England: Animation School Options

What are the Best Animation Schools in England?

Best Animation Schools in England
School	City
University of the Arts London	London
Escape Studios	London
Ravensbourne University London	London
University for the Creative Arts	Farnham, Surrey
University of Portsmouth	Portsmouth
University of Brighton	Brighton
University of Hertfordshire	Hatfield
Norwich University of the Arts	Norwich
Nottingham Trent University	Nottingham
Staffordshire University	Stoke-on-Trent
Manchester Metropolitan University	Manchester
University of Salford	Salford
Teesside University	Middlesbrough
University of Sunderland	Sunderland
Leeds Arts University	Leeds
Sheffield Hallam University	Sheffield
University of the West of England	Bristol
Bournemouth University	Poole

England's animation industry is a vibrant and integral part of the nation's creative economy, renowned for its originality, eclectic storytelling, and distinctive sense of humor. The sector encompasses a wide array of specializations, including television, feature films, commercials, web content, games, and emerging technologies like virtual, mixed, and augmented reality.

Economic Impact and Workforce

The UK's animation sector contributes approximately £1.6 billion to the economy, providing employment to around 20,000 individuals across the country. Within this framework, the animation industry employs a highly skilled workforce of approximately 1,000 people, a number that rises to 15,390 jobs when considering the broader value chain and spill-over effects.

Prominent Animation Studios

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England is home to several leading animation studios that have garnered international acclaim:

Aardman Animations: Based in Bristol, Aardman is celebrated for creations like Wallace and Gromit, Shaun the Sheep, and Chicken Run.
Framestore: Headquartered in London, Framestore specializes in visual effects and has contributed to major films such as Gravity and Guardians of the Galaxy.
Blue Zoo Animation Studio: Located in London, Blue Zoo is known for producing children's television series and has earned multiple BAFTA awards.
Jellyfish Pictures: Also based in London, Jellyfish has worked on projects like Star Wars: The Last Jedi and various animated children's shows.

Industry Support and Growth

Organizations like Animation UK, part of the UK Screen Alliance, play a pivotal role in representing and supporting the animation sector. They advocate for policies that benefit the industry and provide platforms for networking and development. The UK government has recognized the value of the creative industries, implementing tax relief measures that have positively impacted the animation sector. These incentives have bolstered the industry's growth, making England an attractive destination for both domestic and international animation projects.

International Collaborations and Demand

English animation studios are increasingly sought after for collaborations with Hollywood studios and streaming platforms. The country's talent and facilities are in high demand for movies and series, reflecting the global reputation of England's animation capabilities.

Conclusion

England's animation industry stands as a testament to the nation's creative prowess and adaptability. With a rich history and a forward-looking approach that embraces technological innovation and international collaboration, the sector continues to make significant contributions to the global animation landscape.

What are England's animation college options?

England offers a diverse array of institutions providing bachelor's degrees in animation. Below is a comprehensive list of universities, organized by region, along with their respective programs:

London

University of the Arts London (London): Offers a BA (Hons) Animation course at London College of Communication, with pathways in Experimental and Character Animation.

Escape Studios (London): Provides a BA (Hons) in The Art of Computer Animation, focusing on 3D animation for films, games, and visual effects.

Ravensbourne University London (London): Offers a BA (Hons) Animation course emphasizing digital animation techniques and storytelling.

South East England

University for the Creative Arts (Farnham, Surrey): Offers a BA (Hons) Animation course, established in 1972 by Academy Award™ winner Bob Godfrey.

University of Portsmouth (Portsmouth): Provides a BA (Hons) Animation course covering various animation techniques and industry practices.

University of Brighton (Brighton): Offers a BA (Hons) Animation degree focusing on both traditional and digital animation methods.

East of England

University of Hertfordshire (Hatfield): Provides a BA (Hons) 3D Animation and Visual Effects course, focusing on industry-standard practices.

Norwich University of the Arts (Norwich): Offers a BA (Hons) Animation course exploring a range of animation techniques and storytelling.

Midlands

Nottingham Trent University (Nottingham): Offers a BA (Hons) Animation course focusing on 2D and 3D animation, emphasizing storytelling and character development.

Staffordshire University (Stoke-on-Trent): Provides a BA (Hons) Animation program emphasizing both traditional and digital animation techniques.

North West England

Manchester Metropolitan University (Manchester): Offers a BA (Hons) Animation course emphasizing craft, skills, and conceptual thinking.

University of Salford (Salford): Provides a BA (Hons) Animation program focusing on digital animation and storytelling.

North East England

Teesside University (Middlesbrough): Offers a BA (Hons) Computer Animation and Visual Effects course, known for its strong industry links.

University of Sunderland (Sunderland): Provides a BA (Hons) Animation and Games Art program, combining animation principles with game design.

Yorkshire and the Humber

Leeds Arts University (Leeds): Offers a BA (Hons) Animation program focusing on various animation techniques and creative storytelling.

Sheffield Hallam University (Sheffield): Provides a BA (Hons) Animation degree emphasizing digital media and animation production.

South West England

University of the West of England (Bristol): Offers a BA (Hons) Animation course with practical experience through live briefs and placements.

Bournemouth University (Poole): Provides a BA (Hons) Computer Animation Art and Design program, renowned for its industry connections.

Prospective students should consider factors such as course content, faculty expertise, industry connections, and campus facilities when choosing a program. Visiting official university websites and attending open days can provide valuable insights into each program's offerings.

Other Schools to Consider: