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Subject · 204 verified programs

Animation degrees

Degrees in creating moving images through drawing, stop motion, 3D and digital methods, with emphasis on art, storytelling and craft.

Also called: Computer Animation (art-focused), Character Animation, Animation and Visual Effects, Motion Graphics, Animated Film.

89 BFA · 43 BA / BA (Hons) · 26 Other bachelor’s award · 16 MFA · 16 MA · 12 Other master’s award · 2 BDes · 148 dedicated degree, 42 official concentration, 13 named major, 1 documented pathway

204 programs

How results are ordered: alphabetically by institution, or by most recently checked when you choose that sort. There is no price ranking, because tuition in different currencies, fee categories and bases (per year, per credit, whole program) is not comparable. A program appears under a subject only through a verified link (dedicated degree, major, concentration or documented pathway). A value we could not verify is shown as “not published”, never as “no”. Items marked Sponsored are paid placements; they never change verification or order. Online programs are not counted as physically located in a state or city, and an institution’s location does not tell you whether it enrols students from your country.

About animation study

Animation is the creation of the illusion of movement through a sequence of images or manipulated objects. Degree study covers principles such as timing, weight and performance, and methods including hand-drawn, stop-motion, two-dimensional digital and three-dimensional computer animation. Storytelling, character, design and sound are usually taught alongside technical skill.

Programs typically combine drawing and design foundations with project-based production. Students plan stories through storyboards and animatics, develop characters and environments, and take shots through to finished films, often individually or in small teams. Critique, film history and an understanding of audiences are standard, and many programs encourage personal or experimental work.

This directory covers art-focused animation degrees. Computing or engineering degrees, which concentrate on software, simulation or rendering technology, are outside this subject. Animation differs from film and video production, which usually captures live action, from illustration, which is still imagery, and from game art and design, which makes interactive assets. Some programs emphasize character animation, others visual effects or experimental forms.

What study typically involves

  • Principles of animation: timing, weight and performance
  • Drawing, character and environment design
  • Storyboarding and animatics
  • 2D, stop-motion and 3D techniques
  • Sound, editing and compositing
  • Film history and visual storytelling
  • A final film or project and portfolio development

Award titles. Animation is commonly studied within BA, BA (Hons) or BFA programs and, at postgraduate level, MA or MFA degrees. Research degrees, including practice-based PhDs, may exist in some countries. Award titles vary, so rely on the official program page.

Animation may appear as a degree, a major in a media or art school, or a concentration within film or digital arts. The directory lists a program under this subject only with a verified dedicated degree, major, official concentration or documented pathway.

Portfolio and admissions guidance

Requirements differ for every program. Always check the official admissions page; this directory cannot guarantee acceptance.

Applicants to animation programs are generally asked for a portfolio showing drawing ability, observation and storytelling, often with sketchbooks. Some programs welcome short animations or flipbooks, though prior animation experience is not always required at entry level.

Requirements vary by country and program. Some ask for a design or storyboard exercise, an interview or a showreel, and postgraduate programs commonly expect finished work and a project proposal. Formats and maximum lengths may be specified.

Confirm formats, limits and deadlines on each official admissions page. Admission is never guaranteed, and no universal template applies.

See also the guide to preparing an art portfolio.

Funding and costs

At MFA and PhD level, funding in some programs may include teaching assistantships, lab or studio roles, tuition remission or competitive scholarships.

Terms vary by program, country and year, and many students receive partial or no support. Verify details directly with the program and funding bodies.

Costs beyond tuition. Students often pay for a capable computer, software, drawing tablets, stop-motion materials, storage and rendering resources, and festival submissions.