In a world where visual communication is the norm, animators are in high demand in TV, movies, gaming, corporate films, education and mainstream news media.

On thisÊ degree course offered at University of Portsmouth,ÊyouÕll:

  • Develop creative and technical abilities in character animation, visual storytelling, compositing and editing
  • Learn from staff who produced animation and special effects for high-profile feature films including the Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter and Chronicles of Narnia franchises
  • Develop your practical skills in our animation drawing room, visual effects (VFX) facility, motion capture studio, Wacom Cintiq suite, TV studios, computer games labs, music studios and virtual reality (VR) research lab
  • Practice techniques such as the performance capture process that animators used in the film, Avatar
  • Use the latest software (Maya, 3D Studio Max, Photoshop, Toonboom, Flash), production methods and CG (computer graphic) equipment

You can also:

  • Get involved in the UniversityÕs feature-length animated film, Stina and the Wolf
  • Meet prospective employers and other industry contacts when you showcase your work at our student screening in London

Placement year

After your second year, you can do an optional work placement year to get valuable longer-term work experience in the animation industry.

Students have completed work placements at Oscar and BAFTA winning companies such asÊMosaic FilmsÊandÊFramestore. In your placement year, you can also set up a business on your own or in a group.

WeÕll help you secure a work placement that fits your aspirations. YouÕll get mentoring and support throughout the year.

Career and opportunities

When you finish the course, our careers and employability service can help you find a job that puts your skills to work in the industry.

Previous students have gone on to work as animators, concept artists, directors, compositors, creative directors, art directors, modellers, user interface (UI) designers and post-production technical directors at well-known companies such as:

  • Climax
  • Framestore
  • The Mill
  • Sony Pictures Animation
  • Kuju Games
  • Centroid 3dÊin Pinewood Studios

TheyÕve worked on high-profile feature films and cartoons including:

  • Avatar
  • Life of Pi
  • Tim BurtonÕs Alice in Wonderland
  • The Amazing World of Gumball

Other graduates have continued their studies at postgraduate level or set up successful businesses with help and support from the University.

After you graduate, you can get help, advice and support for up to 5 years from the Careers and Employability service as you advance in your career.