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
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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
How to study animation abroad
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Universities & programs
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Animation study abroad programs
Animation undergraduate programs
Bachelor's in animation
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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
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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
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Animation - BDes University of Dundee, UK
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 3 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 17,275 GBP
- Start date
- September
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Animation - BA/BFA Lipscomb University, USA
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 30,860 USD
- Start date
- January, September
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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
Associate in animation
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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
Animation graduate programs
Master's in animation
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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
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Animation & VFX - MSc University of Dundee, UK
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 1 year
- Tuition fees per year
- 18,150 GBP
- Start date
- September
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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
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Animation - MFA DePaul University, USA
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 2 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 27,680 USD
- Start date
- January, March, September
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Animation - MA University of Gloucestershire, UK
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 1 year
- Tuition fees per year
- 14,700 GBP
- Start date
- January, September
Certificate in animation
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3D Animation and Character Design - OCGCert Fanshawe College, Canada
- Program type
- Postgraduate certificate
- Duration
- 1 year
- Tuition fees per year
- 16,826 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.
