- Overview
- Course modules
- Entry requirements
- What makes this course different
- Accreditations
- What we're researching
- Your future career
- How we support your career ambitions
- Careers Guarantee
- What you'll learn
- How you'll learn
- How you'll be assessed
- Campus and facilities
- Who teaches this course
- Testimonial
- FAQs
Overview
Discover where animation and games collide and build the creative and technical skills to work across both fields.
- Design characters and environments
- Build game prototypes
- Tell stories through 2D animation
You'll develop your practice from the first year through studio-based projects, industry briefs and collaborative work. Graduates will have a professional portfolio, showreel and the industry insight to pursue creative careers across animation, games and related industries.
- Study 2D animation and 2D game design together, exploring storytelling, game design, character design and environment creation
- Develop your practice through studio-based projects, industry briefs and collaborative teamwork from Year 1
- Benefit from UEL’s industry connections through guest speakers and visits to animation and games studios
This course is in Clearing
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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 pointsThis is the standard advertised entry requirement for most students applying to this course.
Degree with foundation year:
48 UCAS pointsIf 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 ArtsAnimation Showreel
Take a peek at some of the incredible work produced by our Animation students in 2024.
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.

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 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
Docklands Campus, London, E16 2RD
Our waterfront campus in the historic Royal Docks provides a modern, well-equipped learning environment.
Join us and you'll be able to make the most of our facilities including contemporary lecture theatres and seminar rooms, art studios and exhibition spaces, audio and visual labs and a multimedia production centre.
Features include our 24/7 Docklands library, our £21m SportsDock centre, a campus shop and bookstore, the Children's Garden Nursery, cafés, eateries, a late bar, plus Student Union facilities, including a student lounge.
The University of East London is one of the few London universities to provide on-campus accommodation. Our Docklands Campus Student Village houses close to 1,200 students from around the world. We are well connected to central London and Canary Wharf, with London City Airport just across the water. We also run a free bus service that connects Docklands with Stratford campuses.
Who teaches this course
This course is delivered by School of Arts and Creative Industries
The teaching team includes qualified academics, practitioners and industry experts as guest speakers. Full details of the academics will be provided in the student handbook and module guides.
What our students and staff say

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

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
















