Top 40 Animation Schools and Colleges in Europe - 2023 College Rankings

The National Centre for Computer Animation has been at the forefront of computer graphics and animation education and research in the UK since 1989.

In 2011, the Centre was presented with the Queen’s Anniversary Award for “World-class computer animation teaching with wide scientific and creative applications” and its contribution to world-leading excellence and pioneering development in the teaching of computer animation. The Queen’s Anniversary Prizes form part of the national honours system and are the most prestigious awards in UK education.

The aim of the NCCA is to promote science in the service of the arts and to embed a theoretical underpinning within a contemporary professional setting, allowing graduates to leave BU with highly sought-after skills in the computer animation, visual effects and computer games industries.

One of just 10 institutions in the UK to achieve Houdini Certified School status by Side Effects Software, the NCCA offers courses at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. For students seeking a BA, the NCAA offers BA (Hons) Computer Animation & Visual Effects. The postgraduate Master’s courses enable students to specialise in MA 3D Computer Animation, MA Digital Effects, MSc Computer Animation & Visual Effects and MSc Artificial Intelligence for Media.

All students learn and create in a professional studio environment with industry standard facilities that include a green screen studio, animation labs, a motion capture studio, and a full suite of industry standard 2D and 3D Software such as Maya and Houdini.

Other features include a collaborative environment; guest speakers; a Group Project with students from all BU NCAA graduate programs; and the Master’s Project, with set production time to create a professional, original project that will be presented at the Degree Show for major industry recruiters.

Graduates have work on films and games for major studios such as Pixar, EA Games, DreamWorks, and Sony Picture Imageworks. Examples include Grand Theft Auto, the Lord of the Rings trilogy, Crysis 2, Happy Feet, Monsters vs Aliens, the Harry Potter series, King Kong, and Fable II, Solo: A Star Wars Story, The Avengers, Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald, Blade Runner 2049, and Dunkirk.

A major component of the Animation Programs at Bournemouth University is participation in the Annual BFX Festival, one of the largest Animation, Games, and Visual Effects (VFX) festivals in the UK. This international event features networking opportunities with artists from all areas of entertainment, competitions, talks and panels, and masterclasses led by experts in the industry.

Bournemouth University dates back to the 1970s, when Bournemouth College of Technology was created. By 1976, the school had changed its name to Dorset Institute of Higher Education, and again in 1992 to Bournemouth Polytechnic. Within just two months, the school became Bournemouth University. Today, BU provides nearly 140 undergraduate degrees and more than 100 Master's degrees to more than 19,000 students.

Royal College of Art (RCA) is home to the School of Communication, which houses the Animation MA Program. In existence for more than 30 years, this multidisciplinary program allows students to explore Animation, Games, Film, Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR), Theater, Media, Literature, STEM Disciplines, and more. Other program features include visiting artists and professionals; multidisciplinary elective options; workshops; and experiential learning opportunities such as field trips to animation studios, museums, exhibitions, and archives.

In a hands-on, collaborative environment, RCA Animation MA students will spend the first term in the Animation Forms, Methods & Contexts course, which explores Animation Moving Image practices. In the second term students will work with peers across Royal College of Art as part of the school’s Making Worlds with Others course. In addition, students will complete the Critical Non-Fiction and Experimental-Expanded Practices course. Term two ends with the development of a Project Proposal and Production Plan for the Final Independent Research Project.

The Animation MA Program at Royal College of Art culminates with the Independent Research Project in collaboration with academic and technical staff. This final project will be presented to the Examination Board.

Established in 1837 as the Government School of Design, Royal College of Art is the only entirely postgraduate institution of university status offering degrees in Art, Design, Communications, and Humanities. Programs at RCA are housed in the Schools of Design, Arts & Humanities, Communication, and Architecture. Serving 2,300 students, Royal College of Art is an exempt charity regulated by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE).

The Animation Program at Supinfocom Rubika has 2D Animation and 3D Animation options that lead to a Bachelor’s Degree in three years and a Master’s Degree in five years. Thanks to partnerships with more than 300 companies, Supinfocom Rubika Animation students will complete several mandatory internships that will allow them to work with real-world clients on a variety of projects. Examples of RUBIKA partners include DreamWorks Animation, Gameloft, Pixar, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Disney, Illumination Mac Guff, Framestore, Ubisoft, and Aardman.

Animation students at Supinfocom Rubika will train on industry-standard digital tools such as Maya, ToonBoom, Arnold, Houdini, TVPaint Animation, Nuke, and Adobe Animate. Activities take place in a professional studio environment and include creating still and animated images; mastering the animation production chain; project management; and working in teams to produce short films.

Other program features include several mandatory internships; participation in festivals and contests; annual projects; and a Final 3D Animation Project that will be presented to a professional jury.

Graduates of the Animation Programs at Supinfocom Rubika enjoy a 90% employment rate within a year of graduating. Program alumni are CG Animators, Technical Animators, 2D/3D Animators, VR Animators, Character Designers, VFX Artists, Modeling Artists, Compositing Artists, Shading & Texture Artists, Lighting Artists, Riggers, Layout/Tracking Artists, Lighting Artists and, Set & Environmental Artists.

Supinfocom Rubika Animation alumni have been hired at major studios such as Industrial Light and Magic (ILM), Pixar, Disney Animation Studios, DreamWorks, Aardman, Framestore, and Illumination Mac Guff.

Supinfocom Rubika was created when three schools merged: the Institut Supérieur de Design (Higher Institute of Design, est. 1988), Supinfocom (est. 1988), and Supinfogame (est. 2001). Today, RUBIKA serves 1,200 students each year across four campuses in Valenciennes and Montbeliard France, Montreal Canada, and Pune India. Diploma Programs are available in Animation, Design, and Games. Supinfocom Rubika students can also enroll in a number of one-year preparatory programs.

Escape Studios is the first Unreal Authorized Training Center in the UK and an Unreal Engine Academic Partner. Also a Houdini Certified School, Escape Studios provides Animation, Games, and Visual Effects (VFX), and Motion Graphics Programs that have been developed in partnership with (and kept current by) major companies and studios such as PlayStation London, Jellyfish Pictures, Framestore, DNEG, MPC Film, Mikros Animation, and Cinesite. Students in all programs have opportunities to network with these major industry partners.

Other Escape Studios features include intensive training sessions on industry-professional software such as Maya and Toon Boom Harmony; access to state-of-the-art studios and equipment; instructors who have worked with DreamWorks, Warner Bros., Fox, and Disney; and internships and study abroad opportunities. Students also have the opportunity to participate in the Annual VFX Festival hosted by Escape Studios.

Escape Studios has 13 paths to study Animation. For students seeking a shorter program, the school has eight-, 10-, 12-, 18- and 20-week options in everything from Character and Creature Creation to 3D Animation. Degree-seekers have five options including the BA (Hons)/MArt The Art of Computer Animation (3D); BA (Hons)/MArt The Art of Computer Animation (2D); BSc (Hons)/MCsi Character Creation for Animation, Games & VFX; MA 3D Animation; and MA Character & Creature Creation.

Students at Escape Studios will learn in classrooms that look and feel like real animation studios. They will also have the opportunity to master all areas of the Animation production pipeline. Graduates are prepared to work in all areas of Film and Animation as well as Game Art, game Design, and more.

Escape Studios graduates have worked on productions such as Harry Potter, Star Wars, Avengers, Captain America: Civil War, Ex Machina, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, Gravity, Interstellar, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, and The Jungle Book. PCL alumni have also worked on award-wining advertising campaigns as well as games such as Assassin’s Creed, Forza Horizon, and Unchartered 2. Many program alumni go on to launch their own studios or freelance businesses.

Escape Studios was established in 2002. To date, the school has produced 4,000 alumni known as “Escapees.” Escape Studios graduates have won 377 awards (and been nominated for 23), they have , 65 honorable mentions to their credit, and 155 students have been finalists. Escape Studios provides seven BA and BSc programs, five MA options, and 24 short programs.

The Animation Program at MoPA School of Animation (MoPA) utilizes a project-based teaching method that emphasizes collaboration and teamwork. Leading to an Expert Diploma in 3D Design, Production, and Animation (Baccalaureate), the program takes five years to complete including Cycle 1: Years 1 to 3; and Cycle 2: Years 4 and 5.

During the first year (Preparatory), students will engage in animated film, photography, and video workshops, as well as numerous projects using a wide range of animation and filmmaking techniques. In Cycle 1, students will work on projects in teams and individually. All students will engage in the entire production pipeline of an animated short film. They will study Modeling, Sound Illustration, Character Design, Script, Film Analysis, Storyboarding, and 3DS Max, Vray, Nuke, Substance, and Zbrush.

In Cycle 2 of the Animation Program at MoPA, students will choose a Specialization. Options include Animation Professions and Image Professions. Students will also work in teams of four to six to produce a short animated film under real studio conditions.

Other MoPA features include access to 200 computers across MoPA’s studios, which house the same equipment and software used in professional studios; internship opportunities; and study abroad experiences.

MoPA student films are presented at the Final Year Jury in the Theatre of Arles, which attracts 2,000 artists and spectators. After this public screening, student films will make their way through the International Film Festival circuit. MoPA graduates are prepared to seek careers in all areas of Animation, Game Design and Development, Film, and Visual Effects (VFX).

MoPA School of Animation (MoPA) dates back to 1988 when it launched as Supinfocom School—the first French institution of its kind devoted entirely to CGI. Supinfocom became MoPA School of Animation in 2015. In 2022, MoPA became a member of a network of schools known as the BRASSART Group. Located across 14 cities in France, the Group specializes in 3D Animation, Video Games, Audiovisuals, and Graphic Arts and Design.

The Lucerne School of Art and Design is the oldest school of art and design in Switzerland. As part of the Lucerne School of Art & Design, the school offers two degree programmes in animation, the Bachelor of Animation and the Animation MA. In addition to exploring all areas of animation, Bachelor of Animation students have the opportunity to make several short films, complete a professional internship and create a portfolio of their best work.

Graduates of the Bachelor of Animation at the Lucerne School of Art & Design are directors and animators in 2D, CGI and Stop Motion and have a good basic knowledge of VFX, production and sound design.

The Master of Animation programme at the Lucerne School of Art & Design focuses on longer formats in animated film and series concepts.

Graduates of the MA programme at the Lucerne School of Art & Design have become animation filmmakers, film directors, researchers, art directors and professors. They work in film and animation studios, advertising agencies, television studios, large universities and museums, among others.

Serving more than 7,800 degree-seeking students and 4,700 continuing and executive education students, Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts is the largest university level institution in Central Switzerland. Established in 1997, Lucerne houses five schools including Engineering and Architecture, Business, Art and Design, Computer Science, and Social Work.

Lucerne School of Art and Design became part of Lucerne University in 1997. The school was founded in 1877 as the Lucerne School of Arts and Crafts, making it the oldest College of Art and Design in Central Switzerland. The school serves more than 700 students enrolled in 20 programs leading to a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree.

The School of Digital, Technologies and Arts at Staffordshire University (Stafford) is an Unreal Authorized Training Center. The school provides transdisciplinary undergraduate and graduate programs in the Creative Arts and Digital Technologies. Students in all Stafford DTA Programs benefit from hands-on experience in state-of-the-art labs and digital, stop motion, and animation studios at the Stoke and London campuses; visiting speakers; lecture and workshops; apprenticeships; and educational visits.

All School of Digital, Technologies and Arts students also have opportunities to showcase their work each year at both public and industry events such as the Degree Show, GradEX, and New Designers.

For students seeking a degree in Animation, the School of Digital, Technologies and Arts at Stafford University has BA and MA options. The Animation BA is a three-year program that focuses on Character Animation and Career Development. Students may specialize in an area of Animation such as 3D Digital, 2D Digital, Computer Games or Stop Motion. Course examples include 2D and 3D Digital, Drawing for Animation, Pitch. Present. Collaborate., Animation in the Context of Timeline, Anatomy of Animation, and Drawing for Animation: Imaginative Realism, and Game Animation.

Other program features include participation in public screening events, international excursions, and UK Animation Festival trips.

The Animation BA at Staffordshire University culminates with the production of a professional showreel and body of work that supports the students career goals. In the final year of the program, students will have the opportunity to present their work to a panel of industry leaders as part of Industry Portfolio Week.

Stafford Animation BA graduates have gone on to work for studios such as Brown Bag Films, DNEG, Aardman, Cinesite, , Boulder Media Animation, and Carse & Waterman. Program alumni have worked on projects such as Wes Anderson’s Isle of Dogs, the CiTV series Go-Jetters, and Chuck Steel: Night of the Trampires.

The Animation MA at Staffordshire University is a full-time, 13-month program that allows students to customize the degree to fit their career goals. The program begins with Animation Cultures and Critiques, where students explore storytelling, animation design and technologies, and experimental techniques. Students will move on to Animation Industries and Ecosystems, which consists of guest lecturers, industry professionals, networking, and practical skills development. In Animation Production Proofs and Solutions students will work with a supervisor to tailor the program.

In the final phase of the program, students will participate ion Animation Production Consolidation. Over two modules, students will have the opportunity to complete a short film or showreel to be showcased to live audiences for critique.

Graduates of the Animation MA Program have landed positions at DNEG, Boulder Media, Cinesite, and Brown Bag Films.

Staffordshire University opened as a polytechnic institute in 1914. The school was officially given university status on June 16, 1992. Serving thousands of students around the world, Stafford Houses three academic schools (Digital, Technologies and Arts; Health, Science and Wellbeing; and Justice, Security and Sustainability), the Institute of Education, and Staffordshire University London.

University of Edinburgh is home to Edinburgh College of Art (ECA), which houses five schools: Edinburgh School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (ESALA), the School of Art, School of Design, Reid School of Music, and History of Art. Within ECA’s School of Design is an Animation Program that leads to a BA. Students in this program will have the opportunity to work alongside peers who develop games or apps, make films, and produce music videos. While teamwork is emphasized, Animation students will have plenty of opportunities to work solo.

Other program features include small class sizes; access to state-of-the-art facilities and equipment such as CGI Labs, rostrum cameras, and stop frame studios; individual workspaces; technical workshops; and the opportunity to interact with visiting Animators who are leaders in the industry.

During the final year of the Animation BA Program at Edinburgh College of Art, students will complete am individual film project or a film as part of a team. ECA Animation graduates have gone on to launch careers at Animation, Film, and Game Studios such as Aardman, Framestore, MPC Film, Rockstar North, and Rushes.

ECA Animation alumni have also worked for Directors such as Tim Burton. Many have also launched their own studios or work as independent filmmakers.

Edinburgh College of Art is one of 21 schools housed across University of Edinburgh’s three colleges including Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences; Medicine & Veterinary Medicine; and Science & Engineering. University of Edinburgh was established in 1583, while ECA dates back to 1760 when it was founded as the Trustees Drawing Academy of Edinburgh. This was the first public School of Art in Britain. The school became Edinburgh College of Art in 1906, and merged with University of Edinburgh in 2011.

ISART Digital (ISART) is a member of the Network of French Cinema Animation Schools (RECA) and Women Animate (Les Femmes s'Animent). The school also has partnerships with Tokyo University of Technology (TUT) and Niigata Computer College, which allow students to immerse in the 3D-FX Animation and Video Game industries in Japan. During a one-month stay, ISART students will have the opportunity to participate in a Game Jam. Longer stays of six to 12 months allow students to complete a research thesis project with a TUT professor. Both options are ideal for students who are interested in Animating for Games or Game Art.

Back at ISART Digital, students who would like to focus in 3D Animation can earn a Bachelor’s/MA in 3D Cinema with an Animation Option. Students may also choose the hybrid option, which allows them to specialize in Animation and Special Effects (SFX).

In Bachelor’s/MA Program, students will work their way through the entire Animation production pipeline in a setting that mirrors a real film studio. Students will also have the opportunity to produce several productions individually or in groups. The option to complete up to two internships is also part of the program.

Based at the main campus in Paris, the 3D Cinema Program at ISART Digital takes five years to complete—from Bachelor’s to MA. Graduates of the program enjoy a 90% employment rate. Program alumni are prepared to pursue positions such as 3D Animator, Concept Artist, Motion Designer, Art Director, Environment Artist, Storyboard Artist, CG Supervisor, FX Artist or Supervisor, and Technical Director.

Launched in 2001, ISART Digital serves approximately 1,200 students across campuses in Paris and Nice, France; and Montreal, Quebec, Canada. More than dozen degree programs are provided across the 3D Animation, Visual Effects (VFX), and Video Game Design disciplines.

University of Portsmouth (UOP) has several paths to study Animation. At the undergraduate level, students can earn a BA in Animation or a BSc in Computer Animation and Visual Effects. At the graduate level UOP has a Computer Animation MSc for students seeking high-level positions in the field.

Accredited by Joint Audio Media Education Services (JANES), the Animation BA at University of Portsmouth consists of 120 credit hours of study including lectures, seminars, one-on-one tutorials, and workshops. Courses for this program are taught by professionals who have worked for Framestore, Disney, Weta, Sony, Warner Bros., and the BBC, among others.

BA students will complete a number of projects, employment preparation courses, and a paid or unpaid internship. The Animation BA Program culminates with a dissertation, showreel, and portfolio. Final year-end work for the program will be presented at UOP’s Annual Graduate Shows.

The Animation BA Program at University of Portsmouth can be completed in just three years, full-time. Approximately 90% of Animation BA graduates are working or pursuing an advanced degree within 15 months of graduating. Program alumni work at places such as Framestore, Sony Pictures Animation, Cartoon Network, Climax, Kuju Games, and Centroid 3D in Pinewood Studios.

Program alumni have worked on productions such as Avatar, The Amazing World of Gumball, Life of Pi, and Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland. 

Also JAMES- and Houdini Certified School-accredited, the Computer Animation and Visual Effects BSc explores 3D Animation, Compositing, Physics-Based Simulation, and Concept Drawing, as well as industry-standard software such as Autodesk 3ds Max, Houdini, Maya, NukeX, and ZBrush. Course examples include Modeling for Animation and VFX, Designing for Animation, Motion Capture Applications, Create Worlds, and Advanced Creature FX and Rigging.

Program features include courses taught by active professionals in the Animation and VFX industries; guest speakers, lectures, and seminars; access to motion capture facilities and the VR Lab; participation in Game Jam Portsmouth; workshops and supervised studio sessions; and sponsored prizes for the Final Graduation Project. Students may also participate in the UOP Internship Program. Past placements include Framestore, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Moving Picture Company (MPC), and Procter & Gamble.

Graduates of the Computer Animation and Visual Effects at University of Portsmouth work in areas such as 3D Animation, VFX for Television and Film, and Game Art and Design. Program alumni have worked with ILM, Framestore, MPC, Milk VFX, and DNEG.

The Computer Animation MSc at University of Portsmouth is a 180 credit hour program that provides the opportunity to specialize in specific areas of Animation. Modules for the program are 30-60 credits and include titles such as Project Context and Definition (30 credits), Project Design and Development (60 credits), and Project Evaluation and Resolution (60 credits). MSc teaching staff are professionals in the industry who have worked on productions such as Lord of the Rings, Hellboy, Guardians of the Galaxy, Harry Potter, and Exodus: Gods and Kings.

Other program features include intensive and advanced training in industry-standard software such as Maya, Houdini, Nuke, Substance Painter, and Substance Designer; benefits associated with UOP’s relationship with local VFX company Dark Cosmos Creative; participation in industry talks; access to clubs and workshops such as ZBrush Sculpt Club, Film/Animation Nights, and Character Animation Workshop. MSc student will also have the opportunity to attend career and networking events that attract a large number of potential employers.

Graduates of the MSc Program at University of Portsmouth have gone on to establish careers at places such as ILM. Program alumni are Art Directors, Concept Artists, Creative Directors, FX Artists, Animators, and Freelance Artists.

Established in 1908 as a school for chemistry and engineering, University of Portsmouth was one of the largest polytechnic schools in the UK before gaining university status in 1992. Today, the school serves 31,000 students enrolled in programs across just about every discipline. Of the 31,000 students attending University of Portsmouth, 5,700 represent 150 countries around the world.

École Georges Méliès School has an Animation Program that provides 24/7 access to art studios, state-of-the-art production facilities, a Disney-style 2D Animation room, an anatomy amphitheater, and professional recording studio. The Georges Melies School also houses a green-screen space for real-life motion capture modeled after the pioneering style of Andy Serkis and Peter Jackson at Weta Digital (Lord of The Rings). A fully functioning theater is also available for screening events.  

The Animation Program allows students to explore the entire Animation production pipeline for both traditional animation (stop motion, 2D) and digital animation films. Courses for the program are led by industry professionals from studios such as Ubisoft, Illumination Mac Guff, and Ellipsanime. Course examples include 3D Animation, CFX, Live Action, Character Design, Modeling, Digital Animation, 2D Compositing, Storyboard, Motion Capture, Artistic Direction, PreVis, Rigging and Special Effects (SFX), and Production Management.

Other program features include small class sizes limited to 30 students; participation in the Annecy International Film Festival, Paris Games Week, and SIGGRAPH (among others); and strong ties to the Film and Animation industries, which provides opportunities for internships, projects, and scholarships.

Leading to a Bachelor’s Degree, the Animation Program at École Georges Méliès School culminates with a short film produced in an environment designed to simulate a real production studio. Graduates are prepared to pursue careers in all areas of Animation, Games, and Visual Effects (VFX).

École Georges Méliès School alumni have gone on to work at studios both locally and across the globe. Some alumni have also won prestigious awards. For example, in 2013, Guillaume Rocheron won a Visual Effects Oscar for the 2012 film The Life of Pi; and in 2017, Fabien Nowak won a Visual Effects Oscar for The Jungle Book (2016). Another graduate, Audrey Ferrara, supervised the VFX for The Jungle Book, and the science-fiction film Passengers (2016).

École Georges Méliès School was founded in 1999 by director Frank Petitta and named after the man known as the “Father of Cinematography.” Situated on a modern 9,850 square foot site, Ecole Georges provides four immersive programs focused in the Arts, Animated Image, Video Games, and Special Effects/VFX to approximately 310 students.

The Art and Design Programs at L'Institut Supérieur des Arts Appliqués (LISAA) provide a number of noteworthy features including solo and team projects; Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Preparatory options; and access to state-of-the-art production equipment. Examples include an 80m² green screen studio equipped with a professional grill; a motion capture studio and digital calibration station; a sound post-production studio, and a computer park equipped with professional software—all in the heart of Paris.

Specific undergraduate pathways for Animators include the Entertainment Preparation Program and Bachelor’s degrees in 2D/3D Animation, 2D Animator, or 3D Animator. Graduate options include Master’s degrees in 2D Animation, 3D Animation, and Art Direction/Animated Media. All programs are available at the main campus in Paris. The 2D/3D Animator Bachelor’s is also available at the Toulouse campus. The Art Direction/Animated Media Program is also offered at the Strasbourg and Rennes campuses.

Across LISAA Animation Programs, course examples include 2D Animation, Digital Color/3D Techniques, Digital Painting, Shooting/VFX, Storyboard, Motion Design, Communication and Social Media Strategy, Stop Motion Animation, Environment/Web, Interface Design/UI, The History of Art, Background technical Design, Film Analysis, Storyboard, and 2D Animated.

Students in all programs will master the software used in professional studios including Toon Boom Harmony and Storyboard Pro, Nuke Studio, Houdini, Unreal Engine, Shotgun, Unity, Adobe, 3ds Max, VRay, Autodesk Maya, Kitsu, and Arnold.

LISAA has more than 50,000 contacts across 650+ professions, and partnerships with the Toon Boom Center of Excellence, Progiss/3DVF, Wacom, Adobe, and The Rookies, Animation students have access to a wide range of employment opportunities.

Examples potential careers for graduates of the Animation Programs at L'Institut Supérieur des Arts Appliqués include 3D Animator, Animation & Special Effects Production Manager, CG Generalist, Character Designer, Director, VFX Artist, Lighting/Rendering Artist, Modeler/Mapper, Motion Designer, Realtime Scriptwriter, Special Effects Director, Storyboarder, Texturing Artist, Tracking/Match Move Artist, and Video Game Artist.

Founded in 1986, L'Institut Supérieur des Arts Appliqués is a private higher/technical education institution that trains Artists in the fields of Animation, Video Games, Graphics, Design, Fashion, and Interior Architecture. With a main campus in Paris, LISAA serves more than 4,000 students across nine different locations and online.

University of Technology, Arts and Design (U-Tad) houses its own Animation Studio, which was acquired by Skydance Animation. The Studio is home to more than 500 professionals from 35 different countries working on at least three animated feature films. The U-Tad Animation Studio provides numerous opportunities for students to complete an internship that allows them to work on a real production.

Other U-Tad benefits include project-based learning; access to state-of-the-art equipment and labs; close proximity to dozens of technology companies and studios; team-building exercises; and partnerships with more than a dozen companies and studios. Examples include Zinkia, Acciona, Anima Kitcheree Your Mind, Hampa Animation Studios, Havas Media Group, In Efecto, MediaPro, Monto TV, Naspot, Tequilla Works, The Thinklab Film, VFX & Animation, and Glow.

University of Technology, Arts and Design has several degree options for Animators including the Animation BFA, the 3D Character Animation MA, and the MA in Production Direction for Animation, Games and VFX. The BFA is available on campus only and the MA Programs are delivered on campus and online. Related Minor options include 2D Animation, Advanced Techniques in Animation (3D Visual Effects), and Art for Video Games. Students can add any of these Minor to the BFA degree.

The U-Tad Animation BFA explores the Animation, Live Action, and Video Game Production Pipelines—from start to finish. Students will master the techniques and tools used in professional studios around the world. Graduates are prepared for careers in all areas of Animation, Films, and Games. Graduates have worked for or with Sony Imageworks, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Weta Digital,  MPC, DNEG, Framestore, El Ranchito, Blur Studios, Cartoon Saloon, and Glow Animation.

U-Tad Animation alumni are also routinely hired to work on popular video games for Ubisoft, Rockstar North, Mercury Steam, Splash Damage, Tequilla Works, and Saber Interactive.

The 3D Character Animation MA at U-Tad attracts students who have 3D training and professionals who are already working in Traditional Animation, Character Design, Storyboarding, Illustration, and Comic Books. The program is also ideal for students with a degree in Fine Arts, Audiovisual Communication, Graphic Design, and other related areas. Students in this program will work at the advanced level with supervisors and Animation heads at Skydance Animation to create an industry-ready reel.

Graduates of the U-Tad Character Animation MA Program are prepared for careers such as Senior Character Animator,  Crowd Animator, and VFX Character Animator. MA Program alumni have been hired at Disney, Sony Imageworks, Animalogic, DNEG, MPC, and Skydance Animation.

The Production Direction for Animation, Games and VFX MA at University of Technology, Arts and Design focuses on Production Management, including the business side of the industry. Students will develop the skills needed develop production schedules, analyze projects, and create and propose budgets. Students will master industry-standard software, learn how to collaborate with studios, and work with co-producers and others.

Graduates of this program are prepared for careers such as Production Manager or Supervisor, Executive Producer, and Production Coordinator. Program alumni work at studios such as Framestore, Sony Imageworks, Skydance Animation, Giant Animation, MPC, and Illusorium Animation.

University of Technology, Arts and Design was established 25+ years ago. It is the only university in Europe founded by digital industry professionals. Situated on a 45,930 square foot Corporate Campus, U-Tad employs 270 professors, with 85% working at an advanced level in their respective industries.  Programs are provided in Animation, Video Games, Digital Design, Computer Science, Physics, and Mathematics.

The 3D Animation and VFX Program at BRASSART has two options: 3D Animation/Video Games Game Art and MoPA Animation Cinema. The 3D Animation/Video Games Game option can be completed  in five years,  including a one year of preparatory class. The MoPA pathway can be completed in five years divided into two cycles.

Students in the 3D Animation Program will choose two Specializations from Animation and Rigging; Modeling and Look Development; and FX/Compositing VFX for Games. MoPA Animation Cinema students will explore Narrative, 3D Animated Film, and Production Management.

Across options, students will master industry software such as 3DS Max, Maya, Unity, Unreal, Z-brush, V-Ray, Real Flow, Nuke, Photoshop, Houdini, Marvelous Designer, Pixar’s RenderMan, Marmoset, Substance Painter, and Designer. Other program features include technical workshops; access to state-of-the-art production studios; dedicated work spaces; individual and group projects; conferences and masterclasses; internship opportunities; and trips in France and abroad to visit studios and attend festivals. Programs culminate with a professional portfolio or demo reel of the student’s best work.

Graduates of the Animation Programs at BRASSART are prepared to pursue positions such as 3D VFX Designer, Character Artist, 2D/3D Animator, Compositing Graphic Designer, FX Artist/VFX Artist,  Environment Artist, 3D Modeler, and Texture Artist.  

BRASSART was founded in 1949. However, the school merged with Aries and ESMI in 2019 to launch a BRASSART, specializing in Graphic Design, Digital Creation, Illustration, 3D and VFX Animation, Video Games, and Audiovisual. Programs lead to Professional Certifications at levels 5, 6 and 7 (equivalent Bac+2 to Bac+5), recognized by the National Directory of Professional Certifications (RNCP). BRASSART has 14 campuses across France.

University of the West of England Bristol (UWE Bristol) has an Animation Program that provides access to facilities for all production styles. Stop Motion, CG, and Digital are just a few examples. UWE Bristol also launched its Film Studios in 2019. Animation students have access to the Studio’s production and post-production filmmaking and photography facilities, film and TV studio (including greenscreen), and Audio/Foley recording suites.

Other Animation Program features include partnerships with studios such as Aardman Animations, Sun and Moon, Rumpus, and Hello Charlie; workshops and guest lecturers; seminars at the City Campus at Arnolfini and City Campus at Watershed in Bristol City Center; semester-long study abroad experiences at partner universities such as Hong Kong Baptist University and MOME (Budapest, Hungary); and internships with studios such as A-Productions, Sun and Moon, WONKY, Aardman Animations, and Rumpus.

Housed in UWE Bristol School of Animation and the School of Arts, the Animation Program has BA and MA options. The BA consists of courses and topics such as Animation Foundations, Character Animation, Animation Studies, Animation Business, Collaborative Projects, and Ideas, Design, Story. Animation BA students will complete Studio 1-2, Animation Studies 3, and Enterprise in Animation in the final year of the program.

Supported by Erasmus+, the Animation BA at UWE Bristol takes three years to complete, full-time. Graduates have gone on to become independent filmmakers, or to work with top Animation studios in the UK and around the world. Some program alumni enroll in graduate programs at National Film and Television School (NFTS) and Royal College of Arts (RCA), as well as the Animation MA Program at UWE Bristol.

Accredited by ScreenSkills, the Animation MA consists of five modules: Animated Encounters (30 credits); Animation Agenda (30 credits); Animation Enquiry (15 credits); Studio A (45 credits); and Studio Z (60 credits).  Modules include one-on-one tutorials, seminars, lectures, technical workshops, and group tutorials. All MA students will have an allocated Supervisor and opportunities to showcase their work.

The Animation MA at University of the West of England takes 15 months to complete, full-time. Graduates are prepared to advance in their current careers, launch an independent filmmaking or freelance career, or land an upper-level position at an Animation studio. Program alumni have been hired by or worked on projects for studios such as Aardman Animations, Wild Seed Studios, Sun and Moon, Blue Zoo, Wonky, and Rumpus.

University of the West of England Bristol traces its educational roots back to 1595 when it was founded as Bristol Society of Merchant Venturers' Navigation School. The school officially achieved university status in 1993. Today, UWE Bristol serves approximately 38,440 students, making it one of the largest providers of higher education in the South West.

Programs at University of the West of England Bristol are housed across the Colleges of Arts, Technology and Environment (CATE); Business and Law; and Health, Science and Society. Within UWE Bristol’s three Colleges are 10 Schools, each with its own partnerships and accreditations.

The Animation Program at HKU University of the Arts (HKU) provides the opportunity to submit works to Lowlands Film Program (student competition of the Netherlands Film Festival), or Animation festivals such as Kaboom and Playgrounds. This gives all students the chance to have their films screened by the public, peers, and industry. In addition, during the second year of the program, students will have the opportunity to create films for the BNN-VARA television program Twee voor Twaalf.

Other program features include opportunities to complete both independent and group short animations; internships and study abroad experiences; and access to state-of-the-art equipment and facilities.

The Animation Program at HKU University of the Arts leads to a Bachelor of Design or Bachelor of Arts in 3D. This is the only program of its kind in the Netherlands. Students can complete the HKU Animation Program in four years, full-time. Graduates are prepared for careers in all areas of Animation.

Serving 4,400 students, HKU University of the Arts is one of the largest art universities in Europe. Programs at HKU are housed across nine schools including Fine Art; Design; Music and Technology; Games and Interaction; Art and Economics; Media; Utrechts Conservatorium; Theatre; and Creative Transformation. HKU University of the Arts has been serving the artist community for more than 30 years.

La Salle Ramon Llull University (La Salle) has an Animation and VFX Degree Program that is the first official undergraduate degree of its kind in Barcelona. With a focus on learning by doing and the production process, the program consists of Master classes with internationally known professionals, practical exercises, and multiple individual and collaborative projects.

Course examples for the La Salle Animation Program include Animation I-III, Thought and Creativity, VFX, Virtual Production, Lighting, Shooting for VFX, Digital Composition, Post-Production, and Showreel. Students will also take courses such as Management Skills, Market and Intellectual Property, and Entrepreneurship and Business Creation.

Other program features include external internships; opportunity to create a specialization from 29 electives; participation in Annecy Animation Festival; and trips to London to meet with major production companies.

All La Salle Animation students have access to state-of-the-art production facilities, Smart classrooms, labs, incubators, and other environmentally-friendly spaces. Within these spaces, students will learn to work with the latest industry software and technology. Examples include Maya, Houdini, Nuke X Zbrush, Arnold, Adobe, Unreal, Marvelous Designer, Toon Boom, Substance Painter, and Mari.

The Animation and VFX Program at La Salle culminates with a Final Degree Project. Graduates are prepared to pursue positions in all areas of Animation. Examples include 2D Animator, 3D Animator, Character Designer, Layout Artist, 3D Modeler, Compositor, Lookdev Artist, Producer Supervisor, Executive Producer, FX TD, Roto Artist, Storyboard Artist, Previs Artist, Motiongrapher, Pipeline TD, and Concept Artists.

Program alumni have been hired at studios such as Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Technicolor, MPC Film, Blue Zoo, and MinimoVFX.

La Salle Ramon Llull University was founded by The Brothers of the Christian Schools, with the first university studies beginning in 1903. Specialties includes Mechanics, Chemistry, and Electricity. Today, La Salle provides degrees in all areas of study. La Salle Ramon Llull University is a member of EFMD, Campus de Excelencia International, Aristos Campus Mundus, and CLA DEA.

Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design (DJCAD) is part of the University of Dundee (Dundee). The school provides a variety of interdisciplinary programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Short programs are also available. For students seeking an Animation degree, DJCAD has an Animation BDes and an Animation & VFX MSc.

The three-year BDes focuses on 2D and 3D Animation Techniques, Character Development, and Storytelling. Other areas explored include Acting, Life Drawing, Concept and Production, Storyboarding, and Production Scheduling. Students in this program will also learn about professional production practices, work on briefs, and specialize in an area of choice. Examples include Rigging, 3D Modeling and Texturing, 2D or 3D Effects Animation, Lighting and Compositing, and 2D Layout and Backgrounds.

All students benefit from individual workspaces, industry speakers and mentors, internship opportunities, team projects, study abroad experiences, and access to state-of-the-art studios, facilities, and technology. This includes Animation studios; labs with 3D software such as Maya and Zbrush; labs with software such as TV Paint, Photoshop, and After Effects; a green screen studio; and a drama studio.

By the end of the DJCAD Animation Program, students will have several group short films to their credit as well as individual showreels that showcase their best work. Graduates are prepared to pursue positions in all areas of Animation for Film, Television, Games, Advertising, Education and emerging areas such as Architecture, Medicine, Law, and Simulations for a wide range of industries.

Recent graduate credits include Game of Thrones, Spider-Man: Far From Home, and the Disney Channel.

The Animation and VFX MSc at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design explores the entire production animation and VFX pipelines at an advanced level. Students in this program will develop technical skills by working on a live team project for a real client. In addition, MSc students will benefit from professional critiques and the opportunity to develop a narrative-based film, showreel, or breakdown reel.

Other program benefits include dedicate studio space in the UK’s only UNESCO City of Design, access to a PC Lab with industry standard Animation and VFX software, internships, and study abroad experiences. The Animation and VFX MSc can be completed in 12 months, full-time.

Graduates are prepared for advanced roles in Animation and VFX. Program alumni have worked on a variety of major productions such as Jurassic World: Dominion, The Mandalorian, Eternals, and Artemis Fowl.

University of Dundee came into formal existence by virtue of a Royal Charter on August 1, 1967. However, the school was founded as University College in 1881. A public research university, Dundee serves more than 18,000 students enrolled in hundreds of programs from Accounting to Comics to Nursing. Programs at University of Dundee are housed across eight schools including Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design; Business; Dentistry; Health Sciences; Humanities, Social Sciences and Law; Life Sciences; Medicine; and Science and Engineering.

ECV - Creative Schools & Community (ECV) has a number of Toon Boom and Houdini Certified paths to study Animation. At the undergraduate level, students can earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Cinema 2D/3D Animation or Animation Cinema and Game. For students seeking a shorter program lasting two weeks to one month, ECV has Character Design for 2D/3D Production, Storyboarding, and Creating Animatics options.

A program that teaches Animation and Game techniques is also available. This Animation & Game Prep Program takes one year to complete. Upon completion, students in the Prep Program can enroll in either of the four-year Bachelor’s Degree programs. All undergraduate options explore Animation, Games, and VFX.

Other program features include access to state-of-the-art labs, studios, and production facilities; workshops; professional speakers; participation in competitions and other events; and a required internship.  students will Upon completion of the programs, students will present their final projects to a jury.

At the graduate level, ECV has Master’s Degree Programs in 2D Animation Cinema and 3D Animation Cinema. Both programs explore Animated Films at an advanced level. Students will immerse in all areas of production and directing from Design, Animation, and Compositing to Editing and Credits. Other program features include the opportunity to participate in competitions and other events; workshops; professional speakers; and a required internship with a company or studio lasting two to six months.

Master’s Degree students will graduate with a solid background in Pre-Production, Production, Post-Production, Piloting, and Management. The programs culminate with the presentation of an Animated Film.

Graduates of the Animation Programs at ECV - Creative Schools & Community enjoy a 98% employment rate within six months of graduating. Across programs, alumni have gone on to become Animators, Character Designers, Storyboarders, 2D Animators, Animation Film Directors, and VFX Artists. They have worked with or been hired for full-time positions at places such as DreamWorks Animation, Illumination Mac Guff, 2Minutes, Sun Creature, Ankama, Xilam, Shakaponk, Reca, and Supamonks Studio.

Established in 1984, ECV - Creative & Community has provided Design, Animation, Game, and Digital programs to students at campuses in Paris, Bordeaux, Aix-en-Provence, Nantes, and Lille, France. Today, this private school employs more than 100 faculty and staff members, that serve approximately 2,700 students.

The Animation Diploma Program at Ecole Des Nouvelles Images (ENSI) takes five years to complete. The program begins with 3D Fundamentals, Creative Writing Workshops, 2D Animation, and Art History. During this first year, students will have the opportunity to complete an animated project to be displayed on the ENSI website. In the second year, students will work in teams to create works.

Year three includes the production of a 3D short animated film and the completion of an internship at a studio during the summer. In the fourth year of the program, students will select a specialization and work in teams to complete a 30 second 3D short. Students will also prepare a demo reel and decide on a theme for the Final Project.

The fifth and final year of the Animation Program at ENSI is dedicated to the creation of a short film, which will be presented at a large Diploma Jury event. Studio recruiters regularly attend this event, as well as academics, peers, and the public.

Graduates of the Animation Diploma Program at Ecole Des Nouvelles Images are prepared to pursue positions in all areas of Animation and Game Art, as well as Advertising, Multimedia, Television, and Education.

Ecole Des Nouvelles Images is a non-profit that was established in 2017. The school provides Animation and Game Design Programs to students in France and abroad.