (software and hardware) so if you want to continue your animation studies late at night or during the weekend you can. Plus, you can use our motion capture suite, digital photography and filmmaking equipment to work on your own projects. Kickstart your future by graduating from an internationally renowned animation school.

It’s time to take your talent and imagination to the next level

You want to produce stunning animations and discover your unique style. You want to immerse yourself in character design, motion graphics and interactive storytelling. You dream of creating the illusion of movement and you have a sketch book full of ideas. Now’s the time to master your dreams. We’ll teach you all aspects of digital animation development and the production process. You’ll develop specialised skills in storyboarding, keyframing and colouring. You’ll spend time mastering digital puppet animation, motion graphics and 2D game design. Extend your knowledge of traditional animation techniques and apply them to today’s digital world. You’ll produce ambitious work showing an expert understanding of technique, software proficiency and high production values. Your wide skillset will be in high demand, allowing you to move between companies and adapt to the varied demands of the industry. This is your chance to be creative. To tell that story. This is your chance be you.

You want to join an exciting animation community

You want to train under the guidance of experienced animators. To learn from artists and authors in the comics, film and games industries who’ve worked on projects including The Hobbit, Tintin, Tom & Jerry and The Avengers. We’ll share our experience and unique insight into the animation industry so you can develop your skills with confidence. You’ll have the opportunity to work on live projects to gain a working knowledge of the industry and begin to build a network of industry contacts. When you graduate, we’ll invite you to join our active alumni community, many of whom have senior positions in the animation industry.

What's the course about?

We deliver a mix of teaching methods, from project work to software and art-based workshops and lectures. You’ll be assessed on group and individual project work. We’ll ask you to submit portfolio submissions, sketches, storyboards, 2D animations and presentations. Plus, you’ll develop your analytical thinking, critical curiosity and easy writing skills.

In your first year, you’ll benefit from common modules within the wider animation programme, gaining valuable knowledge of the digital media industry. You’ll study alongside peers on comics and concept art, games, 3D animation and visual effects, expanding your network from day one. We’ll teach you the fundamental principles of 2D animation. You’ll spend time storyboarding and perfecting your technique. Together we’ll explore digital illustration techniques. You’ll practice life drawing, designing characters and environments. You’ll research animation and film history to bring cultural context to your craft. At the end of this year you’ll have the choice to switch to a different animation degree course if your passion has led you in a new direction.

In your second year, you’ll develop your individual and illustrative style. You’ll take part in acting workshops to gain an insight into how characters move and display emotions. You’ll apply this knowledge to your animations, creating believable characters and sequences of movement. You’ll work on simulated real-world briefs, exploring motion graphics, idents and interactive media. You'll also create your first short film. The best will be invited to be screened in our Animation Exposé show at the end of the year. View the show’s live stream from 2020. The best will be invited to be screened in our Animation Exposé show at the end of the year. Plus, we’ll encourage you to enter your work into international competitions like The Rookies.

In your third year, you’ll write your dissertation on an area of popular culture, linked to 2D animation, that fascinates you. Plus, you’ll immerse yourself in an ambitious final film project. Be authentic. Be brave. You’ll take your own concept through all stages of production, showing excellent project management and leadership qualities. Your animated short film will showcase your talent and be screened in our Animation Exposé show. You can enter it for awards judged by a panel of industry experts. Previous judging panels have included companies such as Blue Zoo, Blink Ink, Golden Wolf, The Animation Guys and Slurpy. Plus, we’ll encourage you to enter your work into The Rookies and other international competitions. When you graduate, you’ll have an impressive showreel and website to launch your career to prove yourself to be an animator of tomorrow.

Your main campus is College Lane 

This is where the creative arts, science and health-related subjects are based. This means you’ll share the campus with future nurses, scientists, artists and more. You can use the common rooms to relax with friends, work out in the 24-hour gym or have a drink in our on-campus pub or cafes. We also have restaurants for you to eat in or grab something on the go. Our Learning Resources Centres are open 24/7, which means you can study whenever suits you best. Want to pop over to the other campus? You can take the free shuttle bus or walk there in just 15 minutes.   

What will I study?

Degree programmes are structured into levels, 4, 5 and 6. These correspond to your first, second and third/final year of study. Below you can see what modules you’ll be studying in each.  

Level 4

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Introduction to CG	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module offers a range of traditional and digital skills that enable the student to advance their knowledge of core areas of aesthetic design and software knowledge. This will form a solid foundation that much of the rest of their studies will to rest on. In addition to learning software skills and subjects such as perspective, composition, colour design, life drawing and photography the module also teaches students how to research visually and also record and reflect on this information. Students learn about successful note taking for their software classes to ensure that they have notes that they can refer to in future projects. The module introduces students to 3D modelling and the experience of bringing a character to life through a selection exercises that will enable students to think about animation and images in motion.
Applying CG	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module progresses the learning of digital skills the students acquired in the previous semester and develops these further while adding a range of new skills. Students will be able to specialise in some areas of their learning, allowing them to study subjects that are specific to their pathways in greater detail. The module will include subjects such as organic modelling, procedural modelling, lighting, rigging, coding and compositing, storyboarding, motion graphics and character animation. In addition to the technical skills, students will experience a group project which requires them to develop their narrative, film-making and collaborative skills through the production of a live action short film. Alongside the practical teaching, a series of lectures about the history of their chosen field will allow students to understand the context of the origin of their subject and to give them a common language of important artworks and artists.
Creativity, Concept & Story	30 Credits	Compulsory
Effective communication in the visual and digital media industries requires an understanding of factors such as narrative construction, composition, colour and character and environment design. This understanding is developed during the module via practical activities that focus on skills of creativity, observation and expression across a range of visual media. These practical skills are used in the creation of concept artwork and short visual narratives that inform, entertain and communicate ideas. The whole process is underpinned by the development of research skills and an awareness of the importance of research into visual and aesthetic traditions and practitioners.
Animated Thinking	30 Credits	Compulsory
With an overarching aim of fostering critical thinking, this module introduces students to an array of perspectives - critical, theoretical, historical and cultural - that will allow them to understand the presence and impact of digital and visual media within society. Alongside this students will be equipped with skills pertaining to academic research and writing in order to craft informed and supported analysis of such media. In the first semester, students will receive a series of introductory lectures – supported by seminars and study skills sessions – that will provide a "toolkit" of critical theories that can be applied to their practice and will lead to an opportunity to exercise academic research and enquiry. In the second semester a series of lectures expands on key areas of focus within visual and digital media – also augmented by seminars and continuing study skills sessions – to support the authoring of a piece of written analysis in relation to a topic from the lectures.

Level 5

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Year Abroad	0 Credits	Compulsory
The Year Abroad will provide students in Creative Arts with the opportunity to expand, develop and apply the knowledge and skills gained in the first two taught years of the degree within a different organisational and cultural environment in a partner academic institution. The host institution will appoint a Programme Co-ordinator who will oversee the student's programme during the Year Abroad and will liaise with the appointed UH Supervisor.
Progressing 2D Animation	30 Credits	Compulsory
The module identifies and explores the key concerns and working practices of 2D digital animation. It provides an opportunity for the student to enhance their level of expertise in character animation and software techniques through a series of more advanced animation exercises. One of the most important areas for exploration is the understanding of character, personality and expression and how this is communicated in character animation through body language, movement and emotion. Other key areas of 2D activity such as illustration and motion graphics will also be explored and there is the possibility for live project briefs to be set by industry partners.
Creative Project	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module offers a period of sustained practice which consolidates and extends the digital animation, visual effects, games art, comics and concept art skills established and developed earlier in the course. It enables the student to engage with the entire production cycle of a whole group project, which may be used as part of locating or pinpointing their employment or professional aspirations. The project will usually be within a group and could be a project within their degree cohort, a live project in collaboration with third-parties, work experience, faculty projects or combined projects with students on other years or on other programmes by negotiation. Anatomy studies accompany this module, alongside the showing of professional exemplars in the relevant field that inform the students about the context of their work.
Design, Interactivity & Professional Practices	30 Credits	Compulsory
The module explores and develops the student's understanding of design and pre-production processes in the 2D animation and digital media industries. Through the creation of 2D designs and concept artwork, the student will enhance their expertise in the development of animated narratives. They will also expand their industry focus to consider sites of commercial activity outside of traditional animation production, such as gaming and interactive narratives. Students are supported in the development of their own short film ideas, which they present in a pre-production portfolio. This development process focuses on narrative, character and environment design, with a grounding in cinematography and colour studies to underpin these areas. Students then go on to further explore the storyworld of their films through the design and implementation of interactive transmedia and game-based narratives. Employment preparation and studio practices will also be engaged with during the module in preparation for Level 6 study.
Moving Visions	30 Credits	Compulsory
Building on skills developed during the Animated Thinking module at level 4, Moving visions furthers students' understanding of current theories surrounding their practice. The module equips students with critical thinking skills, knowledge of good academic practices and the analytical skills needed to develop their dissertation at level 6. In the first semester a series of 'catalyst' lectures supported by seminars and study skills sessions are used to develop students' understanding of critical theories in their field and provide them with the skills needed to perform background research. In the second semester students then select from a range of lecture series and gain insight into a more focussed area of study. These lectures are supplemented by tutorials and seminars to support the authoring of a piece of written analysis in relation to the topic of the lecture series.

Level 6

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Pre-Production for 2D Animation	30 Credits	Compulsory
On this module students explore and develop their understanding of pre-production and design processes within the 2D animation industry. While the module is freestanding, the outcome of this activity is the development of a project proposal that may form the basis for a major project in the Professional Practices & Degree Project module. It provides an opportunity to undertake the lengthy pre-production work needed for any ambitious 2D animation project. In carrying out a series of sustained design activities, students on the module are encouraged to enhance their level of expertise and knowledge of pre-production processes. The module draws on negotiated briefs appropriate to the requirements of Level 6 degree study. This enables the student to engage in a sustained process of pre-production and planning enquiry.
Professional Practices & Degree Project	60 Credits	Compulsory
The module engages students with the world of employment and places their work in the context of the standards required for employment entry. Students will complete coursework assignments and use independent study time to develop their awareness of employment opportunities. These assignments will include creative outcomes to engage with prospective employers such as a showreel and associated self-promotional materials. Students then work with staff to negotiate the scope and structure of a major degree project in which they will perform processes within simulated or live professional production environments. This project gives students the opportunity to demonstrate the summation of the creative, technical, contextual and professional skills they have acquired while studying on the course. The results of the project also serve to demonstrate students' overall preparedness for employment or postgraduate studies in the fields of visual and digital media.
Concepts in Motion: Articulated Research & Writing	30 Credits	Compulsory
The module allows students to develop research and writing informed by and useful to their practice. Students select a topic for an extended enquiry, concerning either the specific themes, genre or mode of their degree project, or cultural issues arising from other aspects of their practice. The enquiry involves analytical and contextual interpretation of one or two relevant artefacts, with attention to visual (and other) aesthetics and their cultural relevance. Engaging with critical, theoretical and/or historical perspectives on their topic, students develop their own argument and articulate this in writing. The module thus enables students to achieve an in-depth understanding of significant issues in their practice. The module is delivered through lectures and seminars on research/writing skills and topic development, followed by group and individual tutorials to support work towards the assignments. There is a strong emphasis on independent learning at all stages of the module.
Year Abroad	0 Credits	Optional
The Year Abroad will provide students in Creative Arts with the opportunity to expand, develop and apply the knowledge and skills gained in the first two taught years of the degree within a different organisational and cultural environment in a partner academic institution. The host institution will appoint a Programme Co-ordinator who will oversee the student's programme during the Year Abroad and will liaise with the appointed UH Supervisor.
Study Abroad (Creative Arts)	0 Credits	Optional
Study Abroad will provide students in Creative Arts with the opportunity to expand, develop and apply the knowledge and skills gained in the first taught year of the degree within a different organisational and cultural environment in a partner academic institution. The host institution will appoint a Programme Co-ordinator who will oversee the student's programme during the Study Abroad period and will liaise with the appointed UH Supervisor.

Study abroad

An opportunity for an amazing experience, which will help make you stand out from the crowd. With more and more companies working internationally, experience of living in another country can make a great impression on future employers.

This course offers you the opportunity to enhance your study and CV with a sandwich year abroad. The University has partnerships with over 150 universities around the world, including the USA, Canada, Asia, Africa, Australia, South America and closer to home in Europe.

If you study abroad between your second and third year of study, you’ll pay no tuition fee to the partner university and no tuition fee to us either. We’ll ask you to make your decision in your second year, so there is plenty of time to think about it.

Find out more about Study abroad opportunities

Please note Erasmus+ funding is only available until May 2023. For students starting their course in September 2022 and wishing to study abroad in 2023-24 or 2024-25, please refer to the Turing Scheme.
Work placement

Graduate with invaluable work experience alongside your degree and stand out from the crowd.

This course offers you the opportunity to enhance your study and CV with a work placement sandwich year. It’s a chance to explore career possibilities, make valuable contacts and gain sought after professional skills.

Our dedicated Careers and Employment team are here to help guide you through the process.

If you take up a work placement between your second and third year of study, at the University of Hertfordshire you’ll pay no tuition fee for this year. We’ll ask you to make your decision in your second year, so there is plenty of time to think about it.

Find out more about work placements
What if I need support?

You’ll get a personal tutor to guide you through your course, offering academic and pastoral support all the way to graduation. Individual and group tutorials, seminars and regular access to our teaching and technician staff will support you every step of the way. In the School of Creative Arts, we also have a dedicated student liaison officer so you can access academic support with someone who understands the requirements of creative arts courses. Plus, there’s additional support if you have dyslexia. For international students, we also have a creative arts international support officer. The Creative Arts Toolkit is a fantastic resource, where you can find lots of information about facilities, equipment and study skills.
You might also want or need extra support during your time with us. For help with study skills, including referencing, essay writing and presentations, you’ll have access to our academic support services. You can attend workshops, 1-to-1 sessions and online tutorials. Both our LRCs run drop-in study skills sessions. And the best thing is, it’s all free. You can feel confident that for all your educational, wellbeing and disability needs, we’ve got you covered.

Phil is amazing, he’s always asking me for work so he can provide feedback.

Letitia Liu, 2D animation graduate

Alumni Stories

Hamid Ibrahim

Current job role	Co-founder and Creative Director at Kugali Media
Course studied	BA (Hons) Digital Animation, 2017

Career Success

Ugandan-born Hamid Ibrahim chose to pursue his life-long passion for creativity by studying Digital Animation at Herts. After graduating in 2017, Hamid joined the visual effects studio Moving Picture Company, where he worked on feature films such as the live-action remake of the Lion King in 2019. Alongside this, in 2017 he also co-founded his entertainment company, Kugali Media, before pursuing it full-time. Kugali tells stories inspired by African culture, through art, comic books, and augmented reality.

In 2020, Walt Disney Animation Studios announced that it was to join forces with Hamid Ibrahim, and his entertainment company Kugali, to create an original African sci-fi series for Disney+. In what was the first of its kind collaboration for Disney Animation, the series, titled Iwájú, explores the themes of class, innocence, and challenging the status quo.

Hamid says, 'I still remember watching the Lion King (1994) as a kid when I was growing up. Hearing them speaking Swahili, a language that I speak myself, in a big-picture animation like that was inspiring. From that moment on I knew what I wanted to do; it was my dream to share the stories of my people with the world.'

Herts Learning

'The skills I learned at the University of Hertfordshire were vital to my career. My course gave me a solid foundation where I was taught how to create beautiful animations and visual effects, learning from tutors who themselves had worked on big Hollywood blockbusters.'

Looking to the future of his professional life, he says, 'I’m excited about Kugali's collaboration with Disney and I’m looking forward to building the world of Iwájú.'

The skills I learnt at the University of Hertfordshire were vital to my career. My course gave me a solid foundation where I was taught how to create beautiful animations and visuals effects, learning from tutors who themselves had worked on big Hollywood blockbusters.

What's next for my career?

The digital animation programme prepares you for a range of careers within the industry. These include 2D animator, concept artist, 3D animator, 3D generalist, FX technical director, compositor, environment artist, character artist and a huge variety of roles in between. Our graduates have gone on to work at Blue Zoo to animate cartoon series, Sony to work as concept artists and to Golden Wolf and The Animation Guys to produce 2D animated commercials and advertising.
View our Alumni profiles

Hamid Ibrahim
Key staff

Dr Daniel Goodbrey
Digital Animation Joint Programme Leader
Find out more about Dr Daniel Goodbrey
Martin Bowman
Digital Animation Joint Programme Leader
Find out more about Martin Bowman
Phil Vallentin
2D Digital Animation Course Leader

Course fact sheets
BA (Hons) (SW) 2D Digital Animation with Study Abroad	Download

Programme specifications
BA (Hons) Digital Animation	Download

Additional information
Sandwich placement or study abroad year	Optional
Applications open to international and EU students	Yes
Course length	Full Time, 3 Years Sandwich, 4 Years
Location	University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

International/EU applicants without pre-settled status in the UK

Apply through our international/EU application portal

Home and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status in the UK

Apply using the links below:

2023

Start Date	End Date	Link
18/09/2023	31/05/2024	Apply online (Full Time)
20/09/2023	31/05/2024	Apply online (Full Time/Sandwich)

2024

Start Date	End Date	Link
18/09/2024	31/05/2025	Apply online (Full Time)
20/09/2024	31/05/2025	Apply online (Full Time/Sandwich)
20/09/2024	31/05/2025	Apply online (Full Time/Sandwich)

Interview

Applicants apply via UCAS or through the International Admissions Office and are then processed by the admissions department based on their current and predicted qualifications. Those selected will be offered an interview and asked to submit online portfolios for review
If you are invited to interview, during the interview you’ll need to talk through the contents of your online portfolio of artwork. Please see below for guidance regarding artwork selection. You’ll then have a one to one interview with a member of staff on campus. Successful applicants are offered a place on the course.
Interview advice
Fees and funding
Fees 2023
UK Students

Full time
- £9250 for the 2023/2024 academic year
EU Students

Full time
- £14750 for the 2023/2024 academic year
International Students

Full time
- £14750 for the 2023/2024 academic year
*Tuition fees are charged annually. The fees quoted above are for the specified year(s) only. Fees may be higher in future years, for both new and continuing students. Please see the University’s Fees and Finance Policy (and in particular the section headed “When tuition fees change”), for further information about when and by how much the University may increase its fees for future years.

View detailed information about tuition fees

Read more about additional fees in the course fact sheet

Other financial support

Find out more about other financial support available to UK and EU students

Living costs / accommodation

The University of Hertfordshire offers a great choice of student accommodation, on campus or nearby in the local area, to suit every student budget.

View detailed information about our accommodation

BA (Hons) 2D Digital Animation

Key information

Typical offer:

Fees: See below

UCAS code: W618

Institute code: H36

Study abroad option

Work placement option

Additional requirements

Why choose this course?

What's the course about?

Your main campus is College Lane

What will I study?

Phil is amazing, he’s always asking me for work so he can provide feedback.

Alumni Stories

Career Success

Herts Learning

International/EU applicants without pre-settled status in the UK

Home and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status in the UK

2023

2024

Fees 2023

UK Students

Full time

EU Students

Full time

International Students

Full time

Other financial support

Living costs / accommodation

Your main campus is College Lane 