Animation and Game Design BA (Hons)

This course is in clearing

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Overview

Course modules

In your first year, you will explore the foundations of animation and games through animation principles, storytelling, concept art and production technologies. This broad introduction will help you develop core creative and technical skills while exploring different areas of animation and games practice. You will learn how to create engaging stories, characters and environments, while developing an understanding of animation, game design and production workflows. You will gain experience of the software, tools and pipelines used across the creative industries, alongside sound design and audiovisual production techniques. You will work in a simulated studio environment that emphasises collaboration, professionalism and ethical practice. Through personal and professional development activities, you will build the confidence, resilience and transferable skills needed for future study and careers in the animation and games industries.

In your second year, you will build on the creative and technical foundations developed in your first year by working on increasingly ambitious animation, games and concept art projects. You will apply your skills in collaborative and independent projects while exploring areas of practice that align with your creative and professional interests. You will learn how to develop production-ready work through professional workflows, from planning and prototyping to post-production and final presentation. Alongside advanced storytelling, character and environment design, you will strengthen your understanding of sound, editing and production management while creating projects that respond to contemporary cultural and social issues. You will gain experience of portfolio development, networking and presenting your work in professional contexts. Through the study of creative industries and data storytelling, you will develop the critical, creative and professional skills needed to prepare for placement opportunities, final-year study and careers in the animation and games industries.

In your third year, you will consolidate the creative, technical and professional skills developed throughout your degree by undertaking a major final-year project. Working with a high degree of independence, you will develop and realise an ambitious animation, games or concept art project that reflects your individual interests, strengths and career aspirations. You will refine your expertise through advanced production, leadership and professional practice. As you develop your final project, you will strengthen your skills in project management, team collaboration and creative decision-making, while demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of storytelling, design and contemporary cultural issues. You will prepare for employment or freelance practice by developing your professional portfolio, personal brand and industry profile. Through the exploration of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), virtual and augmented reality, you will critically examine the future of creative industries and graduate with the confidence, skills and experience needed to launch your career.

NOTE: Modules are subject to change. For those studying part time courses the modules may vary.

Entry requirements

Degree:

96 UCAS points

This is the standard advertised entry requirement for most students applying to this course.

Degree with foundation year:

48 UCAS points

If you do not meet the standard entry requirements, you can apply for a foundation year. This additional year prepares you with the academic skills needed to progress to the full undergraduate degree.

 

Pre-entry programmes


If you lack formal or current qualifications, there are routes available to help you achieve your goal. 

Recognition of prior learning (RPL)

Your previous qualifications, uncompleted study or industry experience may mean you can start your studies at a later point in the course and influence your eligibility for entry

What makes this course different

Taught by industry experts

Learn from academics and working professionals with experience in animation and game design. Directors, animators and games practitioners visit throughout the year to give talks, set briefs and share insight into their work.

Hands-on from day one

Work on studio-based projects and live briefs from the start, creating games and animations for different audiences, platforms and markets. This gives you practical experience of professional creative work before you graduate.

Connected to industry

Visit animation and games studios each year, build your professional network, and graduate with a portfolio, showreel and industry contacts to support your next steps.

Connecting Creativity

Discover career-focussed, practice-based, collaborative art education at East London Arts. Through degrees, community projects and industry partnerships, we shape the next generation of creative talent in East London and beyond.

Explore East London Arts

Course options

    Start date

    Degree

    UCAS code: G483

    Animation and Game Design BA (Hons), home applicant, full time

    • Home Applicant ,
    • This course is in Clearing,
    • Full time, 3 years
    • £ 9,790 per year. Subject to change, see fees, funding and additional costs below

    Animation and Game Design BA (Hons), home applicant, part time

    • Home Applicant ,
    • Part time
    • pro-rata full time fee

    Animation and Game Design BA (Hons), international applicant, full time

    • International Applicant
    • Full time, 3 years
    • £ 16020 per year

    Degree with foundation year

    with foundation year
    UCAS code: G484

    Animation and Game Design BA (Hons), home applicant, full time

    • Home Applicant ,
    • This course is in Clearing,
    • Full time, 4 years
    • £ 9,790 per year. Subject to change, see fees, funding and additional costs below

    Animation and Game Design BA (Hons), international applicant, full time

    • International Applicant
    • Full time, 4 years
    • £ 16020 per year

    Animation Showreel

    Your future career

    Animation and game design are two of the fastest-growing areas of the creative industries. This course combines both disciplines, helping you develop the creative and technical skills needed to work across a range of roles.

    You will graduate with practical experience, industry-informed knowledge and a portfolio that supports your future career.

    Industry links

    We have an extensive network across both industries. Guest speakers and studio partners include Aardman Animation, Lupus Films, Blink Ink, Passion Pictures, Karrot Animation, Women in Games, UKIE and Tranzfuser. 

    Students visit studios each year to meet professionals and gain first-hand insight into industry practice.

    Graduate employers

    Our graduates have gone on to work in animation studios, AAA and indie game studios, advertising, film and television, in the UK and internationally. Some have also set up their own studios and collectives.

    Job roles

    Typical roles include 2D animator, animation director, game designer, narrative designer, level designer, concept artist, storyboard artist, character designer, asset designer and scriptwriter.

    Further study

    You could go on to postgraduate study in filmmaking, creative enterprise, media and communications. This opens further opportunities as a specialist or freelancer in either field.

    Kristiyan Krastev
    UEL was the first time I fully began discovering myself, and my own interests and the first time I broke out of my shell. I've had some of the best memories of my life there, alongside my closest friends."
    Kristiyan Krastev

    BA (Hons) Game Design, now working at Samsung

    How we support your career ambitions

    We offer dedicated careers support, and further opportunities to thrive, such as volunteering and industry networking. Our courses are created in collaboration with employers and industry to ensure they accurately reflect the real-life practices of your future career and provide you with the essential skills needed. You can focus on building interpersonal skills through group work and benefit from our investment in the latest cutting-edge technologies and facilities.

    Career Zone

    This digital platform provides you with careers and employability resources, including:

    • Jobs board for internships, placements, graduate opportunities, flexible part-time work
    • Mentoring programmes for insight with industry experts
    • 1-2-1 career coaching services
    • Careers workshops and employer events
    • Learning pathways to gain new skills and industry insight

    Mental Wealth programme

    Our Professional Fitness and Mental Wealth programme issues you with a Careers Passport to track the skills you've mastered. Some of these are externally validated by corporations like Amazon and Microsoft.

    Our Mental Wealth programme

    We are careers first

    Our teaching methods and geographical location put us right up top:

    • Work-based projects
    • Networking and visits to leading organisations
    • Support in starting a new business
    • London on our doorstep

    Official student data from Discover Uni

    The banner below displays some key factual data about this course (including different course combinations or delivery modes of this course where relevant).

    How you'll learn

    Each module combines practical work with reflection, helping you evaluate your creative process and develop your skills as an animation professional.

    You will be taught by experienced practitioners who bring industry knowledge and real-world experience into the classroom. Through our professional networks and industry connections, your learning will reflect current practices and developments in animation.

    This combination of practical experience, critical reflection and industry insight will help you develop both creative and technical skills.

    Guided independent study

    When not attending timetabled lectures or workshops, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. This will typically involve skills development through online study, working on individual and group projects and preparing coursework assignments and presentations. Your independent learning is supported by a range of excellent facilities, including online resources, and access to software, specialist animation facilities, such as edit suites, the library, the full Microsoft Office software, including MS Teams, and Moodle: our Virtual Learning Environment.

    Academic support

    Our academic support team provides help in a range of areas - including learning and disability support.

    Dedicated personal tutor

    When you arrive, we'll introduce you to your personal tutor. This is the member of staff who will provide academic guidance, be a support throughout your time at UEL and who will show you how to make the best use of all the help and resources that we offer.

    Workload

    Each year you will spend around 280 hours of timetabled learning and teaching activities. These may be lectures, workshops, seminars and individual and group tutorials. Contact hours may vary depending on each module.

    The approximate workload hours for this course are:

    • Scheduled teaching - 284 hours
    • Guided independent study - 916 hours

    Your timetable

    Your individualised timetable is normally available within 48 hours of enrolment. Whilst we make every effort to ensure timetables are as student-friendly as possible, usually 11-1.30pm or 2-4.30pm for three days a week, scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week between 9.00am and 6.00pm. 

    For undergraduate students, Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities, but there may be occasions when this is not possible. Timetables for part-time students will depend on the modules selected.

    Class sizes

    To give you an indication of class sizes, this course normally attracts 10–30 students a year. We have workstations for each student in a class, so you can always be learning 'hands-on'.

    In the classroom, you will be taught in groups of 10-20 students. However, this can vary by academic year. Smaller class sizes allow for personalised attention, enhancing your learning experience in animation.

    How you'll be assessed

    Coursework will focus on practical outcomes from projects and exercises, e.g. films, clips, pre-production artefacts, occasional individual or group-based presentations and research-based assignments. We do not have timed practicals or exams.

    Campus and facilities

    What our students and staff say

    Code on a computer screen
    I don't think I've ever been made to feel more welcome. Being surrounded by people who are friendly, social, and share your interests has to be one of the best things I can say about my university experience."

    Ben Nizan

    BA (Hons) Computer Games Design

    Animation course page hero image
    I came to UEL wanting the animation focus, and the course has absolutely delivered. I’m gaining essential skills like storytelling, editing, and using Premiere Pro, which are crucial for my goal of becoming a freelancer."

    Emanuel Gjelaj

    BA (Hons) Animation