Everything you need to know...
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What is the fee?
Home: See fees section below
International/EU: £17,155 per year -
How long will I study?
4/5 Years
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Where will I study?
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What are the entry requirements?
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What is the UCAS code?
A034
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When do I start?
September 2025
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Placement year available?
Yes
1. Course summary
- Explore the unique capabilities of 2D, stop-motion and 3D animation.
- Supercharge your skillset using industry-standard tools and techniques.
- Share your story, perfect character performance and interpret motion.
- Adapt to the ever-evolving landscape of animation-related practice.
- Study career routes, plan for festival submission and craft your online portfolio.
Through our industry-focused learning and connections, you’ll learn to embrace innovation and challenge expectations. You’ll develop and showcase your skills in ways that are individual to your creative identity.
2. How you learn
On this course you’ll be based in our bespoke studios, workshops and digital spaces, joining a dynamic and collaborative learning community. With their support you’ll undertake creative adventures, explore possibilities and challenge conventions.
Through our teaching, we’ll unfold your potential to contribute as a creative thinker and doer and apply your knowledge to industry, culture, society and life systems. The course covers a wide range of topics related to 2D, stop motion and 3D animation – from storyboarding and animatics to concept art, writing, direction, character animation and performance. You’ll explore model making, set building, art direction, rigging and professional distribution methods – as well as sustainable and ethical animation practices.
You learn through:
- studio practice
- workshops
- technical demonstrations
- group and individual tutorials
- reviews
- lectures
- guest lectures
- external visits and field trips
- film screenings
Key themes
Your first year introduces you to the world of professional animation practice. You’ll explore the skills required to develop your own original animated projects and respond to live client briefs.
The second year builds on this learning, focusing on professional portfolio development and the curation of your industry presence – through practice, research, industry interaction and cross-discipline projects.
You can then choose to enter the industry during an optional placement year, working in studios and agencies, or setting up a business of your own.
In your final year you’ll lead industry-focused animated projects, focusing on sustainable production practices and the importance of getting your work seen in festivals and exhibition spaces.
Course support
We take the time to get to know you, with a holistic and person-centred approach to assessment that supports your creative growth while respecting the diverse ways people learn. We’re a dedicated, qualified and highly experienced team of teaching staff – with world-leading research and recognised professional creative reputations.
We strive for an inclusive and equitable studio environment where divergent ideas, histories and practices are encouraged to thrive.
You’ll also be supported in your learning journey towards highly skilled, graduate-level employment through a number of key areas. These include:
- access to three student support advisers to help with your personal, academic and career development
- access to our Skills Centre with one-to-ones, webinars and online resources, where you can get help with planning and structuring your assignments
- industry-specific employability activities such as live projects, learning in simulated environments and networking opportunities
Applied learning
We’ve designed the course to embrace real-world challenges and provide you with the practical skills and knowledge to be successful. You’ll develop your expertise in collaboration with various industry, commercial and creative practitioners, clients and organisations.
Work Placements
Through a series of work experience opportunities, you’ll gain knowledge, skills and professional behaviours to help you reflect on your goals, and future career paths. You’ll become more confident, resilient and practised in professional interactions, preparing you to succeed when you graduate.
You’re encouraged and supported to undertake a full-time work placement between your second and third year of the course. Sandwich placements give you valuable additional work experience to help prepare you for your future career. They can have a transformative impact on your personal and professional development, which you can enhance further by completing Sheffield Hallam’s Applied Professional Diploma.
Previous students have gained work experience at local animation studios and thrived as freelance artists – both alongside their studies and through the dedicated placement year. Work experience and placements particularly enhance your final-year student experience, underpinning independent practice with real-world experience.
Live Projects
Live projects are embedded in our curriculum from the first year, providing you with an early chance to develop your portfolio and gain vital client communication skills. Then in larger, independently-led projects in your second and final year, you’ll begin to form your own industry connections.
Network Opportunities
You’ll have opportunities to network through industry talks. Previous speakers have included Mikey Please (co-director of Robin Robin) and Barry Purves (director and animator). We also have a cross-discipline lecture series and regular attendance at the regional Royal Television Awards.
Field Trips
Trips are offered as part of the first and final years of study – previously they’ve included visits to the Manchester Animation Festival and Aardman Animations. Optional international trips are often offered too (at a cost to students), to locations such as Bilbao and Paris.
3. Future careers
This course prepares you for a career in:
- 2D animation
- 3D CGI animation
- animation production and supervision
- asset design for 2D and 3D production
- character design
- concept art
- direction
- illustration
- graphic design
- motion design
- project management
- prop construction
- stop motion animation
- storyboarding
- studio coordination
- VFX compositing
- VFX matte painting
Previous graduates of this course have gone on to work for:
- A Productions
- Blinkink
- Bluedog
- Blue Strawberry Elephant
- CBBC
- Collingwood Learning
- Doodledo
- EC 3D
- Ed Lounge
- Epic Games
- Finger Industries
- Flix Facilities
- Flycheese Studios
- Framestore
- Grizzle
- Growing Me
- Hogarth
- iHasco
- Jellyfish Pictures
- Kerrupt Animation
- Place
- Playforce
- Revolver
- Spokes Education
- The Animation Guys
- Twinkle
- Ubisoft
4. Where will I study?
You study at City Campus through a structured mix of lectures, seminars and practical sessions as well as access to digital and online resources to support your learning.
City Campus
City Campus is located in the heart of Sheffield, within minutes of the train and bus stations.
City Campus map | City Campus tour
Adsetts library
Adsetts Library is located on our City Campus. It's open 24 hours a day, every day.
Learn more5. Equipment and facilities
You'll have access to a wide variety of facilities across the university campuses – including a 24-hour learning centre, Students’ Union, cafes and eateries, lecture theatres, exhibition spaces and more.
You'll be based in a fully equipped and purpose-designed studio, with state-of-the-art facilities including:
- an industry-replicated 2D animation studio and software
- an industry-replicated stop motion studio and software
- industry-standard 3D computer hardware and animation software
- extensive workshops for crafting and rapid prototyping
- pro level camera, lighting and sound recording equipment
- print, wood, plastics, metal, mixed media, casting and ceramic workshops
- CNC equipment including laser cutters and CNC routers (2D and 3D)
- an electronics and coding lab
- 3D printing (including SLA, FDM, SLS, Polymer and metal 3DP)
- 3D digital tools (3D CAD, FEA) and 3D scanning (Artec Leo)
- an industry-grade spray painting and colour matching facility
Media Gallery
6. Entry requirements
All students
UCAS points
- 80
With at least 32 points from one A level or equivalent BTEC National qualifications. For example:
- CDD at A Level.
- MMP in BTEC Extended Diploma.
- Pass overall from a T level qualification with C from core.
- A combination of qualifications which must include an A level grade C or BTEC grade M.
GCSE
- English Language or Literature at grade C or 4 or equivalents
You can find information on UCAS tariff points here and use the UCAS tariff calculator to work out your points.
• An Access to HE Diploma with at least 45 credits at level 3 and 15 credits at level 2. At least 15 level 3 credits must be at merit grade or above from a QAA-recognised Access to HE course, or an equivalent Access to HE certificate.
We may also accept you, if you have limited qualifications but can show evidence of ability and a genuine commitment to studying Media Arts and Communication.
We treat the foundation year as part of the Media Arts and Communication degree programme. Offers made to students will be for four years of study (or five years of study including a placement). This is made up of the foundation year plus one of our Media Arts and Communication degrees.
Some applicants may be invited to attend an informal interview with the course leader to ensure that the programme is suitable for themselves and their aspirations.
If English is not your first language, you will need an IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills, or equivalent. If your English language skill is currently below IELTS 6.0 we recommend you consider a Sheffield Hallam University Pre-sessional English course which will enable you to achieve an equivalent English score.
Additional information for EU/International students
If you are an International or non-UK European student, you can find out more about the country specific qualifications we accept on our international qualifications page.
For details of English language entry requirements (IELTS), please see the information for 'All students'.
Modules
Important notice: The structure of this course is periodically reviewed and enhanced to provide the best possible learning experience for our students and ensure ongoing compliance with any professional, statutory and regulatory body standards. Module structure, content, delivery and assessment may change, but we expect the focus of the course and the learning outcomes to remain as described above. Following any changes, updated module information will be published on this page.
You will be able to complete a placement year as part of this course. See the modules table below for further information.
Compulsory modules
Module Aim:
This module aims to further your disciplinary knowledge and experience. Through a series of workshops and the development of a creative project, you will build on the basic practical skills you acquired in the Foundation Skills & Methods.
You will further develop your independent approach and confidence whilst employing practical skills in the production of creative project outcomes.
You will be encouraged to consider the wider influences of history, environment, society and culture on Art and Design disciplines as well as your own practice.
Indicative Content:
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Projects are set by staff but grounded in self-directed study and research; these form the basis of your practice work.
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Practical skills will be delivered in seminars and workshops. Workshop activities will compliment your practice.
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You will take part in peer review and crit sessions. During these crit sessions you will discuss your work and that of others. Complimenting the group crit sessions there will be a number of tutorials where you receive feedback, advice and guidance on the development of your practice at a more individual level.
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Projects are supported by your tutors while at the same time this module encourages increased independence and self-directed study and research.
This module introduces you to Art & Design practices alongside the core skills and techniques needed to develop your portfolio. The module promotes an experimental, risk-taking and creative outlook on project work to build your confidence about learning in Higher Education whilst introducing you to study resources and support available at university.
Project based learning encourages you to build your practical skills. At the same time you will learn skills in research, creativity and reflective thinking. You will begin to understand your strengths and identify areas to develop relevant to your continued study and professional awareness.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
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Creative core skills: studio practice, observational drawing, effective sketching, technical/perspective drawing, print, photography, laser cutting, sewing, collage, digital image capture & manipulation.
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Group projects: to open your curiosity and develop your ability to experiment and take risks, whilst fostering strong working relationships with your peers.
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Creative methodologies: generating ideas: mind maps, (responding to creative research techniques).
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A range of study skills: to support your practice such as planning and managing your time, effective writing & communication, and understanding the value of constructive criticism, working independently and in groups.
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Using the Learning Centre, your SHU email account and the virtual learning environment (Blackboard).
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How to access the range of student support services offered by the university.
Compulsory modules
Module Aims
In this module, you will be introduced to core concepts of narrative and communication for animation practice and explore animated narrative in an exciting range of contexts. You will learn to harness the power of animation by understanding your responsibility as an artist and becoming considerate of client and audience requirements. Continuing your personal and professional development journey in animation, you will become conscious of how to accurately reflect and evaluate your increasing desire to engage with others in positive ways.
Module Content
You will study topics such as:
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Creation of meaning (implicit and explicit)
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Visual communication
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Idea generation & concept development
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Narrative
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Drawing theory and practice
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Storyboard & animatic production
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Pitching ideas
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Ethical production & research processes
Module Aims
In this module, you will experience animation through hands-on 2D, stop motion and 3D practice, with awareness of their histories, and unique potential. Equip yourself with new and transferable skills that will enable you to find your own authentic talent.
Module Content
You will study topics such as:
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Animation principles
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Industry software and equipment
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Animation production methods
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Identifying and applying movement
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History of animation practices
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Pose-to-pose animation production
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Straight ahead animation production
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Practice-relevant time management skills
Compulsory modules
Module Aims
In this module, you will explore the ever-evolving landscape of animation-related practice. You will identify and research animation careers and global industries with guided reflection and supported evaluation of your strengths, interests, and individual practice. Focus on and research an area of the industry that you identify with. Utilising existing work, learn to curate a professional and unique portfolio coupled with a targeted online presence which reflects both what you and industry are looking for. This heightened and informed awareness guided by creative professional feed forward will provide a solid foundation for an anticipated career path within animation.
Module Content
You will study topics such as:
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Exploring Independent filmmaker and studio routes
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Industry networking
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Industry talks and visits
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Creative CVs
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Portfolio curation
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Showreel production
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Freelance and agency work
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Industry portfolio reviews
Module Aim:
This project-based module will facilitate you to collaborate with others to tackle sustainable development challenges creatively. With the support of academics and external stakeholders, you will develop your collaborative, creative, communication, and presentation skills. Through multi-disciplinary project work, you will develop an informed and imaginative response to local and global sustainable development challenges.
Learning will be blended and delivered through teaching, workshops, doing, and independent study individually and in groups.
Indicative content:
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Study and consideration of Sustainable Development
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Exploration and utilisation of collaborative skills
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Exploration and utilisation of design thinking and creative thinking tools
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Project management
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Creative research methods
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Understanding audiences
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Communication and presentation skills
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Working with others, building relationship including with external stakeholders
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Critical thinking and reflection
Module Aims
In this module, you will apply your foundational understanding to industry-level, character-based animation projects and experience the thrill of realising the power of acting and performance in your work. It’s time to start independent problem-solving as you move through collaborative animation production that will push your time management skills into overdrive. Sustainable practices and values underpin your creative decision-making and prepare you for future challenges.
Module Content
You will study topics such as:
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Performance and acting for character animation.
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Industry-specific roles for character-based animation production.
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Advanced production preparation.
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Independent problem solving.
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Team collaboration and appreciation.
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Sustainable practices relating to time-based media production.
Elective modules
This module is for undergraduate students to study abroad in their second year, Semester 2 (only for courses that offer this option). With this module, you can spend a semester at one of the University’s approved partner institutions worldwide – from Europe to the Americas, Asia Australia or Canada.
Study Abroad plays an important role in the University's commitment to an engaging, challenging, and thriving learning culture. It offers opportunities to experience other academic cultures and foster intellectual maturity while enhancing co-curricular skills and students' long-term employability.
Study abroad for credit is permitted on existing university-approved courses only. Students are awarded credits and grades at the partner institution, which are converted into Sheffield Hallam credits and grades on return and included in the Sheffield Hallam degree classification.
Please check and refer to the webpage How study abroad works. You must submit a Learning Agreement outlining the modules you will be taking at the partner institution. The Learning Agreement will be signed off by your academic tutor to ensure that the Learning broadly covers the Learning Outcomes set out in your course curriculum during your study abroad.
Optional modules
Module aim:
The aim of this module is to enhance students’ professional development through the completion of and reflection on meaningful work placement(s).
A work placement will provide students with opportunities to experience the realities of professional employment and experience how their course can be applied within their chosen industry setting. The placement will:
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Allow student to apply the skills, theories and behaviours relevant and in addition to their course
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Enable students to enhance their interpersonal skills in demand by graduate employers – communication, problem solving, creativity, resilience, team work etc.
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Grow their student network and relationship building skills.
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Provide student with insights into the industry and sector in which their placement occurs
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Help student make informed graduate careers choices.
Indicative Content:
In this module students undertake a sandwich placement (min 24 weeks / min 21 hours per week) which is integrated, assessed and aligned to their studies.
Their personal Placement Academic Supervisor (PAS) will be their key point of contact during their placement and will encourage and support students to reflect on their experience, learning and contribution to the organisation they work for.
To demonstrate gains in professional development, students will be required to share their progress, learning and achievements with their Placement Academic Supervisor and reflect on these for the summative piece of work.
Compulsory modules
Module Aims
In this module you will create work that showcases your unique voice and talent. Take your animation concept pitch from idea to reality and exhibit systematic knowledge of your practice in challenging and unpredictable environments. Prepare to distribute your work globally through film festival submission and/or online distribution strategies. You will reflect on your personal and professional development in relation to your anticipated career path.
Module Content
You will study topics such as:
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Professional animation production
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Detailed project planning & scheduling
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Professional delivery outputs
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Electronic press kit and film festival submission strategies
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Purposeful application of sound design
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Independent production management
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Industry-level production quality control
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Critical project evaluation
Module Aims
In this module, you will demonstrate your understanding of animation by researching and developing an original animation concept. You have the choice and independence to explore the methods and aspects of animation that matter to you. You will identify a subject, audience, and context (i.e. commercial/social/discursive/experimental) while considering ethically sustainable practice. By the end of this module, you will have created a fully developed pre-production package approved for production.
Module Content
You will study topics such as:
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Researching an independent/self-initiated subject to develop into an animation concept relating to a short, animated piece idea.
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Developing animation discipline-specific Pre-production artefacts for animation production including sound design.
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Research ethics considerations for a potential professional production
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Culminating pre-production work into a project pitch presentation with professional animatic production
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Project scheduling your potential short, animated piece plus Carbon calculation for production.
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Generating style sheets and test animations that prove planned production methods.
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Pitching short sideline climate awareness projects.
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Pitching your developed short animation idea for professional feedback
8. Fees and funding
Home students
Our tuition fee for UK students on full-time undergraduate degree courses in 2025/26 is £9,535 per year (capped at a maximum of 20% of this during your placement year). These fees are regulated by the UK government and therefore subject to change in future years.
If you are studying an undergraduate course, postgraduate pre-registration course or postgraduate research course over more than one academic year then your tuition fees may increase in subsequent years in line with Government regulations or UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) published fees. More information can be found in our terms and conditions under student fees regulations.
International students
Our tuition fee for International/EU students starting full-time study in 2025/26 is £17,155 per year (capped at a maximum of 20% of this during your placement year)
Financial support for home/EU students
How tuition fees work, student loans and other financial support available.
Additional course costs
The links below allow you to view estimated general course additional costs, as well as costs associated with key activities on specific courses. These are estimates and are intended only as an indication of potential additional expenses. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the choices you make during your course.
General course additional costs
Additional costs for Sheffield Creative Industries Institute (PDF, 268.6KB)
Legal information
Any offer of a place to study is subject to your acceptance of the University’s Terms and Conditions and Student Regulations.
