Animation with Foundation Year

On our BA (Hons) Animation programme, you’ll experiment with the latest digital software, learn about the principles of animation, produce distinctive animated films and develop the professional awareness you need to launch your career. Working with experienced teaching staff in our newly refurbished, dedicated production studio, you will gain the knowledge and expertise you need through traditional and digital animation practice.

• You will experiment with a broad range of methods, materials and processes, from traditional hand-drawn animation to 3D digital techniques.
• The course will encourage you to select from and combine methods in pursuing your individual interests, developing a distinctive approach to animation production and helping you to realise your own unique vision.
•  You will explore the use of animation for storytelling, social commentary, personal agenda films, documentary, music videos, live performance, broadcasting and advertising. 
• Employable Graduates – we’re ranked 15th highest amongst all UK universities and 12th for English institutions with 96% of graduates in work or further study within six months of completing their degree: HESA 2016.

Our varied and exciting curriculum includes drawing, sequential image making, 2D and 3D computer animation, character development, narrative, timing, editing, sound and the historical and contemporary context of animation. Animation plays an increasingly important role in the messages that are part of our daily lives, not only on our film and television screens but also on the internet and mobile devices. The programme provides the ideal preparation for many careers in Animation both as an independent filmmaker or part of a wider creative team.

External live projects, competitions and exhibitions will help you get your work noticed and give you experience of professional practice. In your final year, you will produce a final graduation film to send to a range of national and international animation and film festivals. The course features visits from high-profile industry professionals, with a chance to be inspired by leading practitioners such as BAFTA nominated animation studio Fettle, who have visited the course to talk about their practice and to advise our third year students about how to begin a career in the creative industries.

What to expect from this course

Hear from Stuart Poynton, Programme Leader, for BA (Hons) Animation, along with Hermione, a third year Animation student, Jack, a first year Animation student, Lou, a second year Animation student, and Sam, an Animation graduate, as they provide an overview of what to expect from studying this course. 

Student success

After graduating with First-Class Honours Nathan Addai continued studying at Postgraduate level at Derby and has been working on a multi-faceted media project called Mental Roots which focuses on black men’s mental health. Nathan has been using his skills in animation and podcasting to tell real stories of black people’s mental health journeys and has recently completed production for an animated short film. It was funded and supported by Rural Media's New Creatives scheme, and was premiered through BBC Introducing Arts on BBC Four. Watch ‘Mental Roots’ and stay updated with the Mental Roots brand.

Below you will find a selection of student work produced on the BA (Hons) Animation programme. To see more student work please visit the course vimeo page- Animation - University of Derby.

Boost your employability with a placement year

Take an optional placement year to put your skills into practice in a real-world setting. We’ll support you in finding a placement and throughout your time in industry. It’s a great way to gain valuable experience for your CV, build contacts, and explore career options before you graduate.

Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.

The emphasis throughout the programme is on practical project work which integrates technical, analytical, intellectual and organisational aspects of professional practice. You’ll also enjoy an exciting variety of other teaching and learning methods, including workshop practice, demonstrations, group critiques, field studies, cultural visits, lectures, seminars, individual tutorials, work checks, reports and assignments.  

As a full-time student, you’ll be expected to attend on a daily basis, according to the schedule of sessions provided by each module leader, with specific periods of time allocated to self-directed study.  As the course progresses, you’ll take more responsibility for independent study as you prepare for and complete your final project. 

• We offer an Art School experience which involves mixed media approaches and a wide range of visual experiences and workshops. 
• You’ll be taught in a professional studio environment supported by the latest online teaching and learning facilities. It is the ideal setting for you to experiment with state-of-the-art equipment and resources that are constantly updated to reflect industry standards. 
• We encourage your independent thinking as you learn all aspects of the production of animation – including sound, lighting and editing. You’ll also have access to our sound and film studios which feature professional level video and sound recording resources, including green screen equipment, to help you develop your personal way of making animation. 
• You’ll explore not only how to create animations but also how to develop a unique aesthetic and personal voice, building a designer’s approach to animation. Workshops in 3D, drawing, printing and design will challenge your visual approach and feed into your technical understanding. 

How you will be assessed

Assessment is based 100% on coursework, which can include a showreel and promotional materials to launch yourself as a professional animator.

Our graduates have gone on to establish successful animation studios or to work for major TV production companies. There are wide-ranging career opportunities for animators in advertising, film, television, games design, web design, creative studios, education and the freelance world.   

The course offers you the ideal preparation for careers in this ever-changing market where you can challenge the use and production of animation. Because we take a contemporary view of animation and its applications, you will showcase your work to potential employers through a variety of platforms, advertising and mobile devices.   

You could also consider our MA/MDes Design if you would like to take your studies to postgraduate level.

Contextual offers may apply to students who meet certain criteria.

Offers will be made initially based on your application, including predicted grades and/or grades you have already achieved. You may be given the opportunity, within your offer letter, to submit a portfolio. If you submit a strong portfolio we will make you an unconditional offer, to reflect the quality of your work and your potential.

Additional entry requirements

• Portfolio: Recommended - view portfolio details

Further information about our fees and support you may be entitled to

Additional costs and optional extras

Further information about our fees and support you may be entitled to

Additional costs and optional extras

Additional information about your studies

Teaching hours

Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm. Your timetable will usually be available on the website 24 hours after enrolment on to your course.

Course updates

The information provided on this page is correct at the time of publication but course content, costs and other individual course details do change from time to time and are updated as often as possible, so please do check these pages again when making your final decision to apply for a course. Any updated course details will also be confirmed to you at application, enrolment and in your offer letter.

If you are thinking about transferring onto this course (into the second year for example), you should contact the programme leader for the relevant course information as modules may vary from those shown on this page.