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    Study animation abroad

    An in-depth guide to studying animation as an international student.

    Find a program

    Explore animation programs abroad

    See other programs in animation

    Animation degrees abroad

    Animation is becoming more and more common in the world around us, be it in the latest animated films, computer games, advertising or news media. For this reason, talented animators are in high demand, and a degree in has become a popular option for artistic students around the world.

    A degree in animation can teach you a wide range of skills and production methods, including 2D and 3D techniques, CGI, drawing and stop-motion. Most programs will include traditional techniques, as well as the use of innovative modern technologies that will shape the future of animation.

    Animation degree programs are offered in universities and art schools all over the world. Studying animation abroad will mean you’ll have a huge range of programs to choose from, and you might be able to access technology and facilities you might not be able to get at home.

    Animation program structure

    What’s covered in an animation program will depend on several factors, including the country or university your studying in, and the level of qualification you’re taking.

    Many universities and art colleges offer animation combined with other subjects, for example animation and games design, or animation and visual effects. If there is a specific area of animation you are interested in, consider a program that focuses on that area.

    Animation can be studied at undergraduate level as a BA over three to four years. Some universities offer a work placement year or year abroad as part of their program. Most programs will be taught through a combination of lectures, workshops and seminars, and you’ll be assessed though design projects, portfolios, coursework and a final year dissertation.

    It’s also possible to study for a master’s in animation if you already hold a relevant undergraduate degree. These typically take between one and two years, and will expand your understanding of animation theory and practice.

    Some of the subjects and modules you will find on an animation degree program include:

    • 2D animation
    • 3D animation
    • Animation history and theory
    • Drawing for animation
    • Visual narrative
    • Visual effects (VFX)
    • Game arts
    • Computer animation
    • Motion capture and previsualization

    Best countries to study animation

    Best universities to study animation

    See all universities offering animation programs

    How to study animation abroad

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    Animation study abroad programs

    Animation undergraduate programs

    Bachelor's in animation

    • false

      Emerging Media – Character Animation Track - BFA University of Central Florida, USA

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Tuition fees per year
      22,478 USD
      Start date
      January, May, August
      Show program overview about Emerging Media – Character Animation Track
    • false

      Animation and Interactive Media - BDes RMIT University, Australia

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      3 years
      Tuition fees per year
      35,520 AUD
      Start date
      February, July
      Show program overview about Animation and Interactive Media
    • false

      Animation - BDes University of Dundee, UK

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      3 years
      Tuition fees per year
      17,275 GBP
      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Animation
    • false

      Animation - BA/BFA Lipscomb University, USA

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Tuition fees per year
      30,860 USD
      Start date
      January, September
      Show program overview about Animation
    • false

      Animation - BA (Hons) University of the West of England - UWE Bristol, UK

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      3 years
      Tuition fees per year
      13,000 GBP
      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Animation
    See all bachelor's degrees in animation

    Pathway in animation

    • false

      Computer Animation & Visual Effects (Foundation) - UGP Leeds Beckett University, UK

      Program type
      Undergraduate pathway
      Duration
      2 years
      Tuition fees per year
      11,400 USD
      Start date
      January, September
      Show program overview about Computer Animation & Visual Effects (Foundation)
    See all undergraduate pathways in animation

    Diploma in animation

    • false

      Animation - 3D - Dip Humber College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning, Canada

      Program type
      Undergraduate diploma
      Duration
      3 years
      Tuition fees per year
      18,340 CAD
      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Animation - 3D
    • false

      Animation - 3D - Dip Centennial College, Canada

      Program type
      Undergraduate diploma
      Duration
      2 years
      Tuition fees per year
      16,531 CAD
      Start date
      January, September
      Show program overview about Animation - 3D
    • false

      Animation – Digital Production - Dip Durham College, Canada

      Program type
      Undergraduate diploma
      Duration
      3 years
      Tuition fees per year
      14,907 CAD
      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Animation – Digital Production
    See all undergraduate diplomas in animation

    Associate in animation

    • false

      Digital Animation - AASc Mohawk Valley Community College, USA

      Program type
      Associate
      Duration
      2 years
      Tuition fees per year
      6,892 USD
      Start date
      January, September
      Show program overview about Digital Animation
    See all associate degrees in animation

    Animation graduate programs

    Master's in animation

    • false

      Animation, Games and Interactivity - MA RMIT University, Australia

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      2 years
      Tuition fees per year
      31,680 AUD
      Start date
      February, July
      Show program overview about Animation, Games and Interactivity
    • false

      Animation & VFX - MSc University of Dundee, UK

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      1 year
      Tuition fees per year
      18,150 GBP
      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Animation & VFX
    • false

      Computer Animation and Visual Effects - MSc Bournemouth University, UK

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      1 year
      Tuition fees per year
      15,500 GBP
      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Computer Animation and Visual Effects
    • false

      Animation - MFA DePaul University, USA

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      2 years
      Tuition fees per year
      27,680 USD
      Start date
      January, March, September
      Show program overview about Animation
    • false

      Animation - MA University of Gloucestershire, UK

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      1 year
      Tuition fees per year
      14,700 GBP
      Start date
      January, September
      Show program overview about Animation
    See all master's degrees in animation

    Future animation careers

    Most animation graduates look for careers as animators in the media production industry, but there are several different roles you could consider. Popular careers for animation graduates include:

    • Animator
    • Concept artist
    • Games designer/developer
    • Illustrator
    • VFX artist
    • Animation director
    • Modeller
    • UI designer

    Many animation programs will help you build connections in the industry to help you find a career after you graduate. Some will include modules that will show you how to put together successful portfolios or showreels that will help you impress industry professionals.

    Some graduates choose to work as freelance animators, or you can look to find full time employment in a production company or in another industry like advertising or design.