Animation

Animation is a discipline that lies at the intersection of art, storytelling, and technology. At its heart it is the art of bringing characters and worlds to life through movement, developing the illusion of motion from still images in ways that create emotion, narrative, and visual delight. Modern animation spans a vast range of techniques and applications, from traditional hand-drawn approaches and stop-motion through to two-dimensional digital animation and the complex three-dimensional character and environment work that dominates film, games, and visual effects.

A degree in animation develops both artistic and technical skills, asking you to think about character, performance, and narrative as well as the tools and workflows that bring those ideas to screen.

At Southampton Solent University, this three-year full-time programme focuses on character performance-based animation, developing the principles of movement and timing that make animated characters feel alive and believable. A foundation year is available for those who want to build their art and design foundations before entering the main degree. You will develop a professional portfolio through the degree, creating a body of work that demonstrates your skills and artistic range to potential employers in the industry.

The programme develops your technical abilities alongside your creative thinking, preparing you for the realities of professional practice in an industry that demands both.

Animation graduates work across the film, television, games, advertising, and digital media industries. Roles include character animator, 2D and 3D animator, motion graphics artist, visual effects artist, and technical director. The UK is home to a significant animation industry, with major studios, visual effects houses, and games companies all employing animators and related specialists.

Many graduates also work in explainer video production, educational media, mobile applications, and themed entertainment. Further training and development is common in the industry, and some graduates pursue postgraduate study in animation, visual effects, or game design to develop specialist skills.