Animation

Animation is an art form that brings images to life through the control of motion, creating the illusion of movement from sequences of still frames or through real-time computation. As a creative discipline it demands an understanding of how the eye and brain perceive movement, how timing and spacing communicate weight, personality, and emotion, and how visual storytelling works in a medium where every element of every frame has been deliberately constructed. Animation today spans hand-drawn and computer-generated feature films, short films, television series, interactive games, immersive installations, and experimental artistic practice, making it one of the most technically diverse and creatively demanding visual arts.

At the University of Edinburgh you will study this four-year full-time programme, which includes a year abroad, giving you the opportunity to engage with animation education and artistic practice in a different international context. Edinburgh's art college, Edinburgh College of Art, which is part of the university, provides a rich environment for creative practice at the intersection of art, design, and technology. Across the four years you will study the principles of animation that underpin all approaches to the form, develop technical skills across both traditional and digital production methods, work on character design, environment, and visual storytelling, and engage with the history and theory of animation as an art form.

The year abroad adds international perspective and creative experience that enriches your practice. The typical entry tariff is 168 points.

Animation graduates from Edinburgh work in film and television production, games development, advertising, interactive design, and arts practice. Many graduates develop portfolio careers combining commercial commissions with independent creative work. The year abroad gives graduates international networks and experience that is valued by global studios and production companies.

Further study in animation, visual effects, film production, or games design is taken by some graduates seeking to specialise, and postgraduate programmes in animation are available at several UK and international institutions.