This practice-led course brings together a diverse range of students, from established practitioners to those seeking a conversion course for a career in animation. Whether your aim is to be an independent animated filmmaker, a character animator, storyteller or designer - this course will support your goals.

You'll study both theoretical and contextual content, developing your understanding of the growing field of animation. You'll learn your craft from our staff team who all have extensive experience in the UK and international animation and media industries.

Bristol is recognised as a global centre for animation production, and you'll benefit from our local partnerships. We have industry links with many of the studios in the city and beyond, such as Aardman Animations.

Why study this course?

The course is based at Bower Ashton, part of our City Campus, where you'll have access to exceptional facilities and resources.

Experience our state-of the-art technical centres, including 2D, CG and stop-motion animation studios. And build on your skill set by studying in our production and post-production studios, sound recording suites and printmaking and fabrication workshops.

In your first term, you'll focus on ideas, design and storytelling that you'll apply to your own project work. So you'll be able to follow your interests from the start, tailoring your project to your career aspirations.

Throughout the course, you'll choose from a range of technical workshops, including stop-motion, 2D digital and CG. This ensures you continually develop your artistic and technical skills.

MA Animation is accredited by ScreenSkills, the UK's skills body for the screen industries, meaning you'll gain a recognised master's degree. This master's course is also eligible for the BAFTA scholarship scheme.

"We had a wonderful time studying at the Bristol School of Animation. We produced a great amount of work. From short films, collaborative projects to live briefs. We developed both our technical and conceptual skills, all thanks to the diversity and support of the course." Hend Esmat and Lamiaa Diab - MA Animation alumni.

Industry links

Bristol is recognised as a global centre for animation production, and you'll benefit from our local connections. We have strong industry links with many of the studios in the city and beyond. Practitioners from some of Bristol's leading animation studios support both the development and delivery of this course.

Our relationship with Aardman Animations will offer you unique learning experiences on the course. Masterclasses delivered by key Aardman professionals will allow you to gain industry insight and learn from industry leading practitioners.

Where possible, you may also get the chance to present your graduation film by attending an exclusive screening at Aardman's Gas Ferry Cinema. This could enable you to present your final work to an invited audience* and gain industry exposure to help you develop a career in animation.

Engaged and industry-led teaching

Practitioners from Bristol's leading animation studios support both the development and delivery of this course, offering professional advice and guidance through workshops and master classes. You'll also have the opportunity to be mentored one-to-one by an industry professional (second term).

A strong focus on long term employability ensures you'll graduate as a multi-skilled animator with confidence and connections.

For more information, including the most up to date module listing, see the entry for this course on the UWE Bristol website, by clicking on the 'visit website' button to the left of this page.