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Study animation abroad
An in-depth guide to studying animation as an international student.
Explore animation programs abroad
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PhD programs in
animationNo programs listed
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
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
How to study animation abroad
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Animation study abroad programs
Animation undergraduate programs
Bachelor's in animation
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Animation - BA (Hons) Edge Hill University, UK
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 3 years
- Annual tuition fee
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16,954 USD
Fee in university's local currency 12,250 GBP
- Start date
- September
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Animation - BA York St John University, UK
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 3 years
- Annual tuition fee
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17,646 USD
Fee in university's local currency 12,750 GBP
- Start date
- September
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Animation - BA (Hons) London South Bank University, UK
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 3 years
- Annual tuition fee
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23,743 USD
Fee in university's local currency 17,155 GBP
- Start date
- September
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Animation - BA (Hons) Sheridan College, Canada
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Annual tuition fee
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23,890 USD
Fee in university's local currency 29,876 CAD
- Start date
- September
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Animation - BA (Hons) University of the West of England - UWE Bristol, UK
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 3 years
- Annual tuition fee
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17,992 USD
Fee in university's local currency 13,000 GBP
- Start date
- September
Associate in animation
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Animation and Game Design - AA Berkeley City College, USA
- Program type
- Associate
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
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7,950 USD
Fee in university's local currency 7,950 USD
- Start date
- August, June, January
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Digital Animation - AASc Mohawk Valley Community College, USA
- Program type
- Associate
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
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6,892 USD
Fee in university's local currency 6,892 USD
- Start date
- September, January
Diploma in animation
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Animation - Dip Okanagan College, Canada
- Program type
- Undergraduate diploma
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
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23,131 USD
Fee in university's local currency 28,926 CAD
- Start date
- September
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Animation - 3D - AdvDip Humber College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning, Canada
- Program type
- Undergraduate diploma
- Duration
- 3 years
- Annual tuition fee
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14,665 USD
Fee in university's local currency 18,340 CAD
- Start date
- September
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Digital Media and IT: Animation - UGDip Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, Canada
- Program type
- Undergraduate diploma
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
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15,516 USD
Fee in university's local currency 19,404 CAD
- Start date
- September
Certificate in animation
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Animation Level I - Cert Berkeley City College, USA
- Program type
- Undergraduate certificate
- Duration
- 1 year
- Annual tuition fee
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7,950 USD
Fee in university's local currency 7,950 USD
- Start date
- June, August, January
Pathway in animation
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Computer Animation & Visual Effects (Foundation) - FD Leeds Beckett University, UK
- Program type
- Undergraduate pathway
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
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15,778 USD
Fee in university's local currency 11,400 GBP
- Start date
- January, September
Animation graduate programs
Master's in animation
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Animation - MA Avans University of Applied Sciences, Netherlands
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 1 year
- Annual tuition fee
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9,940 USD
Fee in university's local currency 8,296 EUR
- Start date
- September
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Animation - MA DePaul University, USA
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
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27,680 USD
Fee in university's local currency 27,680 USD
- Start date
- March, September
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Animation - MA University of Gloucestershire, UK
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 1 year
- Annual tuition fee
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20,345 USD
Fee in university's local currency 14,700 GBP
- Start date
- September, January
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Animation & VFX - MSc University of Dundee, UK
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 1 year
- Annual tuition fee
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25,120 USD
Fee in university's local currency 18,150 GBP
- Start date
- September
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Animation Production - MA Arts University Bournemouth, UK
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 1 year
- Annual tuition fee
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25,604 USD
Fee in university's local currency 18,500 GBP
- Start date
- October, February
Diploma in animation
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Animation - 3D - OCDip Centennial College, Canada
- Program type
- Postgraduate diploma
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
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13,219 USD
Fee in university's local currency 16,531 CAD
- Start date
- January, September
Certificate in animation
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Computer Animation Digital Character - PGCert Sheridan College, Canada
- Program type
- Postgraduate certificate
- Duration
- 1 year
- Annual tuition fee
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19,746 USD
Fee in university's local currency 24,693 CAD
- Start date
- September
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.
