Animation (Hons) University of Portsmouth

Overview

During the Animation (Hons) programme from University of Portsmouth , you’ll learn the artistic insight, technical skills, and creative vision needed for animation. You’ll step into a growing creative industry, which includes film and TV animation, motion graphics, and illustration. Our degree covers both 2D and 3D filmmaking.

Work on various projects to learn about character animation and visual storytelling. Then, you can explore production, compositing, and editing.

You’ll also learn from professionals from all walks of the animation industry. Some have worked for Disney, Sony, and Cartoon Network. Others have led visual effects for popular films like The Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, and Chronicles of Narnia.

Animation is more than art and technology. At Portsmouth, you’ll also think about how media affects society and the ethical side of animation.

Why study Animation at Portsmouth?

• Develop your voice as an artist and filmmaker in both 2D and 3D, using traditional and digital techniques.
• Learn key skills and methods used in the animation, film, and design industry.
• Master professional production methods at our next-gen facilities—featuring motion capture and virtual production.
• Use industry-standard software like Autodesk Maya, Adobe Creative Cloud, TV Paint, and Wacom Cintiq Drawing Studio.
• Show your final work at our annual Graduate Shows to impress the public and potential employers.
• Consider taking a placement year for valuable experience. You can work with a company or be self-employed.
• Earn Adobe Certified Professional (ACP) accreditation to show your skills to the industry.

• Compete in our University GameJam to test your skills and artistry.

Career and opportunities

The UK’s animation industry creates pioneering content and visual effects worldwide for commercials, websites, games, and interactive technologies. Animations for events, concerts, theatre performances, and theme parks are also on the rise (Animation UK). With the rapid development of future technologies such as virtual, mixed, and augmented reality, animation continues to be a growing sector of the global media and entertainment market.

Upon completing our Animation degree course, you can be part of this vital industry that transcends all sectors.

Graduate roles

Our graduates have worked in a wide range of artistic roles, including:

• animators
• concept artists
• directors
• compositors
• creative directors
• art directors
• modellers
• user interface (UI) designers
• post-production technical directors

Graduate destinations

Our graduates have worked at renowned companies such as:

• Climax
• Framestore
• The Mill
• Sony Pictures Animation
• Kuju Games
• Centroid 3d in Pinewood Studios
• Cartoon Network

Graduate productions

Some of our alumni have worked on high-profile feature films and cartoons, including:

• Avatar
• Life of Pi
• Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland

• The Amazing World of Gumball

Our in-faculty Creative Careers team has extensive recruitment experience and knows the creative sector well, making it easier for students to find placements within the creative industries.

They can guide you through every step of the application process, including:

• Searching for the ideal job through their database of vacancies
• Giving tips on how to write an interesting CV that will catch employers' attention, no matter the role
• Organising mock interviews, so you can hone your technique and familiarise yourself with the recruitment environment
• Writing your startup business proposal – if you're going down the self-employment route

The team will continue to give you support throughout your placement year.