BA (Hons) Animation at Leeds Arts University

Programme overview

Our course is designed for passionate students focussed on a career in animation production. Join others who share your ambition of becoming a professional animator across film, TV, games or other creative industries. Starting from a broad base you will study practical and technical skills across a range of traditional and digital animation media.

Duration: 3 years full-time / 4 years with placement year | Study mode: full-time (optional placement/sandwich year) | Intake: September | Location: Leeds, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Year one: Develop a comprehensive understanding of the principles of animation, from idea generation to end production processes. Year two: Collaborate with others to develop your own specialist practice using briefs and self-identified projects. Year three: Using your accumulated knowledge, you will focus on your own creative ambitions and develop a strategy for becoming a professional animator.

Career pathways

Our graduates work as industry professionals within animation companies and across the broader related industries. Graduate jobs include concept artist, character designer, production assistant, storyboard artist, animator, model maker, set designer, environment artist, 3D artist, visual effects artist and motion designer.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Typical offer 104-120 UCAS tariff points from any combination of A Levels/T Level/Extended Diploma/Foundation Diploma (expected subjects depend on the course); GCSE English Language or Literature at grade 4/C or above, or English Functional Skills Level 2 Pass. International: A-levels 104-120 UCAS points including an art/design-related subject; IB Diploma 26 points; European Baccalaureate 70%; BTEC Extended Diploma DMM; BTEC Diploma DD; UAL Extended Diploma Merit; UAL Foundation Diploma Distinction; IELTS 6.0 overall with no component below 5.5; one reference. Applicants may be assessed through personal statement, predicted grades, reference, examples of work and digital audition or interview. Course requirement: Portfolio showing drawing and image making, sketchbook or development sheets and narrative/sequential thinking, plus a personal statement showing engagement with animation.

Domestic applicants: GBP 9,790 a year (2026/27). Home fee per year for years one to three; optional placement year charged at 20% of the annual tuition fee; rises to £10,050 in 2027/28. Home students who already hold a degree pay £10,540 in 2026/27. Source

International applicants: GBP 18,600 a year (2026/27). BA/BSc (Hons) international fee per year; optional placement year charged at 20% of the annual tuition fee; increases by inflation in later years. Source

Intake: September

Duration: 3 years full-time / 4 years with placement year

Apply through the official page: https://www.leeds-art.ac.uk/apply/how-to-apply-undergraduate

Explore more study programmes

Arts & Humanities