Animation
Animation is both an art form and a technical discipline, concerned with creating the illusion of movement through sequences of images, whether drawn, modelled, or generated. From the hand-crafted traditions of 2D cell animation to the complex rigs of 3D computer-generated imagery and the tactile charm of stop-motion, animation encompasses a vast range of techniques and aesthetics, all of which serve the fundamental purpose of bringing characters, stories, and ideas to life. In an era when animated content appears across film, television, advertising, gaming, and digital media in unprecedented volumes, skilled animators are in sustained demand.
At the University of Salford, this three-year, full-time degree is situated at the heart of Manchester's Media City, one of the UK's most significant creative media hubs, giving you immediate proximity to industry. The programme combines hands-on creative practice with the use of current technology, developing your skills across 2D, 3D, and stop-motion animation so that you graduate as a versatile practitioner rather than a single-method specialist. You will develop your visual storytelling abilities alongside technical proficiency in the tools that professional animators use, and the creative culture of the programme encourages you to experiment and develop a distinctive artistic voice.
A typical entry tariff of 168 points reflects the competitive standard of this well-regarded programme.
Animation graduates go on to work in film and television production, visual effects studios, games development, advertising, digital content creation, children's media, and educational publishing. Many also pursue independent creative practices or develop careers in animation direction and production management. The location at Media City provides strong industry connections that many graduates use to enter the sector directly after completing the degree.
Postgraduate study in animation, visual effects, or a related practice is a further option for those seeking to specialise.