Animation & Games BA
Arts University Plymouth Campus, United Kingdom
BA (Hons) Animation & Games
Arts University Plymouth
Animation & Game Arts
Program Overview: BA (Hons) Animation & Games
The BA (Hons) Animation & Games at Arts University Plymouth prepares you for the competitive animation and gaming markets within the rapidly expanding entertainment industry. Whether your interest lies in film, television, video games, online content, VFX, motion graphics, or VR, this program equips you with the knowledge and practical skills for a leading role in the sector.
Studying within the creative incubator of a specialist arts university, you will gain proficiency in industry-standard software while developing collaborative skills across disciplines. You will be encouraged to develop as an emerging artist-designer with your own unique creative voice, working alongside students from award-winning Film and Screen Arts and other interdisciplinary programs.
The course is recognised as an Unreal Academic Partner by Epic Games, reflecting the quality and direction of its curriculum. You will explore the full range of drawing, modelling, editing, rendering, and scripting techniques in state-of-the-art multimedia studio facilities equipped with high-spec workstations, drawing monitors, VR devices, and a 3D printing and scanning studio.
Key Program Highlights
- Recognised as an Unreal Academic Partner by Epic Games, with Unreal Engine integrated into the games pathway curriculum
- Partnership with Real Ideas providing access to Europe's first immersive dome for developing 360-degree VR, AR, and mixed reality content
- Choose your specialism in Year 2 between animation or game arts career development pathways
- 100% of students agreed they felt free to express their ideas, opinions, and beliefs in the 2023 National Student Survey
Curriculum & Modules
The curriculum is structured across three progressive years, beginning with strong visual foundations and building toward professional-level specialisation. You will cover concept art, visual development, character design, worldbuilding, and asset creation before choosing either an animation or game arts pathway in your second year.
Drawing Fundamentals & Anatomy
Core - Year 1Develop essential drawing skills including anatomy, character design, posing, and foundational animation principles that underpin all creative work in the animation and games industries.
Digital Tools & Production Skills
Core - Year 1Learn industry-standard digital tools and production techniques across 2D, CGI, and stop-motion methods, exploring narrative development, storyboarding, and character performance through short projects.
Concept Art & Visual Development
Core - Year 1/2Focus on concept art and visual development for characters, worldbuilding, and asset creation, building a strong portfolio of creative work that demonstrates your artistic vision.
Animation Specialism Pathway
Pathway - Year 2Develop expertise in character animation, storyboarding, modelling, art direction, and the principles of 2D and 3D lighting for careers in animated film, television, and VFX.
Game Arts Specialism Pathway
Pathway - Year 2Create and communicate visual concepts through 3D and 2D prototyping, iteration, and production using tools such as 3D Studio Max, Maya, ZBrush, Substance Painter, and Unreal Engine.
Professional Showreel & Final Major Project
Core - Year 3Produce a dynamic and professional showreel demonstrating your production skills, with focused lectures on marketing and distributing your work to the independent film sector or commercial animation and games industries.
Elective & Cross-Disciplinary Opportunities
Admission Requirements
Arts University Plymouth welcomes applications from students who demonstrate creative talent and passion for animation and game arts. The university values portfolio quality and creative experience alongside formal qualifications, and accepts a wide range of international qualifications assessed on an individual basis. Apply through Uni4Edu for personalised guidance throughout the process.
Academic Requirements
- Tariff Points104 - 120 UCAS points from recognised qualifications
- Accepted QualificationsA-levels, Art & Design Foundation Diploma, BTEC Extended Diploma (MMM), Access to HE, T-Levels, International Baccalaureate, or equivalent international qualifications
- PortfolioA creative portfolio is required demonstrating artistic ability, creative thinking, and relevant skills
- Non-Traditional ApplicantsStudents who have followed less traditional educational routes are welcome to apply and will be assessed on portfolio and creative experience
- International QualificationsA range of international qualifications are accepted; each application is assessed individually
English Language Requirements
- IELTSMinimum overall score of 6.0 with no sub-score below 5.0
- TOEFL iBTContact Uni4Edu for equivalent TOEFL score requirements
- Other TestsOther recognised English language qualifications may be accepted; contact Uni4Edu for details
Required Documents
Application Deadlines
For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu
Scholarships & Funding
Arts University Plymouth offers a range of scholarships to support international students entering their first year of study. These awards aim to help with the costs of international study through fee reductions, and are assessed on merit and portfolio quality. Contact Uni4Edu for full details on eligibility and how to apply.
Creative Scholarship
Up to GBP 2,000 per yearAwarded on merit to international students entering the first year of an undergraduate course. Students who submit a portfolio are automatically considered, and successful applicants are contacted directly if they meet the criteria.
Pro-Vice-Chancellor's Creative Excellence Award
GBP 2,500A competitive award applied to a student entering the first year of a full-time BA (Hons) degree, selected at the discretion of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor based on exceptional creative talent and portfolio merit.
International Academic Excellence Scholarship
GBP 2,000 per yearAwarded to outstanding international students based on academic excellence and portfolio merit, providing financial support for the duration of your degree. Contact Uni4Edu for current availability.
For detailed tuition fee information, please contact Uni4Edu — we will guide you through the costs and available funding options for this program.
Career Prospects
Graduates of the BA (Hons) Animation & Games program emerge with industry-ready expertise in storytelling, prototyping, and problem-solving, well-prepared for careers across the dynamic entertainment industry. The program's emphasis on professional showreel development, marketing skills, and industry partnerships ensures you are equipped to enter studios or launch freelance careers upon graduation.
Potential Career Roles
Industries & Employers
Rankings & Recognition
Arts University Plymouth has earned consistent recognition for student satisfaction, teaching quality, and creative facilities. As a specialist arts institution founded in 1856, it has established itself as one of the UK's leading arts universities through multiple national awards and rankings.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Arts, Drama & Music | Complete University Guide | Top 10 |
| Teaching Excellence | Daily Mail University Guide | Top 10 UK |
| Student Support | Daily Mail University Guide | Top 5 UK |
| Staff-to-Student Ratio | Complete University Guide | #2 UK |
How to Apply
Applying for this program is easy with Uni4Edu. Our team will guide you through every step of the process — from document preparation to final enrolment.
Contact Uni4Edu
Reach out to our team via email or phone. We will assess your profile and confirm your eligibility for this program.
Prepare Your Documents
Our advisors will provide you with a personalised checklist of required documents and help you prepare your application package.
Submit Your Application
Uni4Edu will submit your application on your behalf and keep you updated on its progress throughout the review period.
Receive Your Offer
Once accepted, we will help you understand your offer, arrange visa support if needed, and guide you through the enrolment process.
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