University of Dundee United Kingdom

Animation BDes (Hons)

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 4 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Undergraduate
Degree Bachelors Degree
Closing soon September 2026

Course Overview

The Animation BDes (Hons) at the University of Dundee is designed for aspiring creators who wish to develop sophisticated skills in visual storytelling and digital production. You will immerse yourself in the principles of character animation, narrative structure, and design, preparing you for a dynamic career in the global animation industry. This programme focuses on bridging academic learning with the practical demands of professional animation pipelines, ensuring you gain a comprehensive understanding of both creative artistry and technical execution. You will explore foundational drawing, making, and conceptualisation, building a strong base for specialised study.

Studied full-time on campus over four years, your journey will involve hands-on work with industry-standard software for 2D and 3D animation, visual effects, and motion graphics. You will engage with industry briefs, collaborate in teams to produce short films, and develop individual showreels, mirroring the professional production process. The curriculum integrates core modules in idea generation, communication design, and the animation pipeline, with opportunities to select optional modules that align with your specific interests, such as character development or visual effects. You will graduate with a portfolio showcasing your highly employable skills, ready for roles in film, television, gaming, and advertising.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This Bachelor of Design (Honours) in Animation program offers a comprehensive exploration of animation principles and practices. Across its four levels, students will engage with foundational drawing and making techniques, develop idea generation and communication skills, and delve into specialized areas such as visual effects, comic art, and moving image. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, creative problem-solving, and professional development, culminating in advanced research, enterprise, and collaborative projects.

1 Level 1

Foundation Studies 1 (Ways of Drawing)
Foundation Studies 2 (Thinking through Making)
Foundation Studies 3 (Connecting Colour and Symbol)
Foundation Studies 4 (Future Discipline)
Foundation Studies 5 (Beyond the Studio)

2 Level 2

Idea Generation and Communication
Communication Design Context 1
Structure and Narrative
Communication Design Context

3 Level 3

Communication Design Practices
Applied Communication Design
Art, Science and Visual Thinking
The Contemporary Portrait
Print and Printability
The Undiscovered Landscape
Creative Values, Issues and Ethics
Principles of Visual Effects
Comic Art & Graphic Novels
Critical Making: Materials & Fabrication
Thinking Photography
Squirrel. Badger, Hog, Fable
Communication in Moving Image
Research & Creative Practice Part 1
Design Enterprise 1
Communication Futures - Part 1
Undergraduate Work Placement

4 Level 4

Specialist Skills, Collaboration and Professional Practice in the Animation Pipeline
Research & Creative Practice Part 2
Design Enterprise 2
Communication Futures - Part 2

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 31,291.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 31,291.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 31,291.00
Fourth Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 31,291.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 125,167.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Accommodation
USD 694.00 - USD 1,264.00
Food & Groceries USD 4,833.00 - USD 6,444.00
Transport USD 967.00 - USD 1,128.00
Utilities & Bills USD 2,417.00 - USD 6,847.00
Estimated Total USD 8,217.00 - USD 14,419.00

Living cost estimates are based on Dundee Campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

89%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Adult & Continuing EducationAdvertising & Media SalesCurriculum & Instructional DesignGaming & Interactive MediaMusic & Performing ArtsPhotojournalism & Visual MediaPublic Broadcasting & DocumentarySocial Media & Content StrategyStreaming & Digital ContentTalent & Artist Management

Top Employers Hiring for this course

British Council

Rockstar Games

University of Edinburgh

University of Newcastle

Why Study Animation BDes (Hons) at University of Dundee

What makes this program stand out

September 2026 Closing soon

Next intake is in September 2026

Very Fast Application response time

University of Dundee typically responds to applications within 1 - 2 days, giving you clarity on your options quickly.

Life at University of Dundee in United Kingdom

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Animation BDes (Hons) at University of Dundee

Can I work while studying?

As an international student in a degree course, you can work up to 20 hours per week during term time. You may work full-time during breaks without needing a separate work permit.

What English language score do I need for this course?

For English proficiency, you can submit TOEFL scores of at least 80 overall, IELTS scores of 6.0, or PTE scores of 64. Specific minimum scores are required in listening, reading, speaking, and writing.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Graduates can pursue careers as animators, storyboard artists, production designers, character designers, or 3D modelers.

What will I actually study in this course?

This course emphasizes the principles of character animation and narrative structure. You'll develop specialized skills in areas like 3D modeling and production design, preparing you for the animation industry.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The Animation BDes (Hons) course has an intake in September each year. Make sure to prepare your application ahead of this date.
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